Round Lab Tone Up sunscreen: protection and how to use it

Which Round Lab sunscreen do you have?

For the US Birch Juice Mild Up UVLOCK version, look for zinc oxide 17% in the Active Ingredients section and a 50 mL tube. A sunscreen bought outside the US can have different labeling and directions, so use the information on your own packaging, which makes this tube reading rather than brand recognition. Do not carry the US formula's ingredient details over to a differently named Tone Up sunscreen.12

What protection does it offer?

Broad spectrum covers UVA and UVB, which is a more useful job description than a flattering product name, though UVLOCK has clearly dressed for the interview. UVA contributes to skin aging, while UVB is the main cause of sunburn. The US Mild Up UVLOCK sunscreen helps prevent sunburn and, when used as directed with other sun protection measures, reduces the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun.13

SPF 50 does not mean you can stay outside 50 times longer or skip reapplication. No sunscreen filters out all UVB rays, so shade, clothing, a hat and sunglasses still belong in the plan.23

Is it a mineral sunscreen?

The US Mild Up UVLOCK formula is a mineral sunscreen because its listed sunscreen active is zinc oxide. Mineral filters protect mainly by absorbing ultraviolet radiation, rather than acting only as a reflective shield. The formula also contains birch juice, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid, chamomile flower oil and pine leaf oil. Zinc oxide is the listed active ingredient; the other ingredients are listed as inactive.134

Does Tone Up mean tinted protection?

For protection against visible light, look specifically for a tinted sunscreen with iron oxide, broad spectrum coverage and SPF 30 or higher. Visible light contributes to dark spots and melasma, a condition that causes patches of darker skin. Do not use the Tone Up name alone to decide whether a sunscreen offers that protection. If visible light protection is your priority, confirm the tint and iron oxide on the exact product label.3

How to apply it

1. 1Apply the US Mild Up UVLOCK sunscreen liberally and evenly 15 minutes before sun exposure.
2. 2Use enough to cover exposed skin thoroughly. General sunscreen guidance recommends at least 1 teaspoon for the face and about 1 ounce for an adult's exposed body, with more needed depending on body size.
3. 3Spread sunscreen thoroughly, remembering the ears, neck, hairline, hands and tops of the feet when exposed. Keep the product out of your eyes.
4. 4Reapply at least every 2 hours when outdoors. After swimming or sweating, reapply promptly and use a sunscreen labeled water resistant.

Use sunscreen before going outside, including on cloudy days and in winter. Daily application is recommended when the forecast UV index reaches 3 or higher. Protection depends on applying enough and maintaining coverage, not just choosing a high SPF.46

Can you use it for swimming or exercise?

For swimming or sweating, the US Mild Up UVLOCK label directs you to use a water resistant sunscreen. Choose a product whose label states 40 or 80 minutes of water resistance, and follow its reapplication directions. Water resistance requires testing; SPF and broad spectrum coverage do not replace it, even if UVLOCK sounds like something from a submarine catalogue. Reapply after toweling off, and remember that even water resistant sunscreen needs reapplication every 2 hours on dry skin.357

Who should be careful?

Mineral sunscreens are recommended for sensitive skin, but consider the complete formula when choosing a product. Do not apply the US Mild Up UVLOCK sunscreen to damaged or broken skin. If it gets into your eyes, rinse with water. Stop using it and ask a doctor if a rash occurs. Keep it away from children, and get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately if swallowed.35

Ask a doctor before using sunscreen on a child younger than 6 months. For infants, prioritize keeping them out of direct sun and using protective clothing. For older children, follow the sunscreen's Drug Facts directions.2

How to store it and when to replace it

Protect the tube from excessive heat and direct sun. Outdoors, keep sunscreen in the shade or wrap the container in a towel. Replace sunscreen after its expiration date. If there is no expiration date, consider it expired 3 years after purchase; discard it if you do not know how old it is.2