Sun Protection
Sun protection factor (SPF)
SPF is a measure of protection against mainly UVB rays that cause sunburn. The higher the SPF number, the greater the protection – up to 50+.
An SPF15 sunscreen that’s properly applied should give you 15 times the protection you’d get with unprotected skin, and SPF30 gives you 30 times the protection. That’s the theory, but these times will vary from person to person depending on skin type, activities (such as exercise or swimming) and how well sunscreen is applied.
No sunscreen blocks 100% of UVB rays:
- SPF15 blocks 93%
- SPF30 blocks 97%
- SPF50 blocks 98%
Broad-spectrum protection
Make sure your sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection, which protects against UVA and UVB rays.
Water resistance
Water-resistant sunscreen have been tested to ensure it keeps you protected in the water.
Ingredients
Sunscreen active ingredients can be divided into physical blockers and chemical absorbers.
The primary difference between physical and chemical sunscreens lies in the mechanism. Physical sunscreens create a protective barrier on the skin's surface to block, reflect, and deflect UV rays.
BLACK&WHITE Sun Protection: Our sun protection offers the unique advantages of natural plant extracts and carefully blended Minerals with Nature and Science, providing the ultimate combination of sun protection and skin rejuvenation.
Core Perfection Protect + Moisture SPF 30 (Chemical)
Core Perfection Zin Clear SPF 30 (Physical)
Peptide Armour Defence SPF 50 (Physical)
Elite Perfection Stem Cell Tinted Eternal Shield + Moisture (Physical)
Sunscreens for kids
The New Zealand Dermatological Society recommends physical sunscreens for infants – those that sit on top of the skin and create a physical barrier to harmful UVA and UVB rays – such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They don’t irritate, provide excellent broad-spectrum protection and aren’t absorbed into the body. Physical sunscreens aren’t always labelled as children’s sunscreens, so you can go for whatever brand you prefer, whether it’s labelled for babies or children or not.
Article written by Sam Dhatt Creator of our formulations
UVA & UVB
UVA rays form 95% of the UV radiation which reaches the earth and has a longer wavelength They have a role to play in the formation of some types of skin cancers and premature ageing. UVB rays have slightly more energy than UVA rays. They have a shorter wavelength that can only reach the outer layer of your skin called the epidermis associated with burning
PHYSICAL SUNSCREEN: Recommended for all skin types, particularly for individuals with preexisting conditions such as rosacea, acne, eczema, various pigmentation issues, and sensitive skin. Physical sunscreens serve as the preferred choice, proving excellent for post-procedure care to instantly shield the skin following facial treatments, waxing, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing. Reef-safe sunscreens are those that do not contain nanoparticles.
For optimal skin protection, it is advisable to choose physical sunscreens with a synergistic blend of micronized zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron oxide, surpassing the efficacy of chemical sunscreens.
The immediate protection provided by physical sunscreens makes them an outstanding choice for those on the move! The inclusion of active minerals such as micronized zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, along with iron oxide, ensures maximum physical protection.
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PHYSICAL SUNSCREEN. Physical sunscreens are recommended for all skin types, especially for those with preexisting conditions like rosacea, acne, eczema, all types of pigmentation and sensitive skin. Physical sunscreens are the preferred option, and they are excellent for postprocedure care to immediately protect the skin following facial treatments, waxing, chemical peels and laser resurfacing. Sunscreens that do not contain nanoparticles are classified as reef safe.
Physical sunscreens that contain the synergistic combination of micronized zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and iron oxide are recommended to better protect the skin as opposed to chemical sunscreens.
The advantage of a physical sunscreen is that it provides immediate protection, making it an excellent feature for those on the go! Active minerals such as micronized zinc oxide and titanium dioxide with the incorporation of iron oxide offer maximum physical protection.
CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN. A chemical sunscreen containing actives like oxybenzone, octisalate, homosalate, avobenzone and octocrylene, absorbs UV rays and then diffuses them. The heat from this process tends to trigger skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, hyperpigmentation and other sensitivities. Chemical sunscreens must be applied 1520 minutes prior to sun exposure. They also tend to be more emollient, providing extra moisture to dry, balanced and combination skin types. Chemical sunscreens are not recommended for oily skin that is prone to acne and breakouts, sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema and all types of pigmentation. They are contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women as well.
InfraGuard. This ingredient is the synergistic combination of tara tannins and sunflower sprouts. Tara is a South American native plant; it’s a free radical scavenger rich in pyrogallic acid and modest amounts of catechin derivatives. They offer powerful photo protection with antiinflammatory benefits. Sunflower sprouts are rich in vitamins A, D, E and B Complex including Folate. They also contain high levels of potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron. This formidable combination delivers comprehensive protection against oxidative stress caused by UV and infrared light exposure, damage caused by pollution and degradation of collagen and elastin. Studies on the benefits of InfraGuard show an improvement in the quality and density of the skin. These restorative ingredients work to keep the skin balanced.
Micronized Zinc Oxide. This is known to be safer than nanoparticles because the size of the particles are larger than nanoparticles, therefore less irritating. It warms up with the heat of the body and blends in better on the skin, especially in darker Fitzpatrick skin types IVVI, without the white cast associated with physical sunscreens. Micronized zinc oxide also provides better and more effective UV protection.
Iron Oxides. In physical sunscreen, iron oxides protect the skin against visible light and UVA radiation and enhance the absorption of these external factors. Iron oxide is excellent for protecting the skin against hyperpigmentation. The incorporation of iron oxides increases the efficacy of multifunctional coated mineral actives.
Some of the major external factors that cause skin damage include:
- Ultraviolet radiation. This is caused by exposure to UVA and UVB rays (aging and burning rays). Long-term exposure releases matrix metalloproteinases, notorious enzymes that collectively degrade collagen and elastic fibers causing DNA damage by depleting the extracellular matrix (ECM). This inadvertently causes loss of structure revealed in the form of fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin due to loss of elasticity, loss of plumpness, rough skin texture and age spots.
- Infrared radiation. This comes from the sun’s heat, as well as tanning beds, and it causes inflammation like an increase in melanocyte activity that contributes to hyperpigmentation and sunspots. Infrared radiation can also accelerate and worsen skin conditions like melasma, chloasma, rosacea and acne.
- Environmental pollution. Exposure to air pollution or airborne particles such as smog and smoke increases the generation of reactive oxygen species, causing inflammation that shows up as erythema (redness), irritation or dehydration, making the skin sensitive or sensitized.
- High-energy visible (HEV) light spectrum. Excessive and long-term exposure to blue light, which is emitted from familiar electrical devices like TV screens, computer screens, smart phones and tablets, produces damaging free radicals such as nitric oxide. These free radicals disrupt the skin’s microbiome causing inflammation and imbalance, which can be corrected by topical antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and prebiotics to restore skin homeostasis.
The good news is that consistent use of sunscreen is known to significantly reduce the development of disorders and diseases of the skin such as actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Continuous research efforts to improve the technology that drives sun care innovations are rapidly making great advancements. New developments include the microencapsulation of chemical sunscreen ingredients using inert Tetraethoxysilane Polymers to improve stability, reduce systematic absorption, increase efficacy and diminish allergic reactions. An example of this is EnviroScreen Technology, which is an encapsulating process that provides mineralbased, chemical free, novel coating technology combining zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and iron oxides with proprietary blends of antioxidants, hydrators and vitamins.