Shining the light on sunscreens: What are the glaring differences?

As you peruse web pages, or perhaps traditional pharmacy aisles, for the best sun protection you are likely to come across (not just a huge array of products), but some that are sunscreens and some known as sunblock. No guesses as to what question we’ll pose next: What’s the difference between the two? And which one should we be using?

At first it was important to choose what level of SPF to go for, and now there are gels, sprays, lotions, sticks, and more. Heliocare wants to guide and educate you on the best products for your skin type, and help you choose the best sun protection available.

Are all sunscreens the same? The answer is no. 

There is a reason why Heliocare sunscreens are SPF 50, and no lower. There is also a good reason why they are all broad spectrum. This ensures that both UVA and UVB rays, which can be highly damaging to your skin and play an irreversible role when it comes to premature skin aging and cancers, are blocked. If sun protection is not labelled ‘broad spectrum’ or does not state a SPF 50, it may protect you from sunburn, but not from skin cancer, and not from sun spots and wrinkles either. Applying properly, and every two hours is also key in providing the correct amount of cover we need.

There is even a subtle difference between sunscreen and sunblock. The main difference in sunscreen and sunblock lies in the way they protect the skin from UV rays. As the name implies, sunblock physically blocks UV rays, while sunscreen contains components and chemicals that absorb ultraviolet rays, before your skin is able to detect or absorb them. We can’t emphasize it enough: Choose a sunscreen with SPF 50, as a standard.

Heliocare takes sun protection to a new level. We use a technology called Fernblock®, which is the base active ingredient of Heliocare. It is a powerful protective, antioxidant and restorative action that works both topically and orally. It protects our skin cells, increasing collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin, all of which are essential to maintaining its structure.

This month we are shining the light on Heliocare Gel SPF 50 (Oil Free) – it’s an innovative lightweight formula that is quickly and evenly absorbed. Containing Fernblock® and ultimate broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, with standard SPF 50. Like all Heliocare products, this one is non-comedogenic, paraben-free and leaves no residue on the skin.