Choosing the right SPF is very important. Consider your skin tone and your skin type.

Skin tones

• Very fair skin (which burns quickly and easily) needs SPF 50 or higher.

• Fair skin (which can burn easily), needs SPF 30 or higher.

• Medium skin (tans easily) SPF 30 is sufficient.

• Olive and dark skin can use lower SPFs, but protection is still recommended.

Skin types

• Oily and/or blemish-prone: choose a lightweight and oil free lotion or gel.

• Dry and/or sensitive: choose sunscreens with moisturising, protective and soothing ingredients such as coconut or carrot.

• Combination skin: choose a product which is lightweight and moisturising without oiliness.

Both our bronzing oils and dry oils offer tan acceleration and protection against photo-ageing. The bronzing oils provide balanced protection from UVA and UVB and contain vitamin E to fight photo-ageing, whilst simultaneously using plant component complex to accelerate tanning. The dry oils combine amino acid TYR-OL and carrot extract to accelerate tanning whilst offering anti-oxidant protection against photo-ageing. The dry oils are recommended for those who are predominantly concerned with faster tanning, whereas the bronzing oils are more appropriate for those mostly concerned with protection against photo-ageing. Both lines of products offer protection against UVA and UVB which meet EU regulations.

The most common active ingredients you will come across in our products are:

• TYR-OL This is an amino-acid which, when activated by UV radiation, stimulates the tyrosine enzyme. This initiates the process of melanin formation (which determines the brown tone of the skin). In a nutshell, this is an active tanning accelerator.

• Calcium pantothenate This is a form of vitamin B5 which moisturises and strengthens skin. It hydrates the skin by drawing moisture from deeper layers as well as the air, improving overall skin health and promoting skin healing.

• Calamine This ingredient contains zinc oxide which helps to dry out skin secretion, offering soothing and anti-itch properties.

• Carrot/carrot extract/carrot oil The humble carrot is, surprisingly, a tanning powerhouse. It boasts the three top priorities for a suncare product; tanning acceleration, sun protection and after care. The beta-carotene stimulates melanin production whilst protecting the skin from sun exposure damage. Carrot oil is a fatty acid which helps to soften the skin and retain moisture.

• Vitamin E This offers antioxidant protection which moisturises and supports skin healing after sun exposure.

• Vitamin F This contains anti-inflammatory properties and helps to restore the skin barrier. It also contains fatty acids which enhances the absorption of other active ingredients in the products.

Sunscreen should be used daily to protect the skin from accumulative sun damage. It should be the last step of your skincare routine - but always before makeup. Use whatever moisturiser, serum or oil you normally use to prep your face for the day, then once that has absorbed, apply the sunscreen. It is recommended to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before heading outside, to allow it time to absorb and form a shield. Reapplication is recommended throughout the day, when in full sun exposure.

Yes! Everything you sell meets EU regulatory standards and is approved.

No, you won’t find any products tested on animals at Heliology. We only choose cruelty-free options you can feel good about!

Contact us via email (customerservices@heliology.co.uk), we're happy to chat!