Copyright 2004 Himaya Inc
Sunscreen & Sport
HIMAYA SPORTS SUN PROTECTION
Himaya Sports Sunscreens are developed by
professional outdoor athletes for all active outdoor
people. Whether climbing a mountain, running a
marathon or surfing with friends, Himaya
sunscreens protect you from the harmful effects of
the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
HIMAYA TEAM
All Himaya Sports Sunscreens have been laboriously
tried and tested in the field, with continual feedback
from our team of athletes. This feedback is utilised in
the laboratory to modify each formula to ensure that
their technical performance is consistently
outstanding under sports conditions.
Himaya feels that this field testing process is the
most important component of formula development,
making the selection of athletes crucial. The Himaya
Team includes some of the best athletes in the world
in their respective fields, all pushing their sports to
new levels whether it’s through the first snowboard
ascent/descent of Everest without oxygen, Olympic
and X-Game Gold medals, or putting it on the line as
the local hero.
Some of the athletes from the Himaya Team are:
Xaver Hoffman, Stine Brun Kjeldaas, The Collection,
Tina Basich, Chris Davenport, Jose Gregorio, Stefan
Gatt.
For a full list of the Himaya Team visit:
www.himaya.com.
WHAT IS SUNSCREEN?
Sunscreen is applied to the skin to help reduce
the damaging effects of the sun’s UV radiation.
Sunscreens contain UV filters that either absorb or
reflect UV radiation.
The amount of time you can spend in the sun without
sunscreen before starting to burn is dependent on
your Skin Type and the UV Index of that day.
The extent to which a sunscreen provides protection
for your skin is dependent on the SPF of the
sunscreen.
FACT: the most common form of cancer between the ages of
25-29 years is skin cancer.
Sunscreen & Sport
ULTRA VIOLET RADIATION (UV)
SUN PROTECTON FACTOR (SPF)
UVC is completely absorbed by the earth’s
atmosphere, whereas UVA and UVB pass right
through.
For example, an SPF 30 sunscreen allows you to stay
in the sun 30 times longer than when wearing no
sunscreen at all. The higher the SPF, the more time
you can spend in the sun before burning.
UVA penetrates the clouds and continues deep into
the skin to cause long-term damage, such as
sun-induced aging (UVA = Aging), and is a major
cause of skin cancer.
UVB penetrates the upper layers of the skin to cause
immediate damage. UVB rays are the sun’s burning
rays (UVB = Burning) and are the primary cause of
sunburn.
400
The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) number of a
sunscreen is the multiple by which it extends your
time in the sun before your skin starts to burn.
The SPF of a sunscreen only indicates its ability to
protect the skin from the sun’s burning rays.
Caoline Perret
The sun produces ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which
comes in three forms: UVA, UVB, and UVC
(Figure 1).
UV radiation range (nm)
320
280
100
UVA
UVC
UVB
Figure1. UV Penetration of the Skin
The sunburn process can start within minutes of
exposure to the sun and is a sign of overexposure.
Overexposure to the sun can lead to skin cancer,
which can be fatal.
Regular use of a high quality sunscreen can
dramatically reduce the risk of skin cancer and the
visible effects of aging.
FACT: skin cancer, if not detected and treated in time, can
spread to other parts of the body (such as your internal
organs) and result in death.
UV INDEX
The UV Index (UVI) is a measure of the sun’s UV
intensity and is used to provide a daily forecast of the
expected risk of overexposure to the sun.
UV INDEX
EXPOSURE RISK
0-2
MINIMAL
3-4
LOW
5-6
MODERATE
7-9
HIGH
10+
VERY HIGH
Figure 2. UV Index and Sun Exposure Risk
Sunscreen & Sport
SKIN TYPE
There are six different Skin Types described according to the natural level of pigment in the skin and how it
subsequently reacts to exposure to the sun.
SKIN TYPE
HERITAGE
UV INDEX
1
5
10
15
20
25
Celtic, Scandinavian & infants
67
13
7
5
3
2
2
Northern European
100
20
10
7
5
4
3
Central European
200
40
20
13
10
8
4
Mediterranean, Asian
300
60
30
20
15
12
5
South American, Indian, Native American
400
80
40
27
20
16
6
African, Afro-American, Aborigine
500
100
50
33
25
20
TIME (minutes) BEFORE SUNBURN
CALCULATED FROM UV INDEX
1
Figure 3. Skin types, possible heritages of each and length of time (minutes) in the sun proor to sunsburn for each skin type.
AVOIDING SUNBURN
The equations in Figure 4 can be used to calculate
how long you can stay in the sun without sunscreen
before you start to burn. For example, a person with
Skin Type 3, in a UV Index of 10 will start to burn
after 20 minutes of exposure to the sun:
[ 200 (min) / 10 (UVI) = 20 minutes].
Skin Type 1
Maximum time in the sun = 67 minutes / UV Index
Skin Type 2
Maximum time in the sun = 100 minutes / UV Index
Skin Type 3
Maximum time in the sun = 200 minutes / UV Index
Skin Type 4
Maximum time in the sun = 300 minutes / UV Index
Skin Type 5
Maximum time in the sun = 400 minutes / UV Index
Skin Type 6
Maximum time in the sun = 500 minutes / UV Index
Figure 4. Avoiding Sunburn while tanning
FACT: a severe sunburn during childhood will double the
chances of developing skin cancer in a lifetime.
FACT: applying sunscreen once you’ve begun to sunburn
does not prevent further burning.
Sunscreen & Sport
FACTORS AFFECTING UV INTENSITY
Many factors can affect UV intensity, which subsequently alters the UV Index. This then affects the amount of
time you can spend in the sun before starting to burn.
1. 85% increase from snow reflection
2. 48% increase at 3000 metres (9843 feet)
3. 25% increase from white-water reflection
4. 80% of UV rays pass through cloud
5. 15 – 25% from sand & grass reflection (40% when wet)
6. 15% reflection from concrete buildings
7. 50% can be reflected into shaded areas
8. 50% UVB & 80% UVA pass through the upper 50cm of water
9. 50% increase from water reflection
Figure 5. Avoiding Sunburn
ALTITUDE
Using the same UV Index (UVI = 10) and Skin Type (3) as before (see “Avoiding Sunburn”), you have 20 minutes
of safe sun exposure before burning. Altitude increases UV intensity by up to 16% for every 1000 metres (3281
feet) gained (Figure 5). So, for example, at an altitude of 3000 metres (9843 feet) the UV intensity is increased
by almost 50%, which then increases the UV Index by 50%. With the UV Index adjusted to 15, this gives you
just over 13 minutes before you start to sunburn:
[ 200 (min) / 15 (UVI) = 13.33 minutes ].
By using an SPF30 sunscreen you can extend this time to almost seven hours:
[ 13.33 (min) x 30 (SPF) = 400 minutes (6 hours 40 minutes) ].
SNOW
Altitude = 3000 metres (9843 feet), UV Index = 15, Skin Type = 3
Reflection from snow can increase the UV intensity by up to 85% (Figure 5). This increases the UV Index at 3000
metres from 15 to a UV Index of 27, so you now have only 7.41 minutes until you start to burn:
[ 200 (min) / 27 (UVI) = 7.41 minutes ].
By using an SPF45 sunscreen this time can be increased by 45 times to 333 minutes:
[ 7.41 (min) x 45 (SPF) = 333 minutes (5 hours 33 minutes) ].
WATER
UV Index = 10, Skin Type = 3
When on water, reflection can increase the UV intensity by up to 50% (Figure 5).
This again increases the UV Index by 50%, so the adjusted UV index will now be 15, giving you just over 13
minutes before you start to burn:
[ 200 (min) / 15 (UVI) = 13.33 minutes ].
By using an SPF30 sunscreen you can remain out on the water for almost seven hours:
[ 13.33 (min) x 30 (SPF) = 400 minutes (6 hours 40 minutes) ].
Sunscreen & Sport
SPORT AND SUNSCREEN
The conditions under which most outdoor sports
are practiced alter the effectiveness of a sunscreen
to protect the skin. Under these sports conditions,
certain factors become more relevant than when
under non-active conditions. When lying on a beach
towel next to the water you may only require an
SPF15 sunscreen to see you safely through an
afternoon of sun exposure.
However, when practicing sport your environment
changes dramatically, as do the elements you are
exposed to. So on the same afternoon that you can
safely sunbathe with SPF15, an SPF30 or 45 might
well be required for sufficient sun protection while
you are practicing sport. The extent to which a
sunscreen is both waterproof and sweatproof to
ensure lasting protection during sport therefore
becomes extremely important.
Water greatly affects the sun’s UV intensity, so it is
especially important to apply a quality sunscreen for
water sports. Not only does water have the tendency
to wash sunscreen from your skin to leave you
unprotected, water droplets on the skin also magnify
the sun’s rays and increase their intensity.
Reflection from the water surface greatly increases
the UV intensity, while under water the UVA to UVB
ratio is altered so that UVA becomes much
stronger.
Sweat is a natural part of all sport. Not only does
sweating remove moisture from the skin, it can also
remove sunscreen leaving you unprotected. Sweat
droplets on the skin also act to magnify the intensity
of the sun’s UV radiation.
Oliver Kurzeman
FACT: a suntan lasts for days, skin cancer lasts for life.
Elements such as the wind and the cold can also
have adverse effects on the skin’s natural balance
of vitamins and moisture content. These elements
are often more pronounced under sports conditions,
and along with altitude, snow and water become an
extremely important consideration when selecting
a sports sunscreen.
Generally, a high quality waterproof and sweatproof
sunscreen with a higher SPF is required to ensure
full protection for the entire time that you are
practicing your sport. This is why the following
performance features have been incorporated into
Himaya Sports Sunscreens.
FORTIFIED UV A+B FILTERS
No universal method or standard has yet been
developed for determining or rating the UVA
protection factor of a sunscreen. At present a
sunscreen that contains both UVB and UVA filters is
said to provide Broad Spectrum or BroadBand
Protection.
The SPF rating only indicates the ability of a sunscreen
to protect the skin from the effects of the sun’s
burning radiation; predominantly UVB, and some
UVA radiation. For this reason a sunscreen is not
required to contain filters that protect from the entire
range of UVA radiation. This small amount of UVA
protection is, however, sufficient to claim Broad
Spectrum Protection.
In Himaya Sports Sunscreens sufficient fortified
UV filters are used to reinforce full coverage of all
of both UVA and UVB radiation, even producing an
overlap that covers the UVC range to provide a true
Broadband Spectrum of protection.
Sunscreen & Sport
WATERPROOF
SWEATPROOF
Himaya Sports Sunscreens meet and exceed FDA,
Australian, EEC, Japanese and South African
sunscreen manufacturing standards.
Thousands of hours have been logged in testing the
sweatproof performance of Himaya Sport
Sunscreens.
The most widely accepted industry standard for
waterproof testing is the “very water resistant” test of
the FDA (Food and Drug Administration, USA). This
waterproof test demands that after a series of
submersions in agitated water the sunscreen must
retain at least 50% of its stated SPF.
Of major importance is that the skin be allowed to
sweat freely during exercise. Many sunscreens block
the skin’s pores and inhibit sweat, creating a very
uncomfortable condition known as “prickly heat”.
Himaya Sports Sunscreens have passed this FDA
waterproof test, but believes that 50% of the stated
SPF is not enough. Continued development and
testing have shown that Himaya Sport Sunscreens
last more than five times the required FDA test period
and retain 100% of stated SPF.
Himaya has focused on this essential feature to ensure
that our Sport Sunscreens are totally sweatproof
while allowing the skin to sweat naturally through
the sunscreen.
DRY-GRIP
The oils within Himaya Sports Sunscreen completely
absorb into the skin, leaving your hands grease-free
for perfect grip.
LONG-LASTING
The oils used to combine Himaya Sports Sunscreens
are completely absorbed by the skin, and so bond the
filters to the skin. Due to this strong bond the sun
protection lasts for extended periods under all sport
conditions, including when sweating and swimming.
Stuart Knowles
MICRO ZINC
Zinc is one of the best BroadBand UV filters currently
available, covering the full spectrums of both UVB
and UVA radiation. Himaya uses high concentrations
of quality Micro Zinc that provide outstanding
BroadBand protection and will not leave a white
residue on the skin.
Stuart Knowles
NO ALCOHOL
AQUA-FIX
This unique feature allows Himaya Sports Sunscreens
to rub into the skin when already wet from water or
perspiration. It is even possible to apply the cream
when under water.
Alcohols can remove moisture from the skin and
provoke skin irritations.
FACT: a severe sunburn during childhood will double the
chances of developing skin cancer in a lifetime.
Sunscreen & Sport
VITAMINS C+E
The Himaya Sports Sunscreens contain vitamins
E and C to replace lost nutrients from exposure to
the sun, accelerate skin healing and promote skin
health.
POLAR SEAWEED
Extracts of Antarctic seaweed are added to the Himaya
Sports Sunscreen cold formulas to help protect the
skin in cold conditions. This seaweed can be found
on polar ice caps at temperatures below -50°C where
it still retains its moisture as a fluid; a perfect natural
anti-freeze.
ENCAPSULTED UV FILTERS
This latest Himaya advancement in UV filter
technology is the encapsulation of UV filters in
silicon.
For a sunscreen to provide protection the UV filters
must remain on the skin. Encapsulating the UV filters
dramatically reduces the tendency for the filters to be
removed by the movement of sweat and water over
the skin.
Encapsulated UV Filters do not block the skin’s pores
as many traditional UV filters do, allowing the skin to
sweat uninhibited during sport. This also means that
Himaya Sports Sunscreens do not cause pimples.
UV filters are responsible for around 80% of skin
irritations caused by sunscreens. Encapsulating the
UV filters in silicon prevents their direct contact with
the skin, and therefore skin irritations.
Stuart Knowles
NO PERFUME
Perfumes are a major cause of skin irritations.
COLD PROTECTION
Active elements within Himaya Sports Sunscreen
cold formulas stimulate the blood circulation of the
skin, thereby reducing effects of the cold such as
chilblain and frost bite.
MOISTURISERS
Sun, wind, cold, and altitude all remove moisture
and nutrients from the skin, leaving it distressed and
weakened. Himaya Sports Sunscreens include a
special combination of moisturisers that even stay
active in subzero temperatures and salt water,
helping the skin maintain its natural defences against
the elements.
ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants are added to Himaya Sports Sunscreens
to help neutralise the Free Radicals that cause the
more permanent damage to the body’s cells from UV
overexposure.
BACTERIA PROTECTION
The use of selected oils provides natural protection
that prevents bacteria from entering the body through
the skin. This ensures protection while participating
in sports in unfriendly environments.
Alex Kaiser
FACT: UV radiation is present every day, even when it’s cloudy.
Sunscreen & Sport
SUNSCREEN APPLICATION
The amount of sunscreen applied to the skin for the
official SPF test is 2 mg/cm2; this means
approximately 35ml (a full shot glass) for the entire
body of an average adult.
Most people actually apply only half this amount,
often spreading the cream too thin over double the
area for which the SPF has been tested. This
effectively reduces the stated SPF by half.
The amount of sunscreen used should always be
taken into consideration, making sure that you can
always feel cream between your skin and your hand
when applying.
SALTWATER PROTECTION
Himaya uses a special combination of oils and
moisturisers to provide the skin with the protection
that it requires to counteract the dehydrating effects
of saltwater.
WINDBLOCKER
In the same way that many animals use waxes and
oils to protect themselves against the elements,
the natural wax combined in the Himaya Sports
Sunscreen cold formulas adds a protection shield
against the biting effects of the wind.
ALOE VERA
Used for thousands of years as a natural
moisturiser and anti-inflammatory, Aloe Vera rapidly
penetrates deep into the skin to reduce the
inflammation caused by subn and irritating sun
damage.
SOOTHING
The natural active ingredients of Himaya AfterSun
products assist the moisture absorption by the skin
tissue by up to four times faster than water, soothing
and re-hydrating the skin after exposure to the sun.
FACT: sunburn does not make your skin browner - it only
damages your skin cells.
Extra care should be taken with the various
dispensers that are now available such as sunscreen
sprays, foams, wipes and rub-on applicators.
Sunscreen should always be applied at least 20-30
minutes prior to sun exposure to allow the cream
enough time to properly bond to the skin.
Due to the active nature of sports, the cream can be
rubbed off the skin by abrasion of clothing or from
toweling off. It is recommended that you
re-apply sunscreen every 80 minutes of swimming
or excessive perspiring or anytime after towel drying.
Reapplying sunscreen will help insure that the
sunscreen is on the skin to provide its full protection
for the whole time you are exposed to the sun.
Sunscreen & Sport
HIMAYA AFTERSUN
Himaya AfterSun is an Aloe Vera gel with vitamin E
supplements to provide the skin with the nutrition
that it needs following exposure to the sun, elements
and salt water. It helps re-hydrate and revitalise the
skin to provide cooling relief after a long day in the
sun and prolong your tan.
Aloe Vera penetrates deep into the skin to increase
blood flow, which accelerates skin healing and
stimulates cell regeneration. Vitamin E increases the
moisture content of the skin and improves skin
surface relief, making it softer and prolonging your
tan.
The special formula of Himaya AfterSun helps
overexposed skin repair itself and maintain its own
natural sun protection system.
HIMAYA EUROPE
Himaya
P.O. Box 473
A-6020 Innsbruck
Austria
[email protected]
www.himaya.com
HIMAYA SPORTS SUN PROTECTION
Himaya Sports Sunscreens are developed with
professional outdoor athletes for all active outdoor
people.
When the correct SPF is applied, Himaya Sports
Sunscreens will provide protection against the sun’s
harmful UV rays for the entire duration of your sports
session.
For more detailed information, references and daily
UV forecast for your region visit:
www.himaya.com
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE.
HIMAYA USA
Himaya Inc.
P.O. Box 1542
Williston, VT 05495
USA
[email protected]
Copyright 2004 Himaya Inc