Are sun protection proudcts​​ misundersto​​​od? – Q&A with EVY Technology.

Today I was joined on Instagram Live by Margaret Pinto, a Co-Founder and CEO of the EVY Technology, Swedish skincare brand known for their excellent sun protection products. The brand has recently launched in the UK and is now available at Space NK. Below, are Margaret’s answers to some of the points we discussed.

The bright or the dark side of the Sunscreen?

Ewa – Research shows that using sunscreen indeed reduced the number of deaths from skin cancer, but New Scientists recently raised the issue that use of sunscreen can contribute to vitamin D deficiency which is essential for healthy bones and preventing infections and cardiovascular disease. Can you give us advise on how to use sunscreen correctly so that we protect ourselves but also get enough sun here in the UK?  

Margaret – A study done in Australia shows no significant difference in vitamin D production with or without sunscreen.  Sunscreen is not a sunblock and it goes fast for the body to make the maximum amount of the Vitamin D levels.  However one might argue that in less sunny place such as northern Europe it might make a difference.  But the fact is that most people in the north of Europe,  but also in the south suffer from a lack of Vitamin D so you should not rely on getting vitamin D from the sun but your food!

Sunscreen not a block 

Ewa – From my experience, there is a massive misunderstanding of the protection SPF product provide. Could you explain what is the difference between different level of protection?

Margaret – The SPF number indicates how much UVB radiation passes through with sunlight, provided that the correct amount of sunscreen is used. For example, SPF 10 allows 1/10 of the UVB rays through and hence provides 90% UVB protection. SPF/UVB protection 10, 20, 30, 50 hence provides 90%, 95%, 96,7%, and 98% protection. 

Choose SPF based on your skin type, but also based on latitude, time spent outdoors, and type of activity. Remember that the Sun may have a strong effect when the skin’s heat indicators are knocked out. The sun is stronger the closer you get to the equator and you can also get burnt when it´s cloudy and/or in the shade. High altitudes, and a thin ozone layer also increase UV radiation significantly.

Are sunscreens misunderstood? 

Ewa – There has been a study by the western Pacific nation of Palau announcing some chemicals in the sun protection products can harm coral. I believe this article has caused the wave of misunderstanding about toxins in sun protection products and the effect they can have on humans. The New Scientist says there was no conclusive evidence that oxybenzone and other chemicals in sunscreen – which are present in many other products we use daily – can cause any harm. What can currently cause us more harm, the sun or the sunscreen? 

Margaret – This is a huge question and there is no short answer here.  First of all, we have to know that we don´t know everything!  Research is no holy truth and we have very different rules about sun filters and sunscreens in different parts of the world. There are many organisations that are not from governments that lead us to believe the government is not doing their job.  You have to think about if the organization is earning money on certifications and what is the agenda.

After 20 years of working with sunscreens, we see trends and attacks on different ingredinents. We have to follow our EU government rules and not rumours and trends as it´s often very twisted in media.  As skin cancer related to the sun is up by to 99% and it’s one of the most common cancers, for sure – sunscreen is needed.  Sunscreen is considered very safe for humans, but we do have less knowledge about long term effect on the environment.  However, sun filters are not out of space but made often ingredients found in nature, even if they are worked in a lab.  Everything around us is chemistry, it´s not just good or bad.  Salt and water are necessary for us but can also even kill us in high does.  Things are not so black or white as media likes to think in order to make headlines.

Sunscreen and skin type. 

Ewa – In all the years I’ve worked in beauty I also find that my friends with darker skin tones feel immune to the sun, but then they often struggle with skin pigmentation. Can you explain who needs sunscreen and if skin type matter? 

Margaret – UVA and UVB radiation triggers the melanin production, and darker skin have more melanin that is more easily triggered, not only by the Sun but pigmentation can show from as a result of acne scars. Many dark-skinned people are obsessed with high SPF as they do not want to get darker and want to avoid pigmentation. Darker skin doesn’t burn so fast in the Sun, but we all should use sunscreen.

One bottle for the family. 

Ewa – I often find people don’t use sun protection in fear they won’t tan, especial when they go on holidays, but research shows that getting sunburned once every two years has been found to triple person’s risk of developing melanoma. Can you explain how much of sunscreen we should use to stay protect and how often we should reapply it to be truly protected? How EVY Technology makes it easier? 

Margaret – Ordinary sunscreen should be applied every two hours. You should apply the recommended amount.

For an adult full body, you should use about 40 ml per application. This means that 6 hours sunbathing requires 40 ml X 3 times = 120 ml. Just calculate how many bottles your family need to use during a beach holiday! 

EVY Technology formula is distributed through the entire top layer of the skin, which is unique. It also protects the skin for up to 6 hours. It strengthens the natural protective barrier of the skin and protects it against dehydration and skin irritants such as chemicals, heat, wind and water. The easily absorbed mousse doesn’t wash off when swimming or during light washing, and helps the skin maintain it’s natural hydration. Our products are allergy tested and they prevent and calm irritation. The light mousse doesn’t leave any residue and doesn’t clog the pores. 

That’s all for today. If you haven’t seen our live chat on Instagram make sure to follow my account. I’m sure we will arrange another discussion soon. :)