Frequently Asked Questions about Sunscreen
1. Do I Really Need to Wear Sunscreen Every Day, Even in Winter?
Yes! UVA rays are present year-round with relatively equal intensity, regardless of the season. They can penetrate clouds and glass, so wearing sunscreen daily is important, even if you're mostly indoors.
2. Are Your Sunscreens "Reef Safe"?
We believe in transparency: the term "reef-safe" can be misleading. There is no regulatory definition for it, and nothing is completely safe for the reef, including humans. Some companies market zinc oxide as better for reefs, but it doesn't biodegrade; instead, it accumulates on coral and can block sunlight, which the coral needs. For more information, read our blog post on what's really harming coral reefs.
3. Can I Bring BU Sunscreen Sprays on a Plane?
Yes! Our 1oz (170 sprays) and 3.3oz (500 sprays) sunscreen sprays are not pressurized and meet TSA requirements for carry-on luggage.
4. What Makes BU Different from Other Sunscreens?
BU products are anhydrous (water-free), reducing the risk of bacterial growth. They are also lightweight, non-greasy, and provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB, and IRA rays.
5. Do BU Products Expire?
Our sunscreens have a 3-year shelf life, but storage conditions matter. If the bottle hasn't been exposed to sunlight, it may still provide protection even after the expiration date.
6. Can I Use BU Sunscreen on My Kids?
Yes! Our sunscreens are oil-free, alcohol-free, PABA-free, preservative-free, and paraben-free, making them suitable for children. We recommend starting sun protection at 6 months, but always consult a pediatrician first.
7. Are BU Products Gluten-Free?
Yes, all BU products are 100% gluten-free.
8. Are BU Products Vegan?
Yes, our products are certified vegan and cruelty-free by PETA.
9. Why Is Dimethicone Used in Some Formulas?
Dimethicone helps spread the sunscreen evenly, which is important for SPF performance. It is recognized as safe by the FDA and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel.
10. How Often Should I Reapply Sunscreen?
The FDA recommends reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours or immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel drying. Remember, "don't be shy to reapply™!"
11. Does SPF 30 Protect Twice as Much as SPF 15?
No. SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 96.7%, and SPF 50 blocks 98%. The difference lies in the UVB protection percentage, not the amount of protection.
12. Why Should Young People Worry About Sun Damage?
Sun damage is cumulative and irreversible. Even limited daily exposure adds up over time, increasing the risk of skin cancer and premature aging. Wearing daily sunscreen can help reduce these risks.
13. What Are Parabens, and Are They in BU Products?
Parabens are preservatives used in cosmetics. They are controversial because they can mimic estrogen. BU products are paraben-free.
14. Will Wearing Sunscreen Cause Vitamin D Deficiency?
Wearing sunscreen does not necessarily cause a deficiency. The body can produce Vitamin D from as little as 5-10 minutes of sun exposure, and some UV rays still penetrate through sunscreen.
15. Is Oxybenzone Dangerous?
Oxybenzone is used for broad-spectrum UV protection, but concerns have been raised about its potential link to hormone disruption. BU products are oxybenzone-free.
16. Why Avoid Vitamin A in Sunscreen?
Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) may accelerate the growth of skin tumors when exposed to sunlight. BU products do not contain Vitamin A.
17. Can I Layer Different SPFs for Higher Protection?
No, layering sunscreens will only provide the protection of the highest SPF applied, not a combined level.
18. What Is Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation?
UV radiation is invisible and comes in three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. While UVC rays don’t reach the Earth's surface, UVA and UVB rays can damage the skin.
19. Should I Worry About UVA or UVB Rays?
Both. UVA rays penetrate deeper and cause aging, while UVB rays cause burns and are linked to skin cancer.
20. What Does PABA-Free Mean?
Some people are allergic to PABA, a common sunscreen ingredient. BU products are PABA-free.
21. Can You Get Sunburned on a Cloudy Day?
Yes. Up to 70-80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds, making sunburn possible even on overcast days.
22. What Is Water-Resistant Sunscreen?
Water-resistant sunscreens maintain their SPF rating for 40 or 80 minutes in water. The term "waterproof" is no longer permitted by the FDA.
23. How Can I Prevent Sunscreen from Getting in My Eyes?
Wearing a hat or headband can help reduce the chances of sunscreen running into your eyes, especially during exercise.
24. What Are the Risks of Skin Cancer?
One in five people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Regular sunscreen use can significantly reduce this risk.
25. Do I Need Sunscreen for Winter Sports?
Yes. Snow reflects UV rays, increasing the risk of sunburn. Sunscreen is essential for activities like skiing.
