Sunscreen FAQ
Nailing down the sunscreen that is best for you and your family can be a challenge when there are so many myths surrounding sun protection. We at Beyond Coastal put together this handy Frequently Asked Questions page to help you sort fact from fiction.
- What should I look for when buying a sunscreen?
- Why does Beyond Coastal not make an SPF 50 or 100 sunscreen?
- What is the difference between Beyond Coastal's Active and Natural lines?
- What ingredients in sunscreens are harmful?
- Do only fair-skinned people need sunscreen?
- What sunscreens are best for children?
- What about sunscreen on infants?
- Why does Beyond Coastal not make sunscreen as a spray or spritzer?
- Can sunscreen help prevent skin cancer?
- Should I avoid the sun altogether?
- What is Beyond Coastal's take on nano-particles?
- What is the proper way to apply sunscreen?
- Can I get a sunburn in the winter?
- What should I do if I get a sunburn?
1. What should I look for when buying a sunscreen?
The most important words on a sunscreen label are "Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection". This means the sunscreen will protect you from immediate damage (sunburn) caused by UVB rays and from long-term damage (premature aging, wrinkles, some skin cancers) caused by UVA rays. UVB protection is measured by SPF, but there is no official marker to declare UVA protection. Many sunscreen labels falsely declare "Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection," so how can you be sure?
- To verify the "Broad Spectrum" claim, look for the active ingredients zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or Avobenzone, which are the only three ingredients that ensure UVA protection.
- Look for an SPF of 15 or 30.
- Make sure harmful chemicals are absent, such as Oxybenzone and parabens.
- Check for the addition of healthy inactive ingredients, like aloe vera, vitamin E and antioxidants. Learn more about Beyond Coastal's ingredients.
2. Why does Beyond Coastal not make an SPF 50 or 100 sunscreen?
High SPF sunscreens suggest a false sense of protection. The SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures the sunscreen's effectiveness against UVB rays. There are two reasons Beyond Coastal offers only SPF 15 and 30.
The first reason: the added protection provided by SPF 50 or 100 sunscreens is insignificant, yet the concentration of potentially harmful active chemicals is much higher. To put it simply:
UVB Protection: SPF 15= 93% SPF 30= 97% SPF 50= 98% SPF 100= 99%
The second reason: a high SPF offer a false sense of protection, so people stay out in the sun longer and reapply less frequently. They might also apply a lighter coat, which dramatically cuts the potency of the SPF rating. It is best to apply the correct amount of an SPF 15 or SPF 30 sunscreen frequently throughout the day.
3. What is the difference between Beyond Coastal's Active and Natural lines?
Beyond Coastal's Active (traditional) sunscreens absorb into the skin and rub in easy and clear. Our Active line is a sport sunscreen that protects with Avobenzone, the healthiest choice in non-mineral protection. Our proprietary ingredient AvoSol adds Solistay to Avobenzone, which stabilizes the active ingredient, adding to your time in the sun.
Beyond Coastal's Natural (mineral) sunscreens use Zinc Oxide to create a physical block that does not absorb into the skin. It can leave a white residue and is more difficult to rub on. Try our Natural Clear SPF 30 sunscreen for a natural sunscreen that rubs on clear and easy with no white residue. Our natural sunscreens are chemical-free which makes them best for very sensitive skin and for children.
All of our sunscreens are free of oxybenzone, petroleum, Vitamin A, and parabens. They are all non-greasy, water-resistant, and fragrance-free.
4. What ingredients in sunscreens are harmful?
- Oxybenzone — linked to allergies, hormone disruption, cell damage, and low birth rate.
- Parabens — mimic estrogen; have been found in breast cancer tumors.
- PABA — a common allergen, might increase UV damage.
- Petroleum — toxic to the human body, unsustainable for the environment.
- Vitamin A — studies claim an increased risk of skin cancer when applied to skin exposed to sunlight.
- Artificial Fragrances — no way to know what the exact chemicals are behind these vague labels.
- Benzophenone-3 — linked to bleaching in coral reefs and interferes with the reproductive system of fish.
You can also look for sunscreens that are labeled cruelty-free and reef-safe. Those concerned about the presence of gluten in their sunscreens can look for sunscreens labeled gluten-free, like all of the Beyond Coastal line.
5. Do only fair-skinned people need sunscreen?
Even though fair-skinned people are at the highest risk for sun damage because of a lower production of melanin, absolutely everyone is at risk for skin cancer, no matter what color their skin.
6. What sunscreens are best for children?
Many parents prefer a natural sunscreen for children who might have allergies. Look for a sunscreen rated highly by the EWG in effectiveness and safety. All sunscreens need to be reapplied frequently, so do not trust a label that claims to last more than two hours without reapplying.
Do not use combination bug spray/sunscreens, as they cause pesticides like DEET to be absorbed into the skin three times faster than when used alone. Also look for a water-resistant lotion sunscreen like our Natural Kids SPF 30; do not choose a spray or a powder. Most of the spray ends up in the air, lowering the SPF effectiveness, and harmful particles can be breathed in by fidgety children. To make applying to the face easier try Beyond Coastal's hands-free Face Stick or our natural Lip and Face tin.
7. What about sunscreen on infants?
Infants under 6 months of age need special protection, and it's best to ask a doctor. A fair-skinned baby does not yet produce melanin proteins for sun protection and should be kept out of the sun. Protective shade and clothing are a baby's first defense. When needed, use a natural, chemical-free sunscreen with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide which won't be absorbed into the skin.
8. Why does Beyond Coastal not make sunscreen as a spray or spritzer?
Most of the sunscreen in a continuous spray or spritzer ends up dispersing into the air, lowering your protection and wasting your money. Some ends up being inhaled, especially by children, which can allow potentially harmful chemicals to enter the body.
9. Can sunscreen help prevent skin cancer?
Sunscreen dramatically decreases the effects of cancer-causing UV rays on the skin. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, accounting for nearly half of all cancer cases. Both UVA and UVB rays contribute to skin cancer, so be sure to use a sunscreen with broad spectrum protection. Learn more about skin cancer prevention from the American Cancer Society.
10. Should I avoid the sun altogether?
The sun is natural and healthy in small doses or with sun protection. Vitamin D is essential to humans and is key for bone strength and hearth health. The sun provides Vitamin D to the skin if exposed for 15 to 30 minutes, even if only the face and hands are exposed.
11. What is Beyond Coastal's take on nano-particles?
Beyond Coastal does not use nano-particles in any of our products. The jury is still out: It is not clear whether nano-particles have harmful effects when applied to the skin.
12. What is the proper way to apply sunscreen?
Non-mineral sunscreens (our Active line sunscreens) should be applied 30 minutes before going in the sun to give it time to absorb into the skin. Reapply every two hours, or more often if going in and out of the water or sweating a lot. People typically do not apply enough sunscreen to their bodies, which lessens their effectiveness. We recommend applying one ounce (the volume of a standard shot glass) evenly to the entire body. Be sure to remember highly exposed areas like the ears, lips, feet, hands and neck. These areas burn easily and are often neglected.
13. Can I get a sunburn in the winter?
Yes. UVB rays are strongest when the sun is hot and bright, but UVA rays penetrate the skin steadily all year-round: even through cloud cover. UV radiation is more intense at higher altitudes, so skiers beware. For every 1000 feet above sea level, you are exposed to 5% more UV radiation. Bright snow also reflects UV rays; our hands-free Face Stick is easy to apply with gloves on.
14. What should I do if I get a sunburn?
Take a cool shower or place a cold, wet towel on the burn. Use aloe vera gel or After Sun moisturizer liberally on all burned areas. For adults, Ibuprofen may help relieve pain. Next time you're out in the sun, be sure to wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses and apply sunscreen liberally. Light clothing reflects sunlight most effectively.