What is the difference between Heliocare and Heliocare 360?

Heliocare provides high-level broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, as well as super anti-oxidant activity with Fernblock plus DNA protection and repair.

Heliocare 360˚ is the latest advancement in the Heliocare range. In addition to the protection offered by the Heliocare range mentioned above, Heliocare 360˚ also protects the skin against visible light and infrared-A - both of which are proven to cause damage to the skin that can lead to premature skin ageing, and harm skin health. Both visible light and infrared-A can cause damage all year round, penetrating cloud and glass - so even on the cloudiest days, our skin is still at risk.

Is Heliocare vegan friendly?

Heliocare and Heliocare 360˚ topical creams and gels do not contain any animal-derived components and therefore are classed as vegan friendly.

Why do I need to wear sun protection all year round, even when it’s not sunny?

The sun emits different kinds of radiation, UVB is strongest in the summer months and cannot penetrate cloud - it’s UVB that can cause sunburn.

But sunburn isn’t the only way that the sun can damage skin. The sun also emits UBA, visible light and infrared-A - all of which are proven to cause damage to the skin which can lead to premature skin ageing, and harm the health of your skin. What's more, these types of radiation cause damage all year round, penetrating cloud and even glass - so even on the cloudiest days, or while driving, our skin is at risk of damage.

Rather than sun protection, we need to think of it as daylight protection.

Will I get enough Vitamin D if I use sun protection every day?

Vitamin D helps to keep our bones strong and boosts our immune system. Sun exposure, specifically to UVB, enables the natural process in your skin to make Vitamin D.

UVB is only really present in the summer months, and cannot penetrate cloud.

It’s a common misconception that using sun protection daily will not allow you to make enough Vitamin D and will cause Vitamin D deficiency. There are no studies that suggest a link between the two, in fact, studies have shown that those who do use daily sun protection can maintain their Vitamin D levels.

There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, using sun protection products with high SPF such as 50+ won’t block all UVB rays.

Secondly, in the summer you only need a short period of sun exposure with areas such as hands, arms and lower legs exposed for most people to create enough Vitamin D

In the UK from October to early March there simply isn’t enough UVB present for our skin to be able to create Vitamin D. So, we need to look for other sources…

Vitamin D is found in food such as oily fish and red meat, but it can be difficult to get enough Vitamin D from food alone, which is why the NHS recommend that everyone should consider taking a daily Vitamin D supplement throughout the winter months.

Are Heliocare products tested on animals?

Cantabria Labs, Spain, the manufacturers of Heliocare, are dedicated to improving the health and lives of people worldwide, bringing them products that meet rigorous safety standards so that their customers can use them with complete confidence. Cantabria Labs do not test their cosmetics on animals and they never request that third parties carry out such tests on their behalf. They are fully compliant with current European cosmetic product legislation prohibiting animal testing, both with respect to its end products and to the raw materials and ingredients used in its formulations.

Cantabria Labs assess the safety of their cosmetic products through the latest human volunteer in-vivo methods and laboratory based in-vitro studies.

Some customers will want to know about the availability of Cantabria Lab products in China as the Chinese authorities as part of their cosmetic products registration process commission a small number of safety tests that are still carried out on animals. These tests are required by law in China and are commissioned and carried out in China independent of the product manufacturer.

To ensure that Chinese people can benefit from their products as others do worldwide, Cantabria Labs have registered a small selection of their products in China. At the same time, they are committed to helping eliminate these tests and have lobbied the Chinese authorities to request that they ban these tests and use non-animal alternatives. Recently, innovative non-animal testing methods have received approval in China and Cantabria Labs are hopeful that these alternative methods will soon be adopted, and animal testing for cosmetics will finally be put to an end.

Are Heliocare products ‘reef friendly’

There is strong evidence regarding the potentially harmful effects of two filters on the coral reef: octinoxate and oxybenzone. These filters have been banned in a number of countries.

All Heliocare products are octinoxate and oxybenzone free with the exception of the Heliocare Color Compact SPF50 Oil-Free. Cantabria Labs are currently working to reformulate this product to ensure it complies with reef-friendly regulations. Heliocare UK no longer distribute the Heliocare Color Compact SPF50 Oil-Free, however this may still be available to purchase in the UK via some resellers.

Cantabria Labs are committed to minimising their impact on the environment and will ensure any future developments are octinoxate and oxybenzone free. They are carefully monitoring scientific findings and international regulatory guidelines regarding sunscreen filters and reef-damage and will quickly ensure compliance of its formulations to any new developments.

Is going on a sunbed before holiday better for my skin because it doesn’t burn as easily?

Absolutely not. Sunbeds are incredibly harmful to your skin. They use powerful doses of UVA and UVB – many give greater doses than midday tropical sun – and just one session can increase your risk of skin cancer.

According to studies, using sunbeds before the age of 35 can increase your risk of melanoma by 59%

Many people that use sunbeds are naturally fair, and they are one of the groups of people that are at most risk from skin cancer.

The best way to avoid sunburn is to enjoy the sun sensibly by covering up, seeking shade – particularly when the sun is at its strongest, and applying sun protection liberally and regularly.

Why are all the Heliocare products SPF50 or higher?

We always recommend choosing SPF50 or 50+ when you’re on holiday to protect from the heightened sun exposure, but also for use on a daily basis because we tend not to apply as much product, and we tend not to reapply as regularly.

To get the full SPF protection on the label you need to use 2mg of product per cm2 of skin – which equates to roughly a finger length of product for the face

Applying less than this hugely affects the SPF protection that you’re getting.

The relationship between the amount of product that you use and the SPF protection isn’t linear – for example, if you use SPF15 but apply half as much as is recommended, the SPF doesn’t just half, it drops to just under 4.

The amount that you’re using is crucial in the level of protection that you’re getting, and by using a higher SPF we’re giving ourselves the best chance of giving our skin a high level of protection.

How much sun protection should I apply, and when should I apply it?

To get the full level of protection stated on the packaging (both the PA rating for UVA protection and the SPF level for UVB protection), you need to apply 2mg of product per cm2 of skin – which equates to roughly a finger length of product for the face.

Applying less than this hugely affects the SPF protection that you’re getting.

Apply your sun protection product as the last product before you apply any make-up. Make sure you get right up to the hairline and around the eye – taking care not to get any product in the eye.

Apply to any exposed areas – the neck and back of hands are often forgotten and tend to get a lot of exposure to the sun and daylight.

We recommend re-applying your sun protection every 2-3 hours during periods of intense sun exposure, after swimming, sweating or toweling the skin.

It can be tricky to reapply your sun protection during the day once you have your makeup on top – the Heliocare 360° color compacts are a great way of topping up your protection and foundation in one go – they’re really handy to have in your handbag.

Can the Invisible Spray be used on the face?

No, as with any Heliocare product we need to avoid contact with the eyes, so spraying product onto the face is not recommended – particularly with the Invisible Spray which has a very fine spray. We recommend that you find the Heliocare 360° facial product that suits your skin perfectly, and use that on the face.

What is the colour looking tint in Heliocare 360° Fluid Cream?

It’s the natural colour of the ingredients that gives the Heliocare 360° Fluid Cream. Although it does dry clear, this natural tone combined with the dewy finish does help to even the skin tone and give it a radiant glow.

What is tanning?

‘Tanning’ occurs when the skin is exposed to the sun. This stimulates the production of melanin which is your skin's own method of trying to protect itself from damage that is being caused by the sun - it’s melanin that gives your skin it’s colour/tan.

Regardless of whether you burn or tan, your skin will still be damaged by the sun.

What is PA + rating?

The PA + rating is an internationally recognised standard for measuring the level of protection a product provides against UVA.

PA ratings are established through the Persistent Pigment Darkening Test (PPD), which is carried out on human skin. It’s the only UVA test done in this way, and is the test that has the closest correlation with SPF testing (the amount of product, and calculations used are very similar). The test measures the skins response to UVA, which is then assessed against a grading system of PA + to PA ++++ (with 4 + being the highest level of protection, giving up to 16 times greater protection when the product is used).

What star rating are Heliocare products?

Heliocare products are not tested against the Boots Star Rating, which although used in the UK, has not been adopted as a major international standard.

It has, however, been recognised that consumers need a clearer way of establishing the level of UVA protection that they get from products, which is why the latest Heliocare range (Heliocare 360°) and any future developments are given a PA + rating, which is an internationally recognised standard.

PA ratings are established through the Persistent Pigment Darkening Test (PPD), which is carried out on human skin. It’s the only UVA test done in this way, and is the test that has the closest correlation with SPF testing (the amount of product, and calculations used are very similar). The test measures the skins response to UVA, which is then assessed against a grading system of PA + to PA ++++ (with 4 + being the highest level of protection, giving up to 16 times greater protection when the product is used).

More recent studies into sun protection have also shown the importance of protecting the skin against damage caused by not only UVA and UVB, but also visible light and infrared-A. The Heliocare 360° range takes these studies into consideration, and also protects the skin against visible light and infrared-A, which are present all year round, penetrating cloud and even glass.

Can I use Heliocare if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

There are no known risks of using Heliocare products during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, Heliocare products are not tested on pregnant and breastfeeding women and for this reason, we would advise you to consult a health or skincare professional before use.

Are Heliocare products Alcohol Free?

The Heliocare 360° facial products are alcohol free.

I suffer from Rosacea, can I use Heliocare?

We would recommend a patch test to ensure the product is suitable for the skin, however as sunlight can be a major trigger for rosacea, so using sun protection can often help by protecting the skin and preventing a flare up.

The Heliocare 360° Mineral Tolerance and Water Gel have both been tested on sensitive skin, so it may be beneficial for you to choose between those.

I suffer from Melasma. Which product would be best for me?

Visible light is a major trigger for pigmentation - for this reason if you suffer with melasma we’d recommend choosing from the Heliocare 360˚ range, which not only protects against UV, but also visible light and infrared-A. Simply choose the product that most suits your skin type. The Color products offer protection and foundation coverage in one, which will also help to even out your complexion

Heliocare Oral Capsules have been proven to reduce the severity of melasma when used as an adjunctive treatment. Simply take one capsule in the morning when you’re spending any time in the sun to give your skin the ultimate protection (always use in combination with one of the Heliocare 360° topical creams or gels).

Does Heliocare 360° protect against blue light?

Yes, Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum (at 400-495nm), and Heliocare 360° provides protection against this as well as UV and infrared-A.

Do Heliocare products contain physical (mineral) or chemical (non-mineral) filters?

The majority of Heliocare products, with the exception of the Heliocare 360° Mineral Tolerance Fluid, contain a combination of mineral and non-mineral filters. This allows the highest level of protection in a combination of product textures to ensure that everyone can find a Heliocare product that suits their skin perfectly, and that they love to use every morning.

For those looking for a sun protection product with mineral only filters, the Heliocare 360° Mineral Tolerance Fluid is the ideal choice. It is absorbed quickly into the skin with a beautifully silky, clear finish without leaving any white residue.

Do chemical sunscreens cause hyperpigmentation?

Some chemicals can cause PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) as they can create irritation and therefore inflammation within the skin.

All Heliocare products are dermatologically tested and don’t cause irritation within the skin, hence they don’t cause the inflammation that could lead to PIH.

Will Heliocare help with pigmentation?

The Heliocare 360° range is a great choice if you’re wanting to help prevent sun-induced pigmentation. UVA and visible light are both known key stimulants of pigmentation. The Heliocare 360° range not only provides high level protection against UVA and UVB, but also visible light and infrared-A.

Can Heliocare be used on infants?

For infants we recommend using the Heliocare Paediatric products, which have been specially formulated for use on children from the age of 6 months. Although our guidance is that babies and young children should not be exposed to direct sun.

The Paediatric range features a mineral product - ideal for use on the face and also body - plus a lotion spray for easy application to the body. Both provide high levels of protection while being gentle and kind for young skin. Not only do they protect skin at its surface but also from within, featuring super-charged anti-oxidant Fernblock and DNA repair enzymes.

From the age of 3 children's skin starts to become less fragile. If you wanted to move onto the other Heliocare products at this stage, you could do so. Generally, we recommend that you continue to use the paediatric products until the cosmetic feel and look of the products becomes important to your child, and where this may affect their use of the products.

What age can you use Heliocare products from?

Heliocare products can be used on infants from the age of 3. However there are Heliocare Paediatric products which have been specially formulated for use on children from the age of 6 months. Although our guidance is that babies and young children should not be exposed to direct sun.

From the age of 3 children's skin starts to become less fragile. If you wanted to move onto the other Heliocare products at this stage, you could do so. Generally, we recommend that you continue to use the paediatric products until the cosmetic feel and look of the products becomes important to your child, and where this may affect their use of the products.

Heliocare capsules can be used by children from the age of 4 upwards.

Can Heliocare be used on all skin colours and tones?

Everyone and anyone can benefit from Heliocare as there is a Heliocare product that can be:

• used by a person of any skin colour and tone
• used by a person of any gender
• included in any daily beauty or skincare routine

AesthetiCare® have been the Heliocare and Cantabria Labs partner in the UK and Ireland for more than 12 years. We know that everyone can be compatible with at least one Heliocare product, we are dedicated to helping people find the right ones for them:

• Heliocare 360° Water gel – Fitzpatrick skin types VI (Black skin) to I (Pale skin). Dry to combination skin.
• Heliocare 360° Oil Free Gel – Fitzpatrick skin types IV (Olive or light brown) to I (Pale skin). All skin types including oily / combination.
• Heliocare 360° Fluid Cream – Fitzpatrick skin types IV (Olive or light brown) to I (Pale skin). Dry or mature skin.
• Heliocare 360° Mineral Tolerance –I Fitzpatrick skin types V (Dark brown) to I (Pale skin). Normal or sensitive skin.
• Heliocare 360° Colour Oil Free Gel Pearl – Fitzpatrick skin type I (Pale skin). Oily, combination or normal skin.
• Heliocare 360° Colour Oil Free Gel Beige – Fitzpatrick skin types II (Fair skin) to I (Pale skin). Oily, combination or normal skin.
• Heliocare 360° Colour Oil Free Gel Bronze– Fitzpatrick skin types IV (Olive or light brown skin) to III (Light brown skin). Oily, combination or normal skin.
• Heliocare 360° Invisible Spray – Fitzpatrick skin types VI (Black skin) to I (Pale skin). All skin types.

Heliocare, from Cantabria Labs, is an advanced photoprotection range that helps keep skin healthy. Every Heliocare 360° products provide the same advanced SPF 50 broad spectrum protection protecting against the four daylight radiations that can challenge our skin UVA / UVB / Visible-Light and Infrared-A.

Fernblock® Technology helps protect our skin by neutralising free radicals and helping repair sun damage from within. The unique and innovative Fernblock ingredient is in every Heliocare skincare formulation and the focus of the Heliocare Oral supplements.

The Heliocare range and Cantabria Labs will always be led by science and dermatological research. The skin health and wellbeing benefits of Heliocare have been proven in numerous studies published in leading medical and dermatological journals. These demonstrate its efficacy in photoprotection and the prevention of skin damage, sun allergies, sun-induced hyper-pigmentation, and skin ageing.

Every Heliocare product is backed by this research and trust.

Are the Heliocare Capsules Halal-certified?

Yes, the following products are Halal-certified: Heliocare 360° Capsules, Heliocare Capsules, Heliocare Ultra Capsules and the Heliocare Ultra D Capsules.