Q.
What is SPF Factor and how does it work?
A.
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It's a number that you can use to help determine how long you can stay in the sun before getting a sunburn.
The SPF is a multiplication factor. If you can stay out in the sun 15 minutes before burning, using a sunscreen with an SPF of 10 would allow you to resist getting a burn for 10 x longer or 150 minutes.
The SPF factor, however, is not a linear measure and is dependent on the skin type of the user. For example, an SPF of 30 only blocs 5% more UVB radiation than an SPF of 15. Another way to look at it is in terms of percentages: SPF 15 filters out approximately 93 percent of all incoming UVB rays. SPF 30 keeps out 97 percent and SPF 50 keeps out 98 percent.
In practice, for best protection, experts recommend using a SPF15 or SPF 30 as a higher factor does offer a significantly higher level of protection than an SPF of 30.
Q.
How should a sunscreen be properly applied?
A.
To ensure that you get the full SPF of a sunscreen, you need to apply 1 oz for full body coverage. Studies show that most people apply only half to a quarter of that amount, which means the actual SPF they have on their body is lower than advertised. Reapplication of sunscreen is just as important and it is recommended to re-apply sunscreens every 2 hours. Sunscreens should also be reapplied immediately after swimming, towelling off, or sweating a great deal.
Q.
What is the difference between a physical barrier vs a chemical barrier sunscreen?
A.
A physical barrier sunscreen (such as our Sun Care for Baby) physically blocks the sun’s UV rays. These are often found in ingredients of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Often, sun blocks containing these two ingredients have been messy and opaque. Substance Sun Care Cream however, uses micro ionized non nano zinc oxide. This we feel is the safest & most effective option. It creates the same physical barrier, but is more transparent, and less messy when rubbed in.
Physical barriers also have the added benefit over chemical sunscreen of blocking UVA rays. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin's surface, increasing the risk of cellular skin damage. Most chemical sunscreens do not block UVA rays effectively. The best-known and proven UVA protection is provided by products that contain zinc oxide.
Furthermore chemical sunscreens can be an irritant to sensitive skin. Zinc, on the other hand, has many beneficial properties including being anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory; beneficial to sensitive, delicate skin.
Q.
Is your Sun Block Non-Nano? What does this mean?
A.
Nano refers to the particle size of a substance, in this case, zinc oxide. A Nano particle is one which is below 100 nm (Nano meter). Concern over Nano particles has been based on these particles penetrating the skin and absorbing into the bloodstream and organs. Our Sun Care products do not use Nano zinc oxide. The particle size we use is above 100 nm and is un-coated. The zinc stays topically on the skin acting as a barrier, reflecting the harmful UVA & UVB rays of the sun.
Q.
How do you test for nano-particles?
A.
Our zinc particles are tested using a mesh (or screen) similar to a sieve in which the zinc is tested for its correct particle size. The larger particles do not go through the mesh while the smaller nano-particles do.