Sunscreen products can be either chemical screens that work by absorbing UV rays (like a sponge) or mineral screens (physical) that work by reflecting or scattering UV rays (like a mirror.) Mineral sunscreens (that are pure mineral) can only have zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the two active sunscreen ingredients. Chemical sunscreens generally use a combination of chemical screens. Regardless of the ingredients, it is important to select a product that is labeled “Broad Spectrum” and protects from both UVA and UVB rays. Chemical sunscreens must be applied 30 minutes prior to sun exposure while mineral sunscreens are effective immediately upon application.

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It is the measure of the UVB protection offered by a product. In theory, the SPF number indicates how much longer you can be exposed to the sun (without burning) while wearing sunscreen than without wearing sunscreen. The time it takes for someone’s skin to burn varies greatly with every individual, therefore, it is important to remember that sunscreen is not a one size fits all science. Those with lighter skin, eyes and hair are more susceptible to skin cancer and burn more easily, so we suggest an SPF of 50 for those at higher risk or with a history of skin cancer.

There are two types of rays that affect our skin UVA (aging) and UVB (burning.)

Both UVA and UVB penetrate the atmosphere and play an important role in conditions such as premature skin aging, eye damage (including cataracts), and skin cancers. They also suppress the immune system, reducing your ability to fight off these and other diseases.

UVA Rays (aging) are more prevalent, representing 95% of the rays that affect our skin. They are present at equal intensity all year long and are not tied to the season. UVA rays are able to penetrate clouds and glass. UVA rays reach deeper into the skin, so the cumulative damage is not seen immediately; it appears over time.

UVB rays (burning) make up only 5% of the rays that affect our skin but are more intense during the spring and summer months, or when the UV index is high. UVB rays are shorter and more concentrated; they affect the surface of the skin, and the burning is generally seen quickly.

MDSolarSciences products are broad-spectrum, protecting from both UVA and UVB rays. Our products are also infused with our proprietary antioxidant blend affording even more protection from harmful UV rays across the spectrum.

No sunscreen product provides 100% UV protection. Typically, an SPF 15 protects from 92% of UVB rays, SPF 30 from 97%, and SPF 50 from 98%. If you are fair-skinned or expect to be in the sun for long periods of time, it would be wise to select an SPF that best matches your needs.

In addition, always make sure your sunscreen is labeled “broad-spectrum,” as SPF only measures the percentage of UVB rays being blocked.  A broad-spectrum sunscreen will protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

No product is a total sunblock. The normal range of protection is between 92-98% depending on the SPF rating. In addition, always make sure your sunscreen is labeled “broad spectrum,” as SPF only measures the percentage of UVB rays being blocked.  A broad-spectrum sunscreen will protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

IMPORTANT: Practice a combination of sun-safe measures to ensure optimum protection, such as avoiding the mid-day sun and wearing sun protective clothing such as a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a long-sleeved shirt.

Absolutely. UVA rays penetrate clouds and glass. Other environmental factors to consider include altitude, time of day, where you live, season, and UV reflection off snow, sand or water.

MDSolarSciences is committed to protecting the environment, and we never use octinoxate or oxybenzone.  Nor have we ever.

According to the US National Ocean Service:  “In a 2016 study, a team of international scientists found that a common chemical in many sunscreen lotions and cosmetics is highly toxic to juvenile corals and other marine life. Oxybenzone, or BP-3, is found in more than 3,500 skin care products worldwide for protection against the sun's harmful effects. The compound has been found entering the environment both through wastewater effluent and directly from swimmers wearing sunscreens.

The study, published in the journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, showed four major toxic effects in early, developing coral: increased susceptibility to bleaching; DNA damage (genotoxicity); abnormal skeleton growth (via endocrine disruption); and gross deformities of baby coral. The authors of the study conclude that nontoxic oxybenzone alternatives are critical for protecting reefs and the exacerbating effects posed by climate change and bleaching.” (https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.html)

All of our products are 100% cruelty-free. This is a big part of our brand ethos and commitment to protecting people and our planet. We have been assured that our ingredients have not been tested on animals and in cases where tests are normally done on animals, we ensure that we use alternative methods of testing done without animals.

All of MDSolarsciences products are safe for children 6 months and above. We recommend for infants younger than 6 months you consult your pediatrician or pediatric dermatologist for their recommendation. Infants are more susceptible to sunburns and in some cases, these may cause serious burns or lead to infections.

Sunscreen should be applied liberally to all sun exposed parts of the body. You should also apply sunscreen to vulnerable or more sensitive areas including around the eyes (including eyelids), ears, and lips which are often missed during application. Be generous with sunscreen and try to look in a mirror when applying to your face. Please consult our application guidelines for more information regarding proper sunscreen application. Remember that chemical sunscreens need to be applied 30 minutes prior to sun exposure so they have time to be absorbed and begin to work. Mineral sunscreens are effective immediately. If you are unsure of what type you are using, be cautious and apply 30 minutes prior to going outdoors to achieve optimum protection.

You never completely recover from sunburn. The effects of daily sun exposure and especially sunburn are cumulative. The skin gradually loses its protective capabilities until symptoms of skin aging and cancer develop. A recent study shows that short periods of exposure to UVB radiation reduce the skin's ability to produce collagen and elastin. This is the hallmark of long-term exposure to UV radiation and is believed to be responsible for the wrinkled appearance of sun-exposed skin.

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, it will help reduce the dangers of skin cancer and premature aging.

Yes. Some medications shift the skin’s UV sensitivity. Some examples include diuretics, antibiotics, heart medications and NSAIDs. In some instances, sunscreens may impact or interfere with the effectiveness of the medication. Always check medications, including common OTC drugs, for sun warnings. When in doubt, discuss medications and how they may affect your photosensitivity (sensitivity to the sun) with your doctor.