help and frequently asked questions

The sun’s UVB and UVA rays can damage skin; if proper sun protection isn’t used during sun exposure, this contributes to aging, can cause skin damage… and even skin cancer.

When used as directed, sunscreen has been shown to:

- Decrease the risk of skin cancers and pre-cancers. Regular daily use of SPF 15 (or higher) can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by about 40% and reduce your melanoma risk by 50%; and

- Help prevent premature skin aging caused by the sun, including wrinkles, sagging and age spots.

[Source: https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/]

Sunscreens in Europe are labelled with an "SPF". This stands for "sun protection factor", although SPF is more accurately the sunburn protection factor as it primarily shows the level of protection from UVB, not UVA protection. SPFs are categorised on a scale from 6 to 50+ according to the level of protection they offer, with ratings of 6-14 forming the least protective end of the spectrum and ratings of 50+ offering the strongest forms of UVB protection. The British Association of Dermatologists recommends a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 as a satisfactory form of sun protection in addition to shade and protective clothing.

[source: https://www.bad.org.uk/skin-cancer/sunscreen-fact-sheet#what-is-spf]

Hawaiian Tropic® offers a range of After Sun products that provide everything from a 4-hour moisturizing benefit to a 24-hour moisturizing benefit, so you can better decide how to pamper, indulge, and nourish your skin.

SPFs used in moisturisers are tested in the same way as sunscreens, so an SPF 15 moisturiser should provide an SPF of 15. However, these formulations are less likely to be rub and water resistant and, most importantly, are likely to be applied more sparingly than sunscreen. A thinner layer of protection equates to a lower level of protection.

A moisturiser with an SPF will help protect you against small amounts of UV exposure, such as walking to the car or popping outside to hang out washing, but sunscreen is more suitable for longer, deliberate UV exposure, such as spending your lunch hour outdoors.

It is also worth noting that moisturisers containing an SPF may not contain any UVA protection, and as a result will not protect against UV ageing.

[https://www.bad.org.uk/skin-cancer/sunscreen-fact-sheet#what-is-spf]

Choose a sunscreen with “broad-spectrum” protection. All SPF products protect against UVB rays, which are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancers. But UVA rays also contribute to skin cancer and premature aging. Only products that pass a certain test can be labeled "broad spectrum" and show this UVA logo to indicate that they also protect against UVA rays.

For skin areas that cannot be protected by clothing, sunscreen should be used as directed. Application should be applied liberally to all uncovered areas, 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure, with reapplication according to directions as instructed. For increased efficacy, use a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF), preferably 30 or higher, which also provides high levels of UVA protection.

[sources: https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/choose-the-right-sunscreen.html and https://www.bad.org.uk/skin-cancer/sunscreen-fact-sheet]

There are two closely related concepts: product shelf life and Period After Opening (PAO).

All Hawaiian Tropic® sun protection products are tested to demonstrate they maintain their protective efficacy (SPF) for at least 3 years from the date of manufacture. This refers to the product's shelf life.

The Period After Opening (PAO) refers to the period of time for which the product has been shown to remain stable after the package has been opened. The PAO for each product is indicated by a symbol on the package resembling an open jar. This example would indicate a PAO of 12 months for the product showing this symbol. Please refer to the package to understand the recommended PAO for your product.

Organic filters absorb harmful UV radiation, convert it, and return this energy in the form of infrared energy. These are sometimes referred to as 'absorbers' or 'chemical' sunscreens. Please note that organic filters does not mean 'organic' in the environmental sense.

Mineral-based filters (also known as 'physical', 'natural', 'reflective') contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which also absorb UV, but additionally reflect, block and scatter UV radiation away from the skin.

It may be helpful to think of organic filters as sponges which absorb UV radiation and inorganic filters as absorbent sponges with little mirrors built into them that bounce UV rays off the skin.

[sources: https://www.bad.org.uk/skin-cancer/sunscreen-fact-sheet#what-is-spf and https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/#what]

All Hawaiian Tropic sun protection products are rigorously tested to demonstrate satisfactory levels of safety and efficacy. The sun protection factor indicated by the SPF number is independent of the type of active ingredients contained in the product. In other words, if two sunscreens, one containing mineral active ingredients and the other containing organic* active ingredients, are tested using the approved SPF testing method and both achieve an SPF of 30, their level of protection is equivalent. [Please note that organic filters does not mean "organic" in the environmental sense, as described above].

The choice of a mineral-based sunscreen versus an organic-based sun protection product is largely a personal one. Some people may find they are sensitive to “organic”-based sunscreens. Mineral-based sunscreens (such as those containing zinc oxide) provide consumers with an alternative to "organic" sun protection products. However, certain mineral-based sun protection products, upon application to the skin, may leave a "white cast". All these things should be taken into account when choosing the type of product that best suits your needs.