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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How does skin actually tan?

Tanning occurs when melanin is produced in an attempt to protect the skin cells from UV radiation. A tan is therefore a sign of damaged skin. It may offer limited protection from burning, but offers no protection against the effects of radiation that can lead to skin cancer. Using UVA/UVB sun protection is one of the most effective ways of protecting the skin. By doing this you’ll get a gradual tan that will last longer, as your skin will have more time to acclimatise to the sun. Calypso Carrot Oil with SPF accelerates tanning while keeping you protected.

Do high factor sun creams give you less of a tan?

No, you will still tan with a high factor but it will take a little longer. However, your tan will also last longer as your skin will have more time to acclimatise to the sun.

Do children need to have sun cream applied more frequently than adults?

Children are more susceptible to UV-related skin damage than adults. We obtain most of our lifetime’s sun exposure as children and teenagers. It is known that sunburn during childhood can lead to severe skin damage in later years. You should use a specially formulated high factor product for children, such as our Once a Day SPF40 or our Sensitive Sun Lotion Spray SPF50+ and ensure it is re-applied, especially after swimming and towelling. Ideally, children should be covered up with loose clothes and wide-brimmed hats. Most importantly, children under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight.

Can I get a tan without UV radiation?

Sunless tanners and bronzers are applied to the skin and can provide a temporary, artificial tan, either by staining the skin or by compelling the skin to produce melanin. Make sure to read their labels to find out if they provide any sun protection.

What do SPF levels actually mean?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and represents the sunscreen’s ability to protect your skin from the sun’s rays in addition to your skin’s natural protection. Depending on your skin type, hair colour, eye colour and location, you may be able to stay in the sun for 10 minutes without burning.
If you apply a sunscreen with SPF30 this means that you can stay in the sun 30 times longer than you could without sunscreen. However, you must use sunscreen as directed and ensure enough sunscreen is initially applied (35ml) for maximum coverage. Higher factors should not be used to increase your time in the sun, but to increase your level of protection.

What is Aloe Vera?

Aloe Vera is a substance found in the leaves of an Aloe Vera plant; traditionally known for its soothing, healing and hydrating properties. The leaves of the Aloe Vera plant contain a clear gel that is used as a topical ointment. Surrounding the gel is the green part of the leaf that can be used to produce a juice. When used in a cream, Aloe Vera delivers superior moisturisation for dry and damaged skin, including sunburnt skin, due to its soothing properties.
When in a thick gel formulation, Aloe Vera eases the pain caused by cuts, burns or insect bites, when rubbed in gently. Calypso After Sun Aloe Vera Gel uses Aloe Vera to calm skin after time spent in the sun.

Do I need to apply sun cream when it is not particularly sunny or hot?

Yes, sunscreen is still required. Even when the sky is overcast, UV radiation levels are still at 80% of their normal levels. The temperature can be deceptive - a breeze can keep you cool, but it doesn’t affect UV levels. Look up the UV index for your area to make sure you’re using protection when you need to be.

Are more expensive sunscreens safer?

According to Cancer Research UK, this is not true. They claim: ’Cost is no indication of better protection. You may simply be paying for a brand name. All types are tested and the cheaper brands are just as effective if used properly.’ Calypso Press and Protect Sun Lotion SPF30 was found to be one of the cheapest and most effective sun creams and was chosen by Which? as its “Best Buy Sunscreen” for 2014 and 2015.

Do I need to apply sun cream when it’s sunny in the UK?

Most definitely. Sun cream is not just for people who go on holidays to warm countries. We recommend adults and children to use sunscreen with a minimum of SPF30 in the UK.

Do Once A Day sunscreens really work for the whole day after a single application?

Yes! They keep their effectiveness by binding more strongly to the skin, so they last longer. Our Calypso Once A Day range is rigorously tested to ensure that even after 8 hours of wear, it still offers the SPF on the label. You should be extra careful to apply enough of the product and make sure all exposed skin is covered. However, please remember that even water-resistant Once A Day sunscreens can still be washed off if you spend a long time in the water or if you dry yourself with a towel, so you might need to reapply.

Are your products tested on animals, and are they suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

We’re pleased to say that we don’t test any of our products on animals. What's more, we don’t buy ingredients that have been tested on animals by another manufacturer. So you can buy Calypso confident in the knowledge that your sun care is cruelty-free.
All our products are suitable for vegetarians. However, some contain ingredients like keratin (made from sheep’s wool) or beeswax (made by bees) that vegans may wish to avoid. If you have any questions about animal ingredients, please get in touch.

Most of your sunscreens are water-resistant, but what does that mean? Do I need to reapply sunscreen after swimming?

Sunscreens leave a protective layer on your skin, which can be washed off by water. A sunscreen that is water-resistant stays on your skin for longer than normal. However, it will still be washed away eventually. To be safe, reapply if you spend more than forty minutes in the water. If you dry yourself with a towel or take a shower – anything that involves rubbing your skin – you should also reapply immediately. You will need to dry your skin before reapplying sunscreen, unless you’re using our Calypso Dry Oil Wet Skin Spray. This can be applied on both wet and dry skin.

What is UVA radiation? Does Calypso protect me against UVA?

There are two types of ultraviolet radiation which can harm our skin – UVA and UVB. Only UVB causes burning, but both types damage our skin, so good sunscreens should protect against both. However, SPF only measures UVB protection, so you have to check to make sure your sunscreen offers UVA protection too. There are lots of different UVA measuring systems around the world. We use the European standard – look for the letters UVA inside a circle. This symbol means that a product meets the EU-recommended level of UVA protection.

Why does Calypso not display the UVA star rating on its packaging?

Calypso has always used the Europe-wide standard UVA symbol (the letters UVA inside a circle) on its packaging. This is a legal requirement through Cosmetics Europe and ensures the correct balance between UVA and UVB on products. All other systems are not legally binding and do not follow the Cosmetics European Directive.

I have allergies – are Calypso products safe for me?

Allergies can be very serious, and we try to minimise potential allergens where possible. However, if you have an allergy to a particular ingredient, you should check the ingredients list before using the product. Always test new products on a small area of skin 24 hours before you first use them. You should do this even if you don’t have any allergies.

Can I use Calypso products during pregnancy?

Yes you can. All ingredients in the Calypso product range have been approved as cosmetic ingredients.

What is the alcohol content of Calypso Hand Hygiene gel?

There is an alcohol content of 70%.

Why is alcohol the main ingredient in most hand sanitisers?

Alcohol, also known as ethanol, is the ingredient that kills bacteria and enveloped viruses.

Is Calypso Hand Hygiene gel anti-bacterial?

Yes it is anti-bacterial and kills 99.99% of bacteria and enveloped viruses.

Will Calypso Hand Hygiene gel work against viruses?

Calypso Hand Hygiene Gel has been tested successfully under BS EN 14476 to kill viruses.

Can I use Calypso Hand Hygiene gel to disinfect objects?

It has not been designed for this purpose but will be of benefit and functional in killing bacteria on objects.

Does hand sanitiser expire?

The Calypso Hand Hygiene Gel will expire 24 months after opening the pack.

Do you ship Hand Sanitisers abroad?

Unfortunately due to shipping restrictions, we can offer UK deliveries only (excluding Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man and Shetland Islands).

What is DEET?

DEET is an active ingredient used in many insect repellent products. When used correctly it leaves a barrier on the surface of the skin which deters biting insects from your skin. 

What is the difference between 'Insect Repellent with DEET' and DEET free?

The difference between the products is that one contains the active ingredient DEET. Please refer to the question 'What is DEET?' to learn more about the ingredient. Our 'Insect Repellent Spray with DEET' lasts for up to 6 hours and our 'Insect Repellent DEET Free' lasts for up to 5 hours.

Are your Insect Repellents safe for children?

Our insect repellent products have different instructions for use on children. The ‘Insect Repellent with DEET’ is not recommended for children under 6 years old and the 'Insect Repellent DEET Free' is not recommended for children under 2 years old. Please read the directions for use carefully for facial application and ideally complete a patch test before use. 

Does the 'After Sun Lotion With Tan Extender' contain fake tan?

This product does not contain fake tan. The lotion and tan extender work together to prolong your natural tan by hydrating and stimulating melanin within your skin, helping ensure an even suntan after sun exposure.