FAQ
Sunscreen Basics
Do I need sunscreen if my foundation already has SPF15?
Yes. SPF only protects against UVB (burning rays) — you still need a dedicated sunscreen to protect against UVA (ageing rays).
Are SUNSKIN sunscreens natural?
SUNSKIN sunscreens use organic filters, which are carbon-based molecules. They absorb UV rays, oscillate, and neutralise them.
What does SPF actually mean?
It's the amount of time you can safely spend in the sun — not a percentage. For example, with SPF50: if your skin normally burns in 10 minutes, multiply that by 50 = 500 minutes (about 8 hours) of protection, as long as you don't wipe, sweat, or swim it off. If you do, reapply.
Can babies wear sunscreen?
We recommend babies younger than 6 months are not exposed to UV at all, since their melanocytes aren't fully developed yet. Keep them in the shade and covered with clothing. If they will be in the sun, always patch-test first — sunscreen is still safer than no protection.
Which UV filters do you use?
We only use filters approved under European regulations — older-generation filters can be unstable, and we'd rather be careful with something you're putting on your skin every day.
Do I need to protect my skin from screens?
Yes. Blue light from phones, computers, and fluorescent lighting causes oxidative damage to skin — pigmentation, inflammation, ageing, and a weakened skin barrier.
Do I need sunscreen in winter?
Yes! UVB (burning rays) are less intense in winter, but UVA (ageing rays) stay just as intense as in summer.
Do I need sunscreen on a cloudy day?
Absolutely. UVA rays pass straight through clouds and windows. Also be aware that sun reflecting off water, sand, or snow can burn skin even in the shade.
Is SUNSKIN sunscreen water resistant?
Yes, all SUNSKIN sunscreens are water resistant. Note: under CTFA regulations, no sunscreen may claim to be fully ‘waterproof’.
What's the best defence against wrinkles?
Sunscreen. Sun exposure is the leading cause of premature wrinkles.
Does sea sand stick to the sunscreen?
Nope — our Dry Touch formulas are designed to resist that, so sand brushes right off instead of clinging.
Why are there different sunscreens for face and body?
Face sunscreens are formulated for specific needs — either anti-ageing or oil/acne control (Dry Touch) — while body formulas prioritise broad, everyday coverage.
How do oral ‘sunscreens’ work?
Oral supplements marketed as ‘sunscreens’ are mainly antioxidants that raise your skin's minimum erythema dose (MED) — they support your skin's defences but don't replace topical SPF.
How do South African sunscreens compare internationally?
Very well — South Africa follows European regulations.
I'm indoors all day — do I still need sunscreen?
Yes, especially our UV-DERM SPF50, which also protects against HEV (blue light) from screens and fluorescent lighting.
Where do your ingredients come from?
Mostly Germany, Switzerland, and the USA — places known for strict, high standards in filter and formulation quality.
What's the shelf life of SUNSKIN sunscreen?
Unopened, it's good for 2 years; once opened, about 1 year — so there's no need to rush through a bottle in one season.
Why are the smaller travel bottles only half full?
They're decanted from our larger bottles into the small 50ml travel bottles that attach to the main bottle — the fill level simply reflects that transfer, not a shortfall.
SUN Collagen Gold
Does the collagen protect me from the sun too?
Yes — it supports your skin's defences from within by roughly doubling your MED, though you'll still need to apply sunscreen.
Does it support eye health?
Yes, it contains Lutein, which helps protect the retina's light-sensing cells from UV damage.
What exactly are SUN Collagen Gold Peptides?
They're amino acids — the building blocks your body uses to produce collagen wherever it's needed, including cartilage.
Does it help with joint health?
Yes, for the same reason — the amino acids support cartilage as well as skin.
What else can help with joint inflammation?
Our Joint Juice, which is formulated to help with inflammation.
Is SUN Collagen Gold a medicine?
No — it's a supplement, not a medicine, so it works best as part of a consistent daily routine rather than a quick fix.
When will I start seeing results?
Usually within the first 3 months. If you're older, the difference may be more noticeable, since natural collagen production declines with age. It's a maintenance product, not a quick fix.
Is it vegan?
Not currently — it's Bovine collagen sourced from cows, and there isn't yet a vegan collagen equivalent that delivers the same results.
What time of day should I take it?
Any time that suits you — morning or evening.
Bakuchiol Serum
What is Bakuchiol?
A 100% natural active ingredient derived from babchi seeds (Psoralea corylifolia). Often described as a true alternative to retinol, it delivers similar results with a much gentler feel on skin.
Is Babchi oil the same as Bakuchiol?
No. Babchi oil is derived from babchi seeds, and Bakuchiol is one active compound within it. Babchi oil itself, along with Psoralea corylifolia seed extract and other babchi-seed infusions, are not the same as Bakuchiol — and are not considered safe for skin in their raw form.
Who can use Bakuchiol?
Almost anyone. It suits all skin types — dry, oily, or sensitive — and can be used day or night, whether your goal is maintaining youthful skin or addressing acne-prone skin.
How does Bakuchiol work?
Like retinol, it activates key anti-ageing genes, including retinoid-binding and metabolising genes. It's also an antioxidant, stimulates collagen production, and helps inhibit lipid peroxidation.
Is Bakuchiol a form of retinol?
No — its chemical structure is different. It's considered a retinol alternative because it delivers similar benefits without retinol's common drawbacks, and unlike retinol, it can be used during the day.
Can Bakuchiol help with anti-ageing?
Yes, in two ways: it helps prevent early signs of ageing and can improve the look of skin that's already sun-damaged. In a clinical study of 16 volunteers aged 41–60 using a 1% Bakuchiol lotion, 12 weeks showed a 20% reduction in wrinkle depth, plus visible improvement in pigmentation, elasticity, firmness, and overall photo-damage — with no irritation.
Can Bakuchiol help with acne?
Yes. Clinical studies show it's more effective than salicylic acid at reducing acne, cutting breakouts by 48% after 6 weeks — making it a good option for both teens with sensitive skin and adults with oily skin.
Does sunlight break down Bakuchiol?
No — Bakuchiol is photostable, so it works just as well during the day as at night.