We keep hearing that Zinc Oxide is better for the reef and some companies even market Zinc oxide products as "bio-degradable", but this is not the case, as Zinc oxide is marketed as a mineral and doesn't bio-degrade, minerals bio-accumulates or builds on the coral. The coral needs sun, the Zinc oxide blocks the sun.
BU won't market any of their sunscreens, as "reef safe/reef friendly" as nothing is and there is no regulatory organization that even has a "reef safe" definition. Now companies are taking "reef-safe or friendly" off their packaging, instead, they market "compliant with Hawaii bill 104",
Are some ingredients more harmful than others to the reef? Again, they are all harmful. If you planning a reef outing, UV Apparel is your best bet for sun protection, the fibers in the material don't come off and affect the reef.
SO, WHAT KILLING OR WHITENING THE REEFS?
The biggest proven issue of global warming, which is documented to be bleaching "killing" the reefs, as well as pollution and coastal developments. Check out our blog for more info: What is really KILLING the Coral Reefs globally??? I can handle the Truth!
More testing is going to be done to determine the safest sunscreens for the reefs.
Can I take BU sunscreen sprays on the plane?
Self-powered (continuous) spray cans may contain potentially harmful propellants and are pressurized, making them not so easily recyclable. The pressured container can also present special challenges when traveling by air on vacation and the containers are too big to take on your carry-on, usually 6 oz-8 oz and pressurized.
bü sunscreen sprays are 1oz (170 sprays) and 3.3oz (500 sprays) that are not pressurized and can come in your overnight bag.
What makes BU different from other Sunscreen?
bü products are Anhydrous (no water) which makes it difficult for bacterial growth. We recognize that traditional sunscreen is the farthest thing from “feels good”, so we strive to formulate products that you and your family actually want to put on: they are lightweight, not greasy or sticky and easily absorb into skin. bü has Broad Spectrum protection, which means it protects skin from UVA rays, UVB rays and IRA rays.
Do BU products expire?
IF, you find a bottle in your cabinet or car that has NOT been exposed to sunlight, even if it's expired, it still may provide protection. bü products have a listed 3 year shelf life, from manufacturing dates but can last longer or less, depending on the "energy/sunlight" exposure.
Can I use BU on my kids?
Yes! bü products are oil, alcohol, paba, preservative, and paraban free, so you can feel good about putting it on your kids.
Most of our products are formulated with sensitive skin in mind, so they are less likely to irritate skin. We recommend starting a healthy sun protection habit with children as young as 6 months but always consult your doctor or pediatrician prior to product use.
Are BU products gluten-free?
Yes, 100% of bü products are gluten-free. In fact, we have received really great feedback from those with allergies!
Are BU Products vegan?
Yes, bü products are registered with PETA as vegan and cruelty free.
Do you use Dimethicone?
Dimethicone is used in some Zinc formulas to help evenly spread on the skin, which is an important factor for meeting SPF and Critical Wavelength requirement. Dimethicone is widely recognized as a safe ingredient. It is approved by the FDA and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel and has even been given a low hazard rating of 3 by the EWG.
How often should I reapply my sunscreen? "don't be shy to reapply"™
The first application of the day is the most important and it is crucial to take the time to do it properly. Many things can affect the need to reapply sunscreen—excessive sweating, toweling off, wind, skin tone, and swimming all hamper the ability for sunscreen to remain on the skin and make reapplication important.
As per the FDA monograph, Sunscreen should be reapplied immediately after towel drying; after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating (depending on the time noted on the label); at least every 2 hours.
Does a SPF 30 protect twice as much as a SPF 15?
First, it’s important to note that SPF measures only UVB protection. Be sure to always use a “Broad Spectrum” sunscreen to ensure protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Finding out the production of an SPF product is a mathematical equation: the SPF minus 1, divided by the SPF. So SPF 15 (15-1/15) protects from 93.3% of UVB radiation; a SPF 30 protects from 96.7%, and an SPF 50 (50-1=49 divided by 50)= 98%
I’m young – why should I worry about skin cancer or my skin aging?
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 (wearing a hat, wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, and staying in the shade) it will help reduce the dangers of skin cancer and premature aging.
What are parabens?
Parabens are used in products to prevent bacteria growth. The reason they are controversial is that they mimic estrogen in the body and have been linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues. All bü products are paraben-free.
Will I become deficient in Vitamin D if I wear sunscreen?
Wearing sunscreen everyday will not necessarily cause you to become Vitamin D deficient. Your body creates Vitamin D when it is exposed to UV rays—just 5-10 minutes of exposure is enough time to make a sufficient amount.
However, when you wear sunscreen, some UV rays still reach the skin and allow your body to create Vitamin D. There are other safe ways to get Vitamin D besides exposing yourself to sun. Foods like milk, orange juice and fatty fish are all Vitamin D-rich options. You can also take a multivitamin or supplement containing Vitamin D.
Why is oxybenzone marketed as dangerous?
Oxybenzone is used in many sunscreens because it effectively provides broad spectrum protection from UV radiation. The problem is, it has been shown to be easily absorbed through the skin and "may" be linked to hormone disruption. All of bü’s products are oxybenzone-free and instead use other ingredients that provide broad spectrum protection.
Should I be concerned about vitamin A in my sunscreen?
Environmental Working Group recommends that consumers avoid sunscreens that have Vitamin A. Data from an FDA cancer study showed that retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A commonly used as a sunscreen ingredient, may speed the growth of skin tumors. These effects happen only when retinyl palmitate or other forms of vitamin A are used on skin in the presence of sunlight. The study of retinyl palmitate’s toxicity was conducted by scientists at the FDA and the National Toxicology Panel (NTP 2012). Their findings reinforced earlier data identifying health risks of vitamin A in sun-exposed skin care products. bü products DO NOT use Vitamin A.
Can I layer SPF to achieve a higher SPF protection?
No, using different SPF sunscreens will not result in higher protection; the SPF protecting you is the highest one you apply. For example, if you were to put on an SPF 15 and then an SPF 30 you would have SPF 30 protection, not SPF 45.
Do your formulas contain nanoparticles?
No, our products do not contain nanoparticles. Nanotechnology is used in sunscreen to make Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide particles smaller, so they don’t create an opaque, white look on the skin. Doing this though allows the materials to penetrate further into the skin, potentially causing adverse health effects. There isn’t enough research on this topic to determine if nanoparticles truly are a hazard, so we have decided to veer on the safe side and not use them.
What is Ultraviolet Radiation?
The spectrum of solar radiation includes both visible light and an invisible light, which cannot be seen, known as ultraviolet radiation. The sun's ultraviolet rays are divided into UVA, UVB, and UVC. Until recently, UVB rays considered the only form of radiation to cause skin damage such as sunburn, wrinkling and premature aging. Research indicates that UVA contributes to skin damage including pre-cancerous changes. And UVC, don't make it to earth.
What are the characteristics of UVA rays?
More UVA rays reach the earth's surface than do UVB rays and UVA rays outnumber UVB rays by a ratio of 9 to 1. In addition, UVA rays do not undergo seasonal and daily changes as do UVB rays, so human skin is exposed to continuous UVA radiation. UVA also penetrates more deeply into the skin, directly to the dermis.
What is the difference between a sunscreen and a Sunblock?
"Sunblock" is term that was generally used to describe higher SPF (30+) products. No product is a total Sunblock, which is why tanning still occurs with a SPF 15 that protects from 93% UV rays. Sunblock is not normally used to describe sunscreens today.
Are products higher than SPF 30 really necessary?
Yes. Although a SPF 30 is effective in providing sun protection, 96.7%, some people require greater levels of protection. High SPF products block more UVB and UVA rays which penetrate the skin deeply, and are relatively consistent year round. An SPF 50 blocks 98% UV, but takes approx. 10.5 % more chemicals to protect 1.3% more rays. Anything after an SPF 50 means even more chemicals with less benefit. An SPF 70 protects from 98.5% of UV rays.
Should I worry about UVA or UVB rays?
UVA (Aging) are long waves that can contribute to premature aging, wrinkling and pre-cancerous changes. These products also provide protection for longer periods of time (for those who work outside or participate in prolonged outdoor activities).
UVB (Burning) are short wave rays that cause the skin to become tender and red- burnt.
Research estimates that regular use of highly protective sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) for the first 18 years of life could reduce the incidence of certain types of pre-cancerous changes by nearly 80%.
Why is a PABA free product important?
A significant amount of people develop an allergic reaction to sunscreens with PABA. Therefore, an individual with a history of allergic responses to PABA may want to use a PABA free product. bü products are PABA Free.
Is it possible to get burned on a cloudy day?
Yes. Sunlight penetrates clouds. Daylight gets through and so do 70-80 percent of the sun's damaging rays. In fact, many people get the worst burn of their lives on cloudy days because they have not used sunscreens.
Will a water-resistant or very water-resistant sunscreen really stay on in the water? What is the difference between the two? What does waterproof mean?
The labeled claim water-resistant 40mins or 80mins mean that the product will maintain it s category of SPF protection for a specific amount of time in the water (40 mins or 80 mins). Very Water resistant is a no no now with the FDA, so all product that are Water resistant must have the time below listed. Waterproof is another word that is no longer allowed.
How can you prevent sunscreen from dripping into your eyes when you are exercising outdoors?
This is difficult, because everyone is different. Many athletes love bü products because they say bü does not burn their eyes. Others, are very sensitive and it really hurts their eyes for a period of time. If you know your eyes are sensitive to other products, a hat is a good solution.
How real is the risk of getting skin cancer from overexposure to the sun?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five individuals will develop skin cancer during his/her lifetime. Last year over 1.0 Million new cases of skin cancer in the United States, will be diagnosed afflicting more people than all other cancers combined. Additional leisure time and the popularity of outdoor recreation are probably responsible for the increased incidence of skin cancer.
Is it important to wear sunscreen for winter sports such as skiing?
Yes. Skin damaging UVA rays maintain a relatively consistent strength throughout the year. UVB rays vary in intensity from season to season. Even in the same location, UVB rays will be stronger in the summer than in the winter. However, it is important to use sunscreen in the winter, especially near highly reflective surfaces such as snow. The sun reflected off of snow causes even more burning rays to reach the skin, in addition to those coming directly from the sun. Therefore, sunscreen is highly recommended for winter sports such as skiing.
What are the types of skin cancer?
- Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Malignant Melanoma
Who is at risk?
Those individuals whose jobs keep them in the sun daily have an increased risk of developing certain types of skin cancer. It is also prevalent among people with fair skin and people of any skin type who allow themselves considerable exposure to the sun. Especially sensitive are those with blond, red or light brown hair, and blue, green or gray eyes. These people tend to have freckles and sunburn easily. Skin cancer may also tend to run in families. Liberal and regular use of sunscreen can help reduce the chance of skin cancer occurring.
How will the depletion of the ozone layer affect the incidence of skin cancer?
According to the US Environmental protection Agency, a 5 % decrease in the ozone layer could increase UV radiation by about 10 %, which in turn could increase the incidence of skin cancer by as much as 20 % within the next two decades.
What is incidental sun exposure?
Most people are concerned about the damage caused by direct solar exposure from sunbathing or intense periods of exposure. However, dermatologists recognize that incidental sun exposure from activities such as jogging, walking, and gardening is cumulative and can cause significant skin damage. This is why dermatologists recommend year round sunscreen protection.
