I'm sure you've looked at a sunscreen shelf and seen that some products are “sunscreens” and others are “sunscreens” and you've thought to yourself: “OK... but what difference does it make? Which one do I take?»Relax, you are not alone, it has happened to us.
And it is a much more common doubt than it seems. Partly because in Spain we use both terms almost as if they were the same thing... and partly because the brands do not always help to clarify it. But yes, there are important differences. And understanding them makes the difference between choosing a product “just like that” or finding the one you really need.
What is the real difference between sunscreen and sunblock?
The fundamental difference is in how each works: the blockers act as a physical barrier on the skin, while the protectors work as a chemical filter. In other words, one reflects the sun's rays and the other absorbs and neutralises them.
In this table you can see all the differences at a glance:
| Feature | Sunscreen | Sunscreen |
|---|---|---|
| Filter type | Physical / mineral | Chemical / organic |
| Key ingredients | Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | Avobenzone, octinoxate, Octisalate |
| How it works | Reflects and scatters UV rays | It absorbs them and transforms them into heat |
| Texture | Denser; may leave white residue | Lighter; absorbs without trace |
| For which skin | Sensitive, reactive, babies, delicate skins | Normal, mixed, oily |
| Water resistance | High | Variable according to formulation |
| Time for action | Act from the application | Needs ~20 min to activate |
| Risk of irritation | Very low | May irritate sensitive skin |
In a nutshell:
- The blockers are more dense and respectful of sensitive skins
- The protectors are lighter and more comfortable for everyday use.
And that is why there is no one “better” than another, but rather one that is more appropriate in each case.
What are UVA, UVB and broad spectrum protection?
Here comes one of the most important and often overlooked parts. Not all solar radiation is the same. In fact, there are two main types that affect your skin:
- UVB raysThe ones that burn, the ones responsible for that typical reddening when you overdo it in the sun.
- UVA raysThe ageing ones. They don't hurt, but they penetrate deeper and are behind spots, wrinkles and loss of firmness.
And here is the key detail: SPF measures (mainly) UVB protection, not UVA protection. It is therefore essential that your protector is broad spectrum (broad spectrum), i.e. covering both.
FPS sounds like Greek to you? Don't panic, we have a post where we go in depth about it. what does that SPF number on the bottle mean and how to choose the right one?.
Which one to choose according to your skin type?
This is where it all makes sense. Because no, there is no one perfect sunscreen for everyone. And choosing the right one depends a lot more on your skin than it seems.
- Dry skin: Opt for cream or milk formulations, both sunscreens and sunscreens. Look for moisturising ingredients such as glycerine or hyaluronic acid in the formula.
- Oily skin: Prioritise gel or fluid textures, with a matte finish and non-comedogenic formulations. Sunscreens are usually better suited to this skin type.
- Combination skin: The protectors in emulsion format or light fluid are your best option: they moisturise dry areas without overloading the T-zone.
- Sensitive skin: The mineral sunscreen is the safest option: it acts on the surface without penetrating, minimising the risk of irritation or reaction.
- Blemished skin: The daily photoprotection is a must. Look for sunscreens with added niacinamide or vitamin C, which help even the tone while protecting.
- Babies and children: Always use mineral sunscreen, with SPF 50+. Chemical filters are not recommended for children's skin.
If you want to take it a step further, here you have a more comprehensive guide to which sunscreen is ideal for which skin type. And if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may be interested in reading this post about comedogenia.
The phototype: the factor that hardly anyone takes into account
Beyond skin type, there is another key concept: your phototype. It's basically how your skin reacts to the sun:
- if you burn fast
- if you tan
- or if you hardly notice the exposure
And this directly influences the FPS you need:
- Very fair skin, freckles, reddish or blond hair. Always burns, never tans: SPF 50+.
- Light skin, blond or light brown hair. Burns easily, tans very little: SPF 50+.
- Intermediate skin, brown hair. Sometimes burns, tans gradually: SPF 30-50
- Brown skin, dark hair. Rarely burns, tans easily: SPF 30
- Very dark skin. Hardly ever burns, tans very well and quickly: SPF 15-30.
- Very dark skin. Virtually does not burn. Very high pigmentation: SPF 15+.
Remember: a high phototype does not mean you can do without sunscreen. It means that you can use a slightly lower SPF, but protection is always necessary. If you are not sure which one is yours in this post learn more about what phototypes are.
And here you have the full explanation of the scale used by dermatologists, to become an expert in the field.
Can the sun cause sunspots (spoiler: yes)?
There is not much mystery here: yes, and it's more common than it seems. Sun exposure activates melanin (skin pigment), and when this process gets out of control... spots appear. Some of the most common ones:
- Melasma
- Sunspots
- Post-acne marks
And the important thing: the best way to prevent them is to use sunscreen every day. Not just in summer. Every day (we can't repeat this enough).
If you want to learning how to prevent stains, you can't miss this post.
How to apply sunscreen right (and mistakes you might be making)
You can choose the best sunscreen in the world... but if you use it wrong, it doesn't do much good. Typical mistakes:
- Insufficient quantity. The recommended amount for the face is about half a teaspoon (about 2 ml). For the full body, about 30-35 ml. Most people use less than half of what they need, which drastically reduces the actual SPF.
- Do not apply in sufficient time. Sunscreens with chemical filters need about 20 minutes to become active. Mineral sunscreens work as soon as they are applied.
- Do not reapply. The sunscreen does not last all day. It should be reapplied every 2 hours, or immediately after swimming, heavy sweating or towel drying.
- Forget zones. Ears, nape of neck, backs of hands, feet and lips are the most neglected areas - and also the most exposed.
- Thinking that make-up with SPF is enough. A foundation with SPF 15 is not a substitute for sunscreen. Use it as a complement, not as a substitute.
Do you use suntan lotion in addition to sunscreen? Here's how to combine them correctly for a safe and uniform result.
And when the sun ends... the care begins...
Protection doesn't end when you shower. After exposure, the skin needs to soothe, moisturise and recover. This is where products like after sun or aloe vera to take care of your skin after a day in the sun.
In the end, it all boils down to something very simple: It's not about choosing between sunscreen and sunscreen... it's about choosing the one you're actually going to use.
The best product is not the most expensive or the most technical, but the one that fits you, your skin and your routine. And from there, consistency. Because you won't notice the difference in your skin in a day... but you will over the years.
Find your ideal plot at Sam Parfums
If you've made it this far, it's probably because you need to complete your toiletry bag with a sun product. We have a selection of sunscreens and sunscreens of the best high-end brands, with formulations for all skin types.
But if, after reading all this information, you still need help choosing, we totally understand! And that's why we've gone ahead and made a selection of our favourite sunscreens for this summer, Now you have no excuse to enjoy the sun without worrying about your skin this summer!