Many people don’t realize there’s a difference between sunblock and sunscreen. True to its name, sunblock reflects the sun’s rays, thereby blocking them from reaching your skin. Sunscreen absorbs rather than reflects ultraviolet (UV) radiation, according to a new edition of Skin Care and Repair, a Harvard Medical School report.

Sunblock contains physical or inorganic ingredients that physically block the sun (both UVA and UVB) . Often it is a much thicker lotion than a sunscreen. Look for Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide as the main ingredient. This may be a better choice for your family if you have anyone with sensitive skin since titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are less irritating than Parsol 1789 found in sunscreen.

Sunscreen contains chemicals that absorb UV radiation and reduce the amount that reaches the skin. Many of the chemicals used for SPF such as avobenzone, avobenzene, oxymethylcinnemate can irritate the eyes or even cause skin irritation, according to the American Melanoma Foundation (AMF). Another major drawback of these sunscreen ingredients is that they often break down after several hours of exposure to sunlight, which means you need to reapply them.

The Dr. Oz Show

“Is Sunscreen Dangerous?” Episode

On this episode Dr. Oz warned his viewers that many chemical suncreens contain ingredients that can cause cancer, alter endocrine function, and disrupt hormones. Two medical experts made appearances, each with a different message about the importance of sunscreen.
Dr. Arthur Perry told Dr. Oz that many common ingredients in chemical sunscreens are known carcinogens and endocrine disrupters. But, according to Dr. Perry, “There are safe alternatives to chemical sunscreens…There is no reason that we should be putting endocrine disrupters on our skin.”

Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, a representative of the American Academy of Dermatology, disagreed that there was a definite correlation between sunscreen and cancer risk. She warned that sunscreen is the best defense we have against skin cancer and should be used in whatever form is available.

So, what did Dr. Oz recommend? According to Dr. Oz, sunscreen containing Zinc Oxide, described as “physical sunscreen,” is the safest, most effective sunblock to protect your skin from the sun in the summer. Dr. Oz recommends physical sunblock with Zinc Oxide as the active ingredient. Since the thick Zinc Oxide paste can create a white film on the skin, try a micronized Zinc Oxide sun block like Thinksport which has the benefit of rubbing in clear. A Zinc Oxide sunblock with nanoparticles, however, carries potential health risks.

Dr. Oz’ message today was clear–using sunblock is vitally important to maintaining skin health and preventing skin cancer. Choosing the right physical sunblock, though, is just as important to preventing secondary disease that could result from chemical sunscreen use. According to Dr. Oz, when it comes to sunblock, just “Think white, you’ll get it right,” and choose Zinc Oxide for sun protection. Dr Oz also suggests checking the EWG 2013 Sunscreen Guide for for recommendations on specific brands of sunblock. Thinksport and Thinksport Kids, were all rated #1 on the 2012 EWG Sunscreen Guide.