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"As an avid cyclist and triathlete, your product is just fantastic. It
goes on and soaks right in" -John
"Thanks for a great product!" -Lisa
"Within days I threw all the sunscreen I had at home away, because yours
tops all of them" -Wendi
"...I had no burning from the product, no burning from the sun, and I
was left with incredibly soft skin! It is like a dream come true" -Donna
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FAQ's
A current discussion of sunscreen frequently asked questions and answers.
General Sunscreen Questions:
Application Questions:
Skin Care Questions:
General Sunscreen Questions:
Question: How does sunscreen work?
Answer: Sunscreen lotions work by absorbing, reflecting or
scattering UV light. Sunscreen ingredients are either physical (reflecting)
or chemical (absorbing, scattering) in nature. Many products contain a combination
of ingredients. Regardless of the combination of ingredients, it is important
to select a product that is labeled “Broad Spectrum UVA UVB.”
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Question: What does SPF stand for?
Answer: SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It is the measure of UVB protection offered by a product and can range anywhere from 2 to 80. The number indicates how much longer you can be exposed to the sun while wearing sunscreen before you begin to burn as opposed to how long it would take you to burn without sunscreen. The time it takes for someone’s skin to burn varies greatly with every individual, therefore, it is important to remember that sunscreen is not a one size fits all science.
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Question: How is the light spectrum measured?
Answer: Solar radiation consists of a continuous spectrum of wavelengths that reach the earth’s surface. The unit of measure for this radiation (UV and light) is the nanometer. One nanometer (nm) equals one billionth of a meter and spectrum ranges from 100 to 106 nanometers.
At one end of the spectrum you will find invisible ultraviolet light, with visible light somewhere in the middle and infrared light at the opposing end.
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Question: What is meant by UVA, UVB and UVC rays?
Answer: Ultraviolet radiation can be divided into UVA, UVB, and UVC rays.
The UVA region of the UV spectrum extends from 320nm to 400nm. While there is still much research to do regarding the effect of UVA rays, they are known to contribute to aging.
The UVB region of the UV spectrum extends from 290nm to 320nm. These rays produce sunburn, skin cancer, and photo aging.
The UVC region of the UV spectrum extends from 200nm to 290nm. UVC is absorbed by the ozone layer of the stratosphere and does not reach the surface of the earth.
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Question: What optimal ingredients protect skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays?
Answer: The Skin Cancer Foundation cites the FDA's approved
list of active sunscreen ingredients, which includes Oxybenzone, Avobenzone,
Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, & others. Click here to read list.
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Question: What is the difference between two different sunscreens with the same SPF?
Answer: Formulation. Many sunscreens have the same or similar
active ingredients, but the difference is the base formula in which those
active ingredients are placed. It is the formulation that determines how well
a sunscreen works. That is why Rocky Mountain Sunscreen uses a Bonding
Base formula that stays on the skin better, and lasts longer without clogging
the pores of your skin.
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Question: Do I really need a sunscreen higher than SPF 15?
Answer: SPF 15 sunscreen is meant to allow the user 15 times
their normal level of protection in the sun without sunscreen -- if applied
properly. For example if you typically burn in 15 minutes, by wearing a SPF
15 sunscreen you should have [15 (minutes to burn) x 15 (SPF)] 225 minutes
in the sun before your skin will begin to burn.
No sunscreen product provides 100% UV protection. Typically, a SPF 15 protects
from 92% of UVB rays, SPF 30 from 97%, and SPF 45 from 98%. If you are fair-skinned,
or expect to be in the sun for long periods of time, it would be wise to select
an SPF that best matches your needs.
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Question: Can any single sunscreen product provide complete protection?
Answer: No product is a total sunblock. The normal range of protection is between 92-98% depending on the SPF rating. IMPORTANT: Practice a combination of sun-safe measures to insure optimum protection, such as avoiding the mid-day sun and wearing sun protective clothing such as a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a long-sleeved shirt. Please review Ten Rules to Save your Skin.
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Question: What are nanoparticles and are they used in sunscreen?
Answer: Nanoparticles are nano-sized particles that are specifically
designed to penetrate deep into the skin. As sun damage is done closer to
the surface of the skin, the particles used in sunscreens (Titanium Dioxide
and Zinc Oxide) are specifically sized so that they DO NOT
penetrate the skin. Instead, they remain on top of the skin’s surface where
they reflect and scatter the UV radiation. Rocky Mountain Sunscreen does not
use nanoparticles in any of our formulas.
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Question: Does sunscreen damage coral reefs?
Answer: There are several differing opinions. One initial study on this subject was done by Dr. Roberto Danovaro et al. of the Polytechnic University of the Marche in Ancona, Italy (R. Danovaro, et al., Environmental Health Perspective, Vol. 116, April 2008). This study looked at some of the most common sunscreen ingredients used today. It is a fact that over the past 25 years damage to coral reefs has increased significantly. What is not taken into consideration within this study are other possible causes for this deterioration ranging from global warming, pollution, hydrocarbons, or other contaminants. Additionally, the ingredients studied are used widely in other daily cosmetic products in far greater proportions than sunscreens.
Some companies state that “all natural” sunscreens are biodegradable. There
is no FDA definition and/or testing criteria for the term “Bio-degradable”.
In conclusion, we would like to see many more studies on this subject before
making any final determinations on the specific question of sunscreen damaging
coral reefs.
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Question: What
is the shelf life or expiration of sunscreen? Is it safe to use after it has
expired?
Answer: A common misconception is that sunscreen expires
after one year. A sunscreen's shelf life depends on its formula stability.
Rocky Mountain Sunscreen's stability testing gives all of our Original Formula
products (SPF 15, 30, 45, & 50) a three year shelf life. Our new formulas
for 2010 (SPF 35 & 70) are expected to achieve similar stability testing.
Our sunscreens are safe to use after the suggested shelf life, however, the
active ingredients will become less effective.
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Question: How does a Bonding Base formula prevent the buildup of undesirable body heat?
Answer: Bonding Base sets into the top layers of the skin (stratum corneum) where it prevents build up of undesirable body heat, better allows for natural perspiration, and does not tend to rub off onto towels or critical equipment. This "Bonding Base" feature maintains the sunscreen on the skin longer and more comfortably than other formulations.
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Question: Can I get sunburned
on a cloudy day?
Answer: Absolutely. According to the World Health Organization,
up to 80% of UV radiation can pass through the clouds.
Other environmental factors to consider include altitude, time of day, where
you live, season, UV index, and UV reflection off of snow, sand or water.
Check the UV index for your location here.
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Question: Is Rocky
Mountain Sunscreen Gluten Free?
Answer: Rocky Mountain Sunscreen's SPF 15, 30, 35, 45, 50,
& 70 formulas are 100% Gluten Free. In addition, our lip balm is also
gluten free. Please see our Product Specifications
page for more information.
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Question: What's the
difference between regular and Kids sunscreen?
Answer: There is no difference between our Kids and our regular
sunscreen. As the industry leader in the Child Care market, we make our quarts
and gallons available in a Kids package to better market to child care centers.
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Application Questions:
Question: Is it safe to use sunscreen on an infant?
Answer: It was previously believed that infants under six months should not wear sunscreen. However, according to the team at the American Academy of Pediatrics, “there's no evidence that using sunscreen on small areas of a baby's skin causes harm". In the August 1999 issue of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics released a policy statement that claims parents may use sunscreen on infants younger than six months when proper clothing and shade are not accessible. It is still recommended to avoid sun exposure all together or dress babies in lightweight long sleeved shirts and pants. Experts now say sunscreen is far less risky to babies than once thought, and not nearly as risky as unprotected exposure to the sun.
Children may have undetected allergies and sensitivities. Before going into the sun for the first time, test a sunscreen on a small spot on the skin. If the spot turns red or shows signs of irritation overnight, avoid the use of sunscreen and keep the child out of the sun until a dermatologist can determine the cause of the problem.
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Question: How much sunscreen should I apply? Is it true that most people don’t apply enough sunscreen?
Answer: Be generous with sunscreen. In order to liberally cover all exposed parts of an adult body, it would take about 1 ounce of sunscreen (the amount you would find in a shot glass). Remember to allow for 20-30 minutes of set up time to achieve optimum protection.
It is true that in some cases people really do apply too little. However, this seems to be the exception rather than the rule. The most common problem is missed spots. Almost everyone who has used a sunscreen has at one time or another missed spots and received a sunburn. Men appear to be the most haphazard. Often large parts of the body are missed. Frequent applications normally don’t help because the same application pattern that missed the spots the first time is repeated again and again.
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Question: Is it important to always reapply sunscreen?
Answer: The first application of the day is the most important and it is crucial to take the time to do it properly. Additional applications of sunscreen are recommended primarily for insuring the original application of sunscreen serves its purpose rather than allowing the user to extend their time in the sun.
Many things can affect the need to reapply sunscreen. Excessive sweating,
toweling off, wind, and swimming all hamper the ability for sunscreen to remain
on the skin and make reapplication important.
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Question: Does a SPF 30
absorb twice as much as a SPF 15?
Answer: SPF ratings conform to the principle of diminishing returns. In other words, the larger the numbers are, the smaller the gain in protection. This point can be illustrated by an analogy of Farmer Joe's experience fertilizing his field. The first time Farmer Joe fertilizes his crops his production doubles. After seeing this increase in production Farmer Joe decides to double the fertilizer to double his production again. However, this time his production only increases by 25%. As he doubles his fertilizer time and time again, the percent of increase in production is minimal. The moral of the story is that more isn't always better.
A SPF 15 absorbs 64.6% of UVB radiation; a SPF 30 absorbs 97.0%, which is
a 50% increase in protection. SPF 30 absorbs 97.0% and a SPF 45 absorbs almost
98%, this is less than a one percent increase in protection.
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Question: If you apply half the amount of sunscreen do you get half the protection?
Answer: This really isn’t true! The product is designed so that if you get it onto the skin you actually have the protection. When you use less sunscreen than recommended, large areas may end up with no protection at all. Because the skin acts a little like a sponge, as you rub sunscreen on, it absorbs what it needs and releases the rest to be spread to other areas. When you apply too little, the other areas simply don’t get sunscreen. A good rule to follow is to always be able to feel the sunscreen under your fingertips as you apply.
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Question: If I apply a SPF 15, and then apply a SPF 30 or SPF 45, what level of protection do I actually get?
Answer: The SPF 15 would be attached to the skin because it was applied first. The SPF 30 would wash off quickly in water. In our real world beach tests, we found this to be the case. Our instruments indicated the overall absorbance didn't increase much when additional layers of product were applied. It also applies to reapplying sunscreen-the first application is by far the most important.
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Question: Can I use sunscreen
with bug repellent, and get two-in-one protection?
Answer: Sunscreen-Repellent combination products are not
recommended. According to Dermatologist Zoe D. Draelos, interviewed in the
journal Drug Week, "Applying a combination product too frequently may pose
the risk of insect repellent toxicity, but too few applications may cause
photodamage from the lack of UV protection." (Drug Week 2008). A Consumer
Reports analysis determined that, "As for insect repellent with sunscreen,
the two we tested for a report last June did not repel bugs especially well.
A study published in 1997 showed that DEET can reduce a sunscreen's SPF by
up to one-third." (Consumer Reports 2001). Additional scientific research
is necessary before determining the safety and effectiveness of Sunscreen-Repellent
combination products.
If you are going to use both sunscreen and bug repellent: apply the sunscreen
first and let it set-up for 15-30 minutes then apply your favorite bug repellent.
Skin Cancer Foundation Expert, Dr. Pierre George, explains further
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Skin Care Questions:
Question: Why should I be concerned about a sunburn or daily sun exposure?
Answer: You never completely recover from sunburn. The effects of daily sun exposure and especially sunburn are cumulative. The skin gradually loses its protective capabilities until symptoms of skin aging and cancer develop. A recent study shows that short periods of exposure to UVB radiation reduce the skin's ability to produce collagen and elastin. This is the hallmark of long-term exposure to UV radiation and is believed to be responsible for the wrinkled appearance of sun-exposed skin.
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Question: What is melanoma?
Answer: Melanoma, a very serious skin cancer, is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing tanning cells. Melanomas may suddenly appear without warning but can also develop from or near a mole. They are found most frequently on the upper backs of men and women or on the legs of women, but can occur anywhere on the body. Please visit our Skin & Sun page for more information on skin cancer.
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Question: How many people will develop melanoma this year?
Answer: According to the American Melanoma Foundation, there will be about 108,230 new cases of melanoma in 2007 – 48,290 in situ (noninvasive) and 59,940 invasive (33,910 men and 26,030 women). In 2007, at current rates, a person has a one in 33 chance of developing melanoma (both in situ and invasive). The risk of developing invasive melanoma is one in 63. One American dies of melanoma almost every hour (every 65 minutes). In 2007, 8,110 deaths will be attributed to melanoma – 5,220 men and 2,890 women. Older Caucasian males have the highest mortality rates from melanoma.
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Question: I’m young – why should I worry about skin cancer or my skin aging?
Answer: Daily sun exposure isn’t trivial. Even if you have limited daily exposure, it is still possible to get about as much sun in one to three months as in an afternoon at the beach. Sun damage is cumulative and it never completely heals. By wearing a daily sunscreen and practicing other sun safe measures, it will help reduce the dangers of skin cancer and premature aging.
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Question: Can some skincare products, medications, and allergies affect my sensitivity to the sun?
Answer: Yes. Some medications shift the skins UV sensitivity to a different area in the light spectrum where sunscreens don't provide protection. Some examples include diuretics, antibiotics, heart medications and NSAIDs. In some instances, sunscreens may impact or interfere with the effectiveness of the medication. Always check medications, including common OTC drugs, for sun warnings. Insect repellents and fragrances are examples of products that may produce an irritation or rash similar to an allergic reaction.
Here is a link to a WebMD feature by Leanna Skarnulis and reviewed by Brunilda Nazario MD that helps identify some of the culprits that can increase sun sensitivity: Beware of Sunburn Boosters
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Question: How does the human body protect itself from sunburn?
Answer: UV rays cause the skin to produce Melanin, a brown pigment, which acts as the body's natural sunscreen. In addition, gradual exposure to sunlight produces a thickening of the outer skin. These both exist to defend the skin from harmful radiation.
Skin peeling after a sunburn is another way the body protects itself. If a cell has a small amount of damage to its DNA, the damage will be repaired and continue to function normally. However, if the damage is excessive, the cell(s) will die because of an internal mechanism that won’t allow the cell to survive with such a mutation. It is the death of these gene-damaged cells that causes the skin to peel after a sunburn.
According to a study by Laurie Owen-Schwab, a protein named Fas is the key to this cell elimination process. For more information on this study, please read the following abstract at Sciencemag.org
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