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Most people use the terms sunblock and sunscreen interchangeably. They are not the same though.

Sunscreens absorb ultraviolet light so that it doesn't reach your skin.



On the other hand, sunblock physically blocks the sun's UV rays. This includes sunblock with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Although they work well, they are messy, are usually opaque (you can see them), and so are typically only used on small areas of a person's body, like their nose, ears, or cheeks. Fortunately, newer sunblocks are invisible, just like sunscreen. In fact, many products contain both a sunscreen and a sunblock.

Sunblock has the added benefit over sunscreen of blocking UVA rays, in addition to UVB rays. Unfortunately, many products are labeled as being sunblock, but are actually just sunscreen. If you really want a sunblock for your child, look for sunblock ingredients, including titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

Although not available in the United States, in other parts of the world, you can buy sunblock with either Mexoryl SX or Tinosorb as ingredients.

 

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