Saltee answers your most frequently asked questions
You asked and we listened! Your top 10 most frequently asked suncare questions are explained by our Saltee experts.
What is SPF?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect skin from UVB rays, the kind of radiation that causes sunburn, damages skin, and can contribute to skin cancer.
It is important to note that a sunscreen SPF rating is only indicative of its protection from UVB rays. A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 will protect you against 97% of UVB rays and will protect you 30 times longer than if you did not use sunscreen
All Saltee products are a minimum 30 SPF. And our face formulas are SPF 50. We care about ensuring the best sun protection allowing you reconnect with your sun confidence.
What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays?
UV radiation from the sun is transmitted in three wavelengths – UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC does not penetrate the earth’s atmosphere, so we only really need to protect against UVA and UVB.
UV irradiation in the form of UVA is associated with skin ageing. UVA affects the elastin in the skin and leads to wrinkles and sun-induced skin ageing as well as skin cancer. UVA can penetrate window glass and penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB. UVA protection in a sunscreen helps defend the skin against photo ageing and potentially skin cancer.
UVB is the form of UV irradiation most responsible for sunburn and has strong links to malignant melanoma and basal cell carcinoma risk (types of skin cancer). A sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) will help block UVB rays and prevent the skin from burning, and by extension damage that can cause skin cancer.
All Saltee products provide broad spectrum ultra-protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Can you tan with sunscreen on?
Contrary to the beliefs of many tanning enthusiasts, you can still tan with sunscreen, and it’s better that you do. In fact, Sun Protection Factor (SPF) extends the time you can spend in the sun without suffering additional skin damage. At Saltee we’d recommend using our high SPF products (all our collection is minimum of SPF 30) and be sensible about the number of peak hours you allow of sun exposure.
Our Saltee Body Collection also contain MelinOil that actively stimulates natural melanin production and should boost your tan.
How often should I apply sunscreen?
There is no exact rule on how often you should apply sunscreen as it depends on skin type and UV intensity. You should also be aware that what you’re doing that might reduce the effectiveness of the sunscreen you’re using. Broadly you should reapply at least every 2 hrs and more regularly if you’re getting wet or sweaty.
Saltee SPF30 Active Sun Lotion is specifically formulated for those times when you are active – be that a yoga class, run on the beach or swim in the azure sea.
How much sunscreen should I use?
The simple rule of thumb is that you should use more sunscreen than you probably think. In short, most surveys reveal consumers under-apply when it comes to suncare. At least 2 palmfuls when applying Saltee Body Lotion (to your body) and a large button sized dollop for the face when applying Saltee Face Formulas will see you protected.
Do I need suncream every day?
UVB rays might be weaker during the colder months but UVA rays are the ones we need to be aware of. Your skin is prone to wrinkles, premature ageing and damage just as much now as they were when you were soaking up the sun on holiday during the summer.
The best way to shield yourself from these harmful rays is by ensuring your skin is never exposed without daily protection. Saltee products are all broad-spectrum SPF. That means they provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays making them the ideal products for daily use all year round.
We recommend SPF50 Face Daily Protection Formula which is our ultra-light everyday suncream. Not only will it provide that essential protection but its suncare as skincare formula means you can double up as your daily moisturiser. Packed with Vitamin E, it’ll leave your skin feeling and looking healthy and nourished.
How do I choose the right suncream for me?
Choosing the right suncream can be tricky. Make sure you know your skin type and any other specifics. Saltee offers something for every suncream occasion. Not sure which Saltee product is your perfect match? Check out our guide to choosing the best sunscream for you here.
What is Oxybenzone?
The primary function of Oxybenzone is to absorb ultraviolet light, but some research shows Oxybenzone can be absorbed through the skin and it has been identified as the key ingredient in some suncreams that can harm coral reefs and other sea life. It has been shown to exacerbate and accelerate the devastating coral bleaching. This is destroying much of the fragile coral reef ecosystems around the world. This ingredient was the primary focus of a recent ban on certain suncreams by the authorities in Hawaii. Saltee does not contain Oxybenzone and none of our products ever will.
Octinoxate has also raised some concerns as an ingredient that may be harmful to some ocean life. Saltee body SPF contains a tiny amount of Octinoxate and we are therefore committed to re-forumaltion process that will ensure that the next generation of Saltee products will be 100% reef safe – we look forward to sharing these with the Saltee Tribe later in 2019.
Are chemical based suncreams bad?
Chemical sunscreen uses organic actives, like avobenzone and homosalate, while mineral sunscreen uses inorganic actives, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Both types of actives absorb UV rays to some extent, and mineral ones can also block a percentage of them.
The chemical actives in our Saltee products are suitable for sensitive skin. Say goodbye to irritated skin, heat rash and inflammation. Saltee, a beautiful collection of premium suncare for the face and body, has been carefully formulated for sensitive skin. It lets you get out and enjoy the sun without having to worry about any unruly reactions. Read more on to find out how Saltee protects sensitive skin here.
More questions about our suncare collection? Feel free to contact us on info@saltee.co.uk or check out our specific FAQs here.
Whether you’re off on a sun-soaked adventure, planning your next ski trip or simply looking for a new favourite everyday SPF, make Saltee part essentials.
