NATURAL SUN CARE FAQS

A mineral sunscreen uses Zinc oxide or Titanium Dioxide as the active ingredient to block the UVA and UVB rays before they penetrate the skin. A chemical sunscreen uses chemicals that are absorbed into the skin tissue and interact with the UVB rays after entering the body. Not all chemical sunscreens offer Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB protection, whereas mineral sunscreens offer immediate Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB protection. UVB rays are the ones associated with sunburn; whereas UVA rays are associated with skin damage such as dark spots, dryness and skin aging. Both UVA and UVB rays are now known to cause skin cancers.

All Mineral Sunscreens provide Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB protection upon application – which is important because both UVA and UVB are known causes of skin cancer. Not all Chemical Sunscreens offer Broad Spectrum protection.

People with allergies and skin sensitivities are often not able to use a chemical sunscreen because of the harsh ingredients contained in them. In addition, many of the chemical sun filters have identified health risks. More information on the health risks of these chemicals can be found on www.EWG.org. Using LASPA mineral sunscreens eliminates or reduces these health risks.
Many people with allergies cannot use a fragranced product. LASPA products are all fragrance free and certified hypoallergenic.

Because LASPA uses a barrier method of sun protection, the product will usually be thicker and uneven due to the zinc oxide in the lotion. Despite its appearance, the product should spread evenly on the skin.

LASPA uses a high quality very fine zinc oxide that goes on the skin in a non-whitening formula. Only a small amount of the product is needed to rub onto the skin surface.
Sometimes the initial extraction of product is difficult due to the zinc oxide near the opening of the tube, but future applications should be easier, and the product will become more fluid in warmer temperatures. Keep the head of the unit clean to avoid drying of the lotion on the outside of the orifice and blocking the tube.

We do use a nano sized zinc particle, however, it is bound together with a non silicone based material so that it essentially has a ‘non-nano’ effect.  Therefore it does not absorb but sits on top of the skin to provide Broad Spectrum protection. The result is a non- whitening smooth product.

There has actually been a lot of needless scare about nano particles since an article 30 years ago in Australia. Since then there have been numerous European studies on health risks of nano particles which conclude that, except in an aerosol (airborne) application where the particles may get into lungs- there are no known health risks.

In conclusion, even though we don’t have to worry about nano-particles in our sunscreen because of the specially patented zinc formula we are using, we do not believe there are any health risks for topical use in any event.

The physical sunscreen barrier in LASPA, zinc oxide, is a thicker substance then a chemical compound. This affects the texture and consistency of the sunscreen lotion.

An SPF30 sunscreen filters 96.7% of the sun’s harmful rays whereas a SPF50 filters out 98% of UV rays. So, wearing an SPF50 offers only marginally better protection (1.3%) than an SPF30. People often have a false sense of security with an SPF50 thinking they are getting much more protection, or that they do not need to re-apply as often. Both SPF30 and SPF50 need to be re-applied every 2 hours!

LASPA products have all undergone FDA approved allergy testing and are clinically proven to be hypoallergenic. This means that the product has a lower risk of causing issues to those with allergies or skin sensitivities. This does not necessarily guarantee that the product will be able to be used on problem skin areas. If in doubt, consult your dermatologist or skin care practitioner.

Yes, because of the fact that LASPA is a mineral based sunscreen that is fragrance free and sits on top of the skin, it is less likely to cause skin irritation than a chemical based sunscreen. People with specific concerns should speak with their doctor or skin care practitioner.

LASPA SPF30 was designed for skin being exposed to the sun for prolonged periods, and for people with allergies, skin sensitivities or wanting a safer option of sun protection than chemical based sunscreens. It targets areas such as face, neck, hands but can be used anywhere that will be exposed to the sun.

LASPA SPF20 is designed as an everyday lotion that moisturizes and protects but also provides a base level of sun protection as well. Sunscreen should be part of a daily regimen to protect the skin, prevent age spots, and signs of early aging in addition to the health risks associated with sun exposure.