 How
do I choose the right SPF?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It is important to select
a sunscreen that blocks enough UVA and UVB rays for your skin
type. We recommend using at least a SPF 30.
| The SPF of the product |
X |
Your personal time |
= |
Amount of protected time |
To help you figure out your personal
time, find your skin type classified in the charts below:
| Skin categories |
Skin color in exposed area |
Tanning history |
Skin sensitivity value |
| Never tans, always burns |
Pale or milky, white alabaster |
Develops red sunburn, painful swelling, skin peels |
4-10 |
| Sometimes tans, usually burns |
Very little brown, some freckles |
Usually burns, pink or red coloring
appears, can gradually develop light brown tan |
10-12 |
| Usually tans, sometimes burns |
Light tan, brown or olive, distinctly
pigmented |
Rarely burns, moderately rapid tanning
response |
11-14 |
| Always tans, rarely burns |
Brown, dark brown or black |
Rarely burns, very rapid tanning response |
12-16 |
Classification developed by the US Environmental Protection
Agency.
| Recommended SPF |
Skin type |
1hr |
2hrs |
3hrs |
4hrs |
5+hrs |
| Very fair/ extremely sensitive |
15 |
30 |
30 |
50 |
50 |
| Fair/sensitive |
15 |
15 |
30 |
30 |
50 |
| Fair |
15 |
15 |
15 |
15 |
30 |
| Medium |
8 |
8 |
15 |
15 |
30 |
| Dark |
4 |
8 |
8 |
15 |
15 |
The lighter your skin the shorter your personal time. For
example, for a fair-haired, light skinned, blue eyed Caucasian
it might be only 5 minutes for his/her skin to burn. For a
person with medium skin it might be 15 min., for a person with
dark skin it might be 30 minutes. You must evaluate your skin
type and come up with your own personal time. Check the daily
weather report for UV information.
Other variables to consider when choosing the right SPF protection
are climate, altitude, time of year, reflective surfaces or
any medical conditions or medications. Consult with your physician.  What causes a sunburn?
The sun gives off energy called ultra-violet rays that penetrate the skin, changing the structure of the skin cells. Some of these skin cells produce melanin, which creates a brown coloring (tanning). Melanin provides varying degrees of natural protection from sun damage. Individuals with darker skin have more melanin than those with fair skin, therefore more natural protection from the sun and burns. The production of melanin can take up to 18 hours. Over exposure to the sun creates damage before the skin’s natural defenses have time to respond. This is why it is important to use sunscreen and limit your time in the sun.
What’s the difference between UVA and UVB rays?
The two types of ultra-violet radiation that affect our skin are Ultra-violet A (UVA) and Ultra-violet B (UVB). UVB is associated with getting a sunburn. UVA has been recognized as a deeper penetrating radiation that has long-term effects such as premature aging, wrinkling, and skin cancer.
 Is a suntan healthy?
No! People sometimes associate a suntan with good health and vitality. Only a small amount of sunlight is needed for the body to manufacture vitamin D. It doesn't take much sunlight to make all the vitamin D you can use. It certainly takes far less than needed to get a suntan!
 How do I relieve a sunburn?
Always try to avoid a sunburn with the help of Sea & Ski®! If you do get a sunburn, use a moisturizing burn relief product that contains Aloe Vera, like Sea & Ski® Aloe After Sun Lotion, Pure Aloe Vera Gel, or Aloe After Sun Therapy with ProDerm Technology®. DO NOT use butter or petroleum based ointments or take in further sun exposure until your skin is completely healed. In the case of a severe burn, consult a physician.
 Where can I find Sea & Ski® overseas?
The distribution of Sea & Ski® products overseas is rapidly growing. To learn where you can find Sea & Ski® near you, please email customer service through our Contact Us page for assistance.
 How do I determine the expiration of sunscreen products?
For your convenience, the expiration date on all Sea & Ski® products is imprinted on the backside of the tottle. On average, sunblock lotions have a shelf life of 3 years as long as they are stored at room temperature. However, it’s best to replace sunscreen yearly because exposure to heat can gradually diminish the effectiveness of the SPF.
 Can you mix a tanning accelerator with a sunscreen?
No. You should never mix a tanning accelerator with a sunscreen because you are lowering the SPF value in the sunscreen. We recommend using a tanning product with an SPF like Dark Tanning Oil SPF 15.
 Is there an ingredient in sunscreen called hydrocarbons that is dangerous when ingested?
Hydrocarbons are another name for mineral oil. Our sunscreen lotions do contain hydrocarbons in small amounts (less than 5%). Our Carrot Oil and SPF 15 Dark Oil contain over 75%. Hydrocarbons are only dangerous if they are ingested in large quantities.
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