Sunscreen or sunblock

As someone who grew up within the southeast Oklahoma borders of Choctaw Nation, I learned to love nothing more in the summertime than spending hours outside enjoying nature, the lake or competitive summer sports. The heat and humidity were just part of those experiences, and unfortunately, sometimes so were the sunburns.

Now as a physician mother of four, I find myself trying to balance fun and safety, stopping the family prior to our adventures to add sun protection to reduce the damaging effects of the sun and skin cancer risk. Which form of sun protection is best? Here is some information I have found useful.

Scientific studies that were brought to light in 2017 caused concern over common ingredients in chemical sunscreens and their possible effects on the environment and the endocrine system in the body. However, there are various forms of sun protection, a few of which do not have these ingredients present at all.

Sunblock refers to sun protection that has minerals, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as its active ingredients. These function as a physical barrier (Think millions of molecule-sized mirrors resting on the skin), reflecting the light rays away from the skin. Chemical sunscreens are those which contain one or more of the following: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate or octinoxate, and work by capturing UV light and converting it to heat, which is then released at the skin’s surface instead of allowing the ray’s harmful effects within the skin. Chemical sunscreens can be more irritating to those with sensitive and acne-prone skin; however, they are also more sheer and lightweight, thus often easier to apply and wear.

We frequently use the terms sunblock and sunscreen interchangeably, and the best one for you and your family is the one you will actually wear. Though thicker and more time-consuming to apply, I prefer mineral sunblock when we have time to paint our family of 6 before heading out into the sun.
When we are in a hurry to get everyone to the ballfield or onto the boat, we choose chemical sunscreens available in spray form to quickly cover everyone.

It is recommended that no matter which type of sunblock or sunscreen you choose, it should be at least 30 SPF and applied 30 minutes before sun exposure. You should reapply at least every two hours and immediately after swimming or sweating.

If you have additional questions about sun protection, sun exposure, or would like a skin check, we encourage you to visit us at the Residency Clinic in Talihina. You may make an appointment by calling 918-567-7000, extension 6024. Please stay safe and enjoy your summer.

Mineral Sunblock

• Sits on top of the skin, reflects UVA and UVB rays.
• Sometimes more expensive.
• Works immediately when applied, but prone to wear off easily.
• Can be less irritating to sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Chemical Sunscreen

• Absorbed into the skin, converts UV rays into heat.
• Frequently less expensive.
• Is thin and ideal for everyday use.
• Typically found in easy-to-apply sprays and cosmetic products.

This column was written by a guest contributor from the Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority.

Dr. Clayborn is the Program Director of the Choctaw Nation Family Medicine Residency Program. Originally from Porum, she now lives in Quinton with her husband and four children and serves Choctaw Nation within the Residency Clinic in Talihina, s teaching family medicine with physicians completing the last part of their training prior to board certification.