sunumbra faq

The sunumbra® faq listed below are linked directly to the answers further down the page.

• Can you use sunumbra® on babies?


• What is a 5 star UVA rating, whose standard is it and what does it mean?


• I have a very sensitive skin. How suitable is sunumbra® for those with sensitive skins?


• Would it be possible to get a full ingredient list?


• Could you provide me with any backed up reassurance in regard to your 5 star UVA rating?


• Please advise why you have used dimethicone?


• How suitable is sunumbra® sunscreen for Skiing and Winter Sports?


• Does your product have an expiration date? If so, how long is it?


• What are the shipping costs, for 1 or 2 tubes?


• How exactly do botanical extracts work as sun filters?


• Titanium Dioxide refracts sunlight How does Zinc Oxide work as a sun filter?


• I have found that after a while there is sometimes a small, pale residue on my skin, and particularly in my case, it settles in the lines (of my wrinkles J). Is this the zinc oxide?


• Is the zinc oxide dimethicone in sunumbra® in nano particle form?


• Please can you tell me if sunumbra® is safe for cats?


• Why is Titanium Dioxide not the best choice for a physical sunblock?


• Are your products gluten free?


• Is sunumbra® safe to use during pregnancy?

Can you use sunumbra® on babies?

Patricia Treadwell, a pediatric dermatologist, was asked about using sunscreens on babies and I particularly enjoyed her answer. The following contains some of her response:

"I recommend choosing a "physical" or "chemical-free" sunscreen made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. I also suggest you keep a baby younger than 6 months out of the sun altogether whenever possible. When that's just not practical, be sure to protect your young baby with sunscreen. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which may cause irritation or allergic reactions because the skin absorbs the active ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sit on top of the skin, forming a barrier against the sun's rays.Besides the increasing evidence that chemical sunscreens are dangerous or toxic, we just don't know enough yet about how young children react to the ingredients.

Also, sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide start protecting as soon as you put them on, whereas chemical products need to be slathered on 15 to 30 minutes in advance so the skin has time to absorb them. If you do use a chemical-based sunscreen, make sure you do a patch test first to make sure your child won't have a reaction to it. Apply a small amount to the inside of the upper arm. If your child develops a rash or redness at the site by the next day, choose another formula instead."

What is a 5 star UVA rating, whose standard is it and what does it mean?

A "Boots Star" rating is one of the international measures used by sunscreen manufacturers to certify UVA ray protection levels. The usual SPF we all know is the measurement for UVB ray protection only. Global health organisations are pushing for protection at sufficiently high levels for UVA as well as UVB protection, as the UVA rays, being much longer than UVB rays, can create deeper level damage to your skin. Boots Star is UK in origin and they measure from 1 to 5 stars, where 5 is the highest level attainable.

I have a very sensitive skin. How suitable is sunumbra for those with sensitive skins?

sunumbra® is designed especially to be able to cater for all skin types by not only being free of toxic ingredients, but including ingredients that are healing, boost the health of the skin and are calming. But we have gone further than this and created a sunscreen specifically for children, which is more alkaline. This is also sometimes preferable for adults with sensitive skins.

We have tested both very specifically on those who normally suffer side effects from the chemical based sunscreens. These side effects usually include skin rashes or even pimple outbreaks, a flushed effect and a reddening of the skin. We have had numerous positive feedback emails to affirm sunumbra® does not produce these sort of effects, but welcome more feedback from people such as yourself.

Would it be possible to get a full ingredient list?

The full ingredient list is actually on the website here. If you click on each ingredient you can obtain more detail on every one of them.

Could you provide me with any backed up reassurance in regard to your 5 star UVA rating?

The tests done on sunumbra® and ultimate certifications were through the Photobiology Laboratory at The Medical University of SA, for both the SPF (UVB) as well as the UVA(5 Stars). They use the equivalent of the Diffey/ Boots Star system for the UVA, which is one of the UVA testing systems being used globally. We wanted to obtain UVA certification and decided to go with this one, as it appeared it would align not only with the UK and the EU but also with what the US were talking about doing, although they have now backed down and only require a sunscreen to say it is broad spectrum.

Doctor Beverley Summers, who heads up the Photobiology Laboratory, also sits on a global body called the "International SPF Harmonisation Group & ISO" who continually look at ways to keep global sunscreen certification in harmony.

Please advise why you have used dimethicone?

We do not use it as an emollient, but rather as a hydrophobic coating of the Zinc Oxide particles. Effectively this means that it sits on top of the skin and does not penetrate, as well as providing plenty of space for the skin to breathe. Ie. The opposite of the effect of an emollient. Visualize a whole lot of different size balls bundled up and sitting on your skin, and although all touching, there are spaces through which the skin will breathe. It is not sitting on your skin like a layer of plastic, which would be the effect of it being used as an emollient. In the overall formula, its' presence is 0.28%, which is miniscule. Also, from a bio-degradability perspective we understand it to be inert when bio-degraded.

But needless to say, I am not blase about dimethicone being included and so have taken as much advice as possible. Click here for an important research document on the safety assessment of dimethicone, where you will see the conclusion is...

"...the CIR Expert Panel was of the opinion that...Dimethicone...is safe as used in cosmetic formulations".

The key element is the tiny proportion used, together with the fact that it stays coated to the Zinc Oxide particles and therefore on top of the skin in such a way that the skin can breathe. The FDA even classified dimethicone as "Designated as safe for general or specific, limited use in food". Also, it has been used for decades in bandages for raw wounds. But as always, it is good to do the homework on any new research and not assume or trust implicitly!

How suitable is sunumbra® sunscreen for Skiing and Winter Sports?

• sunumbra® provides high protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Most sunscreens don't offer this protection as they protect only against UVB. This means that you are only protected from getting a sun burn, and you are not protected from getting skin cancer or premature aging of the skin. Those that do provide UVA as well as UVB do not often stipulate the level of UVA protection.
• At higher altitudes you have more direct exposure to the sun simply because you are physically closer to it. This is why it is important that you select a sunscreen that offers a higher SPF protection. SPF30 is considered high enough as it provides 97% UV protection. SPF60 provides for 98%. No sunscreen provides 100%.
• It is also important that when you go skiing you remember to moisturize. Air tends to be drier at higher altitudes and this will have an impact on your skin since dry skin burns faster than moist skin. sunumbra® has excellent moisturizing qualities as well as a natural boost to the skins own abilities to protect itself from damaging UV rays.
• sunumbra® is photo-stable, meaning that it doesn't degrade when it comes into contact with the sun.
• sunumbra® is tested and approved as being water resistant for 40 minutes. Many other sunscreens claim to be water proof, in which case they tend to clog the skin's pores and not allow them to breathe. The general rule here is if wiping off sweat or snow or sleet, make sure to reapply your sunscreen.

Does your product have an expiration date? If so, how long is it?

The shelf life of sunumbra® is 18 months. Production runs approx every 6 weeks and each run stamps the relevant expiry date on the tube.

What are the shipping costs, for 1 or 2 tubes?

The shipping costs vary quite significantly with your whereabouts in the world, plus the method of shipping you choose so it is hard for me to provide you with any fixed parameters for this. If you go through to the order page, you will see all the relevant options available, as well as price discounts for more than 2 tubes, etc

How exactly do botanical extracts work as sun filters?

The principle method of their operations is as an antioxidant, preventing burning where burning is oxidation. It is more probable that there are many reasons that we are not aware of it's just observing the results. The work that we have done at Natural Suncare is pioneering in this area.

Titanium Dioxide refracts sunlight How does Zinc Oxide work as a sun filter?

Titanium Dioxide is the most opaque substance known to man - that we are aware of -and as such predominantly reflects light rather than refracts light. Zinc Oxide's action is the same as Titanium Dioxide, but being slightly less opaque will reflect slightly less in comparison.

I have found that after a while there is sometimes a small, pale residue on my skin, and particularly in my case, it settles in the lines (of my wrinkles J). Is this the zinc oxide?

This is most definitely the Zinc Oxide, being the one substance that does not penetrate the skin, but is also likely to be combined with some of the botanicals.

Is the zinc oxide dimethicone in Sunumbra in nano particle form?

We have looked into the various arguments around nano particles and realise this will be a concern for many people who do take the time to read up about the various things they are putting onto or into their bodies, and hence take it very seriously. The Zinc Oxide we use is actually defined as 'micronised' as opposed to nano, but in the end it all comes down to actual size and what it will do on your skin. The average size of the particles is 0.2 micron or alternatively 200 nanometers. 'Nano' is defined as 1000th micron. Much research decrying the use of nanoparticles talk about 1 100 nanometers.

Remember, the main objective of using Zinc Oxide is as a sun reflective and thus it needs to stay on the skins' surface. Thus the objective here is also to make sure it doesn't penetrate the skin. Compared to the organic chemical sunscreens, the size of the micronised Zinc Oxide particles are huge, and in comparison does not penetrate the skin at all. Also, we chose to use Zinc Oxide that is coated with dimethicone, which in itself makes the particles larger and less able to penetrate the skin. For this reason, combined with the historical evidence of its healing qualities, we chose to go with Zinc Oxide.

A few quotes below backing this:

"There is evidence from isolated cell experiments that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can induce free radical formation in the presence of light and that this may damage these cells (photo-mutagenicity with zinc oxide). However, this would only be of concern in people using sunscreens if the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide penetrated into viable skin cells. The weight of current evidence is that they remain on the surface of the skin and in the outer dead layer (stratum corneum) of the skin."

I have not yet heard anything more elaborating further on the "isolated cell experiments" mentioned above. To quote from the TGA in Australia:

"In early 2009, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) conducted an updated review of the scientific literature in relation to the use of nanoparticulate zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in sunscreens.

The TGA review concluded that:

• The potential for titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens to cause adverse effects depends primarily upon the ability of the nanoparticles to reach viable skin cells; and
• To date, the current weight of evidence suggests that titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles do not reach viable skin cells; rather, they remain on the surface of the skin and in the outer layer of the skin that is composed of non-viable cells.
• The TGA is continuing to monitor the emerging scientific literature to ensure appropriate action is taken should any tangible safety concerns be identified.

Please see a recent report on "Scientists use laser imaging to assess safety of zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreen"

The bottom line for us is that our particle sizes are much larger than the defined nano sizes and so will stay on the skin surface.

Please can you tell me if sunumbra® is safe for cats?

Your cat won't react badly to the ingredients as it is such a small amount. The only thing one has to be wary of consuming in large amounts is the Zinc Oxide ie. if one ate the whole tube you wouldn't really feel too good! sunumbra® contains Kigelia extract (sausage tree) as well, so she will benefit from that anyway, but she will also benefit from all the other skin healing ingredients. As I am sure you have for your upper lip which was very good to know! The trick is to get sunumbra® to absorb and that will relate directly to how long you keep her from licking! Where sun protection is concerned, the ZnO stays on the surface, so when she licks it off the protection will be gone. Worth a try, but am not sure how effective! I am very keen to get pigs to use sunumbra® as they burn very easily and apparently have all sorts of problems but so far I haven't had a response from the few farmers I have sent messages to. Better than the chemical stuff they currently put on I am sure, but perhaps a bit too expensive?

Why is Titanium Dioxide not the best choice for a physical sunblock?

There are several reasons...

• As a sunscreen spray it is definitely not a good idea. There was a Swiss study done (1) that likened titanium dioxide to asbestos was referring to its toxicity when inhaled. This is only a threat when it is in sunscreen sprays, not creams.
• There are many cases where Titanium Dioxide has resulted in allergic reactions. (2) For those affected with titanium allergy, the symptoms can be multiple and bewildering. These can range from simple skin rashes to muscle pain and fatigue. (3) and (4)
• When it come to the environment, Zinc Oxide is considered to be environmentally safe, whereas Titanium Dioxide presents many biodegradable toxic queries. The US Environment Protection Agency issued a paper on the water quality criteria for zinc where aquatic life is concerned. They conclude most zinc introduced into aquatic environments attaches to other oxides, clay, and organic materials and settles into the sediment. The product itself and its products of degradation are not toxic. Other forms of zinc, however, are soluble and potentially toxic, but not zinc oxide.
• Titanium dioxide doesn't protect from the sun's UVA rays as well as zinc oxide does.

Refs:

1. Nanoparticles activate the NLR pyrin domain and cause pulmonary inflammation
2. Titanium Allergy
3. Forum for sufferers of Titanium Dioxide allergy
4. Ultrafine titanium dioxide particles can induce oxidative damage to human bronchial epithelial cells.

Are your products gluten free?

sunumbra® products are 100% gluten free. They are also manufactured in an eco-certified laboratory which is entirely gluten free and smells delicious when you walk into it as there are no toxic chemical smells! Just wonderfully aromatic essential oils, botanical ingredients and pure oils. Thank you for sending your query it has alerted me to the fact that people out there need to know this sort of thing". This site lists gluten free products they recommend - which may be of interest?

Is sunumbra® safe to use during pregnancy?

Our sunscreen formulas are designed to be 100% free of harmful chemicals. The key objective for me was to create a sunscreen that would enable us to protect ourselves from the sun's UVA and UVB rays while not contaminating our bodies with bad chemicals. The sunscreen active ingredient is Zinc Oxide and this is, I believe, by far the safest option available to us of all the approved sunscreen ingredients. As a physical block, it sits on your skin and reflects the sun's rays, rather than being absorbed by the skin as the other chemical sunscreen actives do.

In addition to this, we have used botanical ingredients that add to the sun protection as well as provide the body with a significant antioxidant boost. In fact, all the ingredients used provide the body, or skin, with direct benefits. They are not present merely as a filler, or to counter-balance some chemical ingredient, as we have found is often the case with other formulas.

So, to answer your question - I believe that sunumbra® sunscreen will not only provide you with safe sun protection, but will provide you with added antioxidant qualities that can only benefit you and your baby too!