Original sun protection products were developed as either a cream or lotion. This was a format that was applied on areas of the face and body and recognized, at times, for its white opaque appearance as it was rubbed in. Today, the formats and applications have drastically improved and expanded to include sprays, sticks, gels and oils, just to name a few.
What is Sunscreen Oil?
A sunscreen oil formula contains a variety of oils targeted to help enhance moisture and glow on the skin in addition to UVA/UVB sun protection filters. Our Sunscreen Body Oil SPF 50 PA++++ contains a nourishing blend of kukui and mongongo oils and vitamin C to leave the skin with a radiant-looking glow without the damaging effects of the sun.
Don’t be fooled by the beautiful application and visual perks of sunscreen oil. To be labeled a sunscreen, a sunscreen oil must go through the same rigorous development and testing methods to ensure the sun protection FDA monograph is followed and customers can feel reassured of the application and benefits. Saltair's Sunscreen Body Oil is designed to provide high-level protection against UVB and UVA radiation. The SPF 50 rating ensures strong UVB radiation protection while the broad spectrum claim indicates protection against UVB and UVA radiation. The sunscreen also has a PA++++ rating, the highest UVA radiation protection level to claim under this rating system.
Sunscreen Oil Benefits:
- Ease of application
- Moisturizing
- Enhanced skin glow
- Innovative film former for even coverage
- Can be worn as a nighttime oil
Oils in the Saltair Sunscreen Oil:
- Mongongo (Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel) Oil: lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins, making it ideal for all skin types. It helps enhance the skin barrier and improve skin's overall appearance for smoother, moisturized skin.
- Kukui (Aleurites Moluccana Seed) Oil: lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that is rich in essential fatty acids to help improve skin barrier function. When the skin barrier functions at its best, the skin looks and feels at its optimal appearance.
- Helianthus Annuus Seed (Sunflower) Oil: a non-irritating, non-comedogenic oil beneficial for dry skin due to its linoleic acid content. It forms a barrier on skin to help reduce the loss of skin’s water content which provides a smoother, softer and healthier-looking appearance.
How To Use Sunscreen Oil
Application of a sunscreen oil is similar to a lotion or cream application. For thorough sun protection you will want to apply evenly on skin to give the full SPF level of coverage and protection.
Our Sunscreen Oil SPF 50 utilizes an innovative film former: one of the key concerns to sunscreen application is the ability to provide even coverage on the skin. Saltair’s Sunscreen Oil SPF 50 uses an oil structuring polymer that creates an impressive film on the skin delivering wear resistance benefits and helps deliver an effective even coverage.
All topical sunscreen products contain active pharmaceutical ingredients that absorb specific wavelengths in the UV range and release that energy in the form of heat, preventing your skin from absorbing the UV rays. These products need to be reapplied every 2 hours if you are in the sun or more frequently if submerging skin in the water.
Can I Use Sunscreen Oil with a Regular Sunscreen?
If you feel you need to apply a more traditional lotion or spray in addition to an oil, it can be applied first, let dry and then apply an oil. A sunscreen oil is best applied on the legs, chest and arms to protect skin and enhance visual radiance.
Can I Use Sunscreen Oil in Place of Body Oil?
For days that you’re spending time outdoors, Saltair’s Sunscreen Oil can be used as a wonderful addition to your body care routine in place of a traditional body oil. Our innovative gel texture is a pleasant surprise to deliver a smooth, substantive spreadability without a greasy heavy after feel. Its nourishing oils add immediate moisture to your skin and enhance any outfit with a hint of luminosity.
Can I Use Sunscreen Oil On My Face?
Most sunscreen oils are formulated for body application only. Though the oils used may be lightweight and known non-comedogenic oils, they may be too heavy for facial use. If you feel it might be appropriate for your skin type, we would recommend a small patch test initially to monitor skin and discontinue use accordingly.
Is the Sunscreen Oil SPF 50 Water Resistant?
Our Saltair Sunscreen Oil SPF 50 does contain an oil structuring polymer to aid in water resistance benefits, but we have not formally tested for a Water Resistant claim. For effective protection, it's recommended to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, applying it generously and reapplying every two hours to maintain its protective barrier against the sun's harmful effects.
Active Ingredients in Saltair’s Sunscreen Oil SPF 50:
- Avobenzone 3.0%
- Homosalate 10.0%
- Octisalate 5.0%
- Octocrylene 10.0%
Utilizing FDA approved actives, topical sunscreen products can reduce photoaging and UV induced skin cancer by reducing the amount of UV radiation permeating into the skin. All sunscreen products include an SPF value which indicates the degree of protection against UVB and UVA-II (315-340 nm) radiation, which cause sunburn.
Consumers should use sunscreen products labeled “Broad Spectrum '' which indicates it protects the skin from both UVB and UVA radiation which reduces both the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. This claim is substantiated by the sunscreen product achieving a minimum critical wavelength of 370 nm and an SPF>15. This means 90% of the UV radiation the sunscreen absorbs is below 370 nm at a minimum. It tells you how broad or how far your protection extends.
The PA++++ system indicates UVA protection and is obtained through the Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) test. The PPD test measures the amount of UVA radiation required to induce skin darkening or tanning on skin protected by sunscreen compared to skin not protected by sunscreen. The numerical result is translated into one of the 4 categories PA+, PA++, PA+++, or PA++++ with the latter being the highest degree of protection.
A PA++++ is equivalent to a PPD of 16 or higher which means skin protected by the sunscreen can withstand at least 16 times more UVA radiation before darkening compared to unprotected skin. The parameters of UVB protection, UVA protection, and broad spectrum are more important to consider when selecting a sunscreen than picking a sunscreen based on mineral vs chemical sunscreen filters. Sunscreen is crucial to every skin regimen to prevent skin cancer as well as photoaging and whether you prefer organic/chemical or inorganic/physical sunscreens is personal preference.
The key to any sunscreen is to embrace the format whether a cream, gel or oil so you enjoy using it. Your skin will thank you!