Frequently Asked Questions About Sunscreen Bands
The information below provides answers to some of the most common questions we receive about sunscreen bands. If you can’t find the information you are looking for or need more information about our products, please contact us to speak with a customer service representative.
Questions about the bands
Q: How does the band work?
A: There are special patented photo-chromic dyes imbedded in the band that change colors when exposed to the UV radiation of the sun. This is the same
damaging UV radiation for which we use sunscreen to protect our skin when we go out into the sun. The band goes from pink (fresh from the package) to dark
purple (activated, when first exposed to the sun for five minutes), to light purple (when it reminds you to reapply sunscreen), to pale yellow/white (when it is
time to get out of sun for the day!)
Q: Why do I apply sunscreen to the band?
A: By putting sunscreen on the band, you are mimicking the protection the sunscreen is giving your body. There is no more guessing on how effective the
sunscreen is. The band will indicate that with color changes.
Q: When do I put sunscreen on the band?
A: Put your first application of Sunscreen on to the sun-exposed skin before you go outside for best results. Once outside, place the band on the wrist and when
it turns dark purple, apply the sunscreen to the band. Put the band on before you put on sunscreen so the adhesive on the band sticks. It is important to put the
sunscreen on before you go into the sun for your best protection! The second application of sunscreen should be applied to the body and band after the band
turns color from dark purple to light purple (lavender). When the band turns yellow or white, it is recommended to get out of the sun or cover up the
sun-exposed skin from the sun.:
Q: How long will it take before the colors change?
A: It all depends! It depends on how much UV radiation you are getting, but it will generally turn light purple in 1-2 hours. Sunny, summer days, between
10AM and 4PM are the maximum times for UV exposure. If you are in the shade, you will get less radiation. The band will measure wherever you go.
In fact, if you go inside where there is no UV radiation, the color progression stops, however, there is a memory, and when you go back outside, the band
continues to measure from where it left off.
Q: When do I reapply sunscreen and how many times can I do it?
A: The band reminds you to reapply when the color turns lavender (light purple) and of course, follow the directions on the bottle of sunscreen that you are
using for reapplying. Reapplying will not change the color of the band back to dark purple, however, it will reduce the UV absorption because more protection
was just added. The color change of the band will be slower. In other words, it will keep the band at light purple longer before changing to pale yellow/white.
Q: Can I continually reapply sunscreen all day to protect myself? When do I need to get out of the sun?
A: Please follow the directions on the bottle of Sunscreen that you are using. Our UV Sunscreen bands will properly measure your maximum sun exposure for
the day based on the SPF level of your sunscreen. It is important to understand that sunscreen does NOT block all UV radiation, and no matter how much
sunscreen you use there is a limit to how much time you should spend in the sun. Once the band turns pale yellow to white (to match the repeated pattern
printed on the band), it is recommended to get out of the sun or cover up!
Q: Can the band be used in water or salt water?
A: Our Sunscreen Bands work in pool water or salt water at the beach. What matters is the sunscreen! Sunscreen can wash off your body in the water. If that
happens, it will also wash off the band. The band will give you an accurate reading based on the sunscreen you are using and how you are using it. Certainly,
wear the band in the water!
Q: Can I wear the band for more than one day?
A: No. The band is designed to work once per day. However, the band will work for a full day. It has a memory and will measure the UV radiation throughout
the day both inside and outside. Do not use a partly used band the next day. The band does not measure time, only exposure to the sun. Once the day is
over, dispose or recycle (plastic code 5) the band.
Q: What if I do NOT put sunscreen on the band?
A:This is not recommended since the band is calibrated to work with SPF 15 and above. It is not advised to go outside in intense sun for more than 15 minutes
in the summer without sunscreen. Without sunscreen, the band’s color progression will move much more quickly, and could give a false reading.
Q: What kind of sunscreen will work with the bands?
A:The band is calibrated to work with any sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher. Any kind of sunscreen is fine to use, including lotions, creams, or sprays. What
is important is that you properly cover your entire sun-exposed skin and the band with sunscreen for best protection.
Q: What more should I know about spending time in the sun?
A: We recommend the following sites regarding sunscreen use and spending safe time in the sun: The Skin Cancer Foundation: www.skincancer.org, The U.S.
Food and Drug Administration: www.fda.gov/sunscreen, The American Melanoma Foundation: www.melanomafoundation.org/prevention/facts.htm The U.S.
Environmental Protection Association: www.epa.gov/sunwise. Center for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/prevention.htm.
