FAQ

   

What does SPF mean?

The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) number indicates the sunscreen’s ability to prevent UVB radiation penetrating the skin. The number is calculated by measuring the ratio between the exposure time that causes redness without the sunscreen, and the time it will take for redness to appear after applying sunscreen.

For example: If without sunscreen, it will take 10 minutes for redness to appear on the skin, application of a sunscreen with a protection factor SPF 15 will delay its appearance until after more than 150 minutes (10 X15).

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Does the SPF number indicate the degree of protection against UVA rays provided by the product?

No! The SPF number refers only to the ability of the sunscreen to protect the skin against UVB radiation. Most sunscreen product's packaging states that they provide broad spectrum protection. which means they protect against both UVB and UVA radiation.

No sunscreen can provide absolute protection against solar radiation.

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How do I know which sunscreen I should use?

Select the sunscreen, which is best for you according to skin color, skin type, the time you stay in the sun and your activities when in the sun:

Skin Type   Properties Characeteristics Recommended SPF
Fair skin Burns easily and usually, does not tan. Light, red, or blond hair and light color eyes  43, 45, 50, 70, 100
Light skin Burns easily, tans to a degree Fair complexion 30, 32, 34, 43, 45
Medium Sometimes burns but does not tan. Brown hair, medium skin color 15, 30, 32
Medium to dark Rarely burns, tans easily. Dark hair, dark skin  15, 16

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What is UV radiation?

Planet Earth receives a wide spectrum of radiation from the Sun. Ultra violet (UV) rays are the radiation that damages our skin and health. UVB radiation penetrates the outermost layer of skin and causes redness and skin burns. UVA radiation penetrates deep into skin and causes long term damage such as wrinkles, age spots, premature skin aging, and damage to the cell's DNA, which can lead to skin cancer. Both UVA and UVB radiation penetrate glass.

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How do sunscreens work?

Sunscreens contain ingredients that absorb, block or scatter the UV radiation. Sunscreens are formulated to provide different levels of protection against UVA and UVB radiation.
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If I am taking medication, do I need to be more careful about exposure to the sun?

It is definitely advisable to take even greater care. Many medications cause a reaction called photo-sensitivity, which is an increase in skin sensitivity during exposure to the sun. Different types of medications, including various antibiotics, heart and blood pressure medications, antihistamines, birth control pills, various sedatives, antidepressants, etc., may cause the skin to be more sensitive to the sun and that is why it is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist and ask if the medication you are taking might cause photo-sensitivity.
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Why is it so important to protect infants and kids from the sun?

It is important to remember that infants and kids are three times more sensitive to solar radiation than adults and that more than half the damage to the skin is caused by the age of 18.That is why it is so important to protect the skin from solar radiation. Infants and children have thin, fragile, and sensitive skin.Their defense mechanisms are insufficiently developed. Their skin does not produce enough melanin to protect it and their body cooling mechanism is not as well developed or as efficient as in adults. Infants and children spend much of their time playing outside. Therefore, when compared with adults, they are more exposed and far more vulnerable to the damaging effects of solar radiation. Dr. Fischer's R&D laboratories developed the Ultrasol Baby range of sunscreens in order to provide a specific solution for babies' delicate skin. Ultrasol Baby products are available with a range of protection factors and contain100% natural sunscreens. Ultrasol Baby sunscreens do not cause irritation to eyes and they contain natural oils such as: Oats, calendula, chamomile, and aloe vera to help hydrate the skin and keep it healthy.
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When I am out in the sun, is it enough to just apply sunscreen?

No. Applying sunscreen is not enough. It is important to understand that sunscreens are designed for use in addition to all the other means of defense, such as: Staying in the shade, avoiding exposure to the sun during peak hours (between 10:00 to 16:00), wearing a hat, wearing sunglasses, and to the extent possible, wearing long, dark clothing.

Preferably, babies should not be exposed to the sun before the age of six months.

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Do I need sunscreen when I go skiing?

Many skiing enthusiasts are aware of the fact that you can get sunburn much faster when you go skiing than on a beach in the summer. High-altitude exposure to the sun means exposure to even more UV radiation. The thinner and cleaner the air; the more serious the effects of radiation on the skin. Research indicates that there is about 8% more UV radiation with every height increase of 1,000 feet [305 meters]. It is also important to remember that the snow surface is a huge reflector of solar radiation and actually increases the exposure to the sun because it reflects back a large proportion of the UV radiation.

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If I sit in the shade of an umbrella, do I still need sunscreen?

Yes. Even if you are sitting under an umbrella or in the shade on a beach with sand around you, you should apply sunscreen to your all exposed skin, because the sand on the beach returns most of the UV radiation (85% of the sun's rays are reflected back from the surface of the sand).

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