Harken Derm Frequently Asked Questions

How to apply Harken Derm

Before first use, twist off the cap to remove the silver safety seal. Twist cap back on (1.5 twists) and it is ready for use. Flip open the cap and squeeze (careful, you don’t need too much!). Test a small amount of sunscreen to see how it spreads. Then apply to face and body as needed.

For the face, we recommend about a dime size. For the body, we recommend a few quarters. Massage onto the face and body as desired.

For sunscreen: Before first use: (Open seal) Apply a small amount to the back of hand to see how it spreads. Then massage onto to face and body as desired. Don’t forget the ears, the top of the head (if applicable), the neck, the chest, and the tops of the feet. If you prefer to see that you’re protected throughout the day and appear more “white,” then apply to the skin and spread throughout. If you prefer to appear less white, continue massaging sunscreen onto the skin until the white color has started to disappear.

Who was this created for?

Harken Derm was created in response to the needs of the sailors, who are out on the water all day facing the triple threat: sun, water, and wind. Sailors are at unique risk for skin damage from the sun, and need a better solution and better education than what was currently offered. Specializing in high risk skin cancer, dermatologist Edit Olasz Harken felt it her duty to do something more to protect the sailors and other outdoor athletes who struggle with protecting their skin. In 2015, Dr. Edit Olasz Harken teamed up with her husband, Peter Harken, to create the best skincare products SOS – Save Our Sailors, and Save Our Skin.

Why mineral filters?

To create a long-lasting, stable, safe, and effective broad spectrum sunscreen, we had to use mineral filters. Chemical filters absorb a small range of UV light, while mineral filters reflect a broad range of solar radiation. Chemical filters are less stable, and often cause burning, stinging, and chemical reactions. Mineral filters have been used safely for over 50 years, and are rated the #1 and #2 filters in the world. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide combine to form a safe and effective broad-range shield that you can trust to work.

Why antioxidants?

The sun causes oxidative stress and the formation of free radicals, which are atoms with an unpaired electron, eager to steal an electron from a healthy cell in order to repair themselves. Antioxidants help to prevent free radical damage by donating an electron to an unpaired “free radical” thwarting its threat on other cells, and stopping the damage dead in its tracks.

Why botanicals?

Antioxidants are highly sensitive to light, and can quickly lose efficacy when not properly stabilized. By using active botanicals that naturally contain the antioxidants the skin needs, the antioxidants are released into the skin when applied. It has been proven that when simply adding antioxidants, they often lose their efficacy before even reaching the skin.

I have had skin cancer and need to be hyperaware of what I put on my skin and how it’s protected. Is your product safe for me? Can I trust it to keep me protected?

Yes. Harken Derm was developed by dermatologist Edit Olasz Harken, MD, PhD, who specializes in high risk skin cancer in transplant patients. She is at the front line of skin cancer research and protection, and created Harken Derm with the absolute highest standards for skin safety and care. The rich antioxidant formula will further protect you from free radical damage, and the pure mineral formula guarantees long-lasting broad-spectrum protection you can trust.

I have really sensitive skin. Are your products safe for me?

Yes! Harken Derm was created by dermatologist Edit Olasz Harken, MD, PhD with the highest standards of care. There are no chemical filters, allergens, or added fragrances that may irritate your skin. All products are hypoallergenic and made for the most sensitive of skin. They will not clog pores or cause acne, and are safe on children and post-procedure skin.

Is Harken Derm safe for my kids?

Yes! Harken Derm was created by dermatologist Edit Olasz Harken, MD, PhD, to be completely safe for all skin types and even the most sensitive of skin. Children under 6 months should not be in the sun, and Harken Derm is safe for all children over six months of age. Do not use chemical filters on children, especially under 8 years old.

Does it stain? What causes the stinging and staining?

No! Harken Derm will not sting or stain. It is certain chemical filters that cause stinging and staining, mainly oxybenzone and avobenzone (both UVA filters) – these two chemical filters are found in over 80% of broad spectrum sunscreens.

Why Harken Derm?

A two step solution made by a dermatologist and sailor specifically designed for you. All mineral, safe, long-lasting, effective.

Why only SPF 50?

In the United States, the FDA regulates sunscreens. In 2015, they passed legislation banning the use of SPF values above 50, as they are misleading to the public. Any SPF value over 50 does not offer any more protection than an SPF 50. In reality, it is not the SPF value that makes the biggest difference, but rather the active ingredients. An unstable SPF 100 (especially if it is expired) will keep you far less protected than a mineral SPF 30. Check the backs of your sunscreens!

What does SPF stand for?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) only represents the protection from UVB (the burning rays). For protection from UVA (aging) rays, look for a broad spectrum sunscreen. UV rays make up 6.8% of total solar radiation. The majority of solar radiation is Infrared, and High Energy Visible Light, which SPF does not represent. Harken Derm sunscreen protects from all forms of solar radiation: UVA, UVB, Infrared, and High Energy Visible Light.

Why 100 mL?

100 mL, or 3.4 oz is the maximum size of liquid/lotion that you are allowed to carry on a plane. We want to give you the maximum size that you can take anywhere with you, so that you’re always protected.

What about the corals? Is it reef safe?

Another key reason we use only mineral filters is to protect our environment and our oceans. For over 10 years, scientists have proven the destructive effects of one of the most popular chemical filters: oxybenzone. Found in more than half of the broad spectrum sunscreen products in the US, oxybenzone has been widely proven – both in the lab and in the ocean – to bleach and kill coral. It is an endocrine disruptor, and also affects humans. It is absorbed into the skin, and has been shown to have negative hormonal effects in pregnant women. One of our missions is to educate people about the ingredients in their sunscreens, and to stop the use of oxybenzone. Hawaii has passed legislation banning oxybenzone and octinoxate, having proven that they bleach coral, affective wildlife around it as well. Harken Derm has no chemical filters that could potentially harm the skin or the environment.

I love spray sunscreens, will you come out with one of those too?

Spray sunscreens have been widely proven to be far less effective than cream sunscreens. Often times, the majority of spray lands elsewhere rather than on your skin, and when it does, people often don’t rub it in. Spray sunscreens are only effective if you rub them in, and put enough on. Furthermore, spray sunscreens are chemical sunscreens, which destabilize much sooner, and the aerosol can is another hazard we do not wish to have.  

Why After Sun?

It has been proven that the damage to your skin does not stop when you leave the sun. A Yale study recently showed that especially in red-haired individuals, the damage continues for up to 3 hours after one leaves the sun. To stop this damage we need antioxidants to neutralize the free radicals. The after sun boasts 6 botanical ingredients which naturally release the active antioxidants onto your skin with use.

Does the Daily After Sun Skin Repair Lotion really work?

Yes. It has been clinically proven to be effective in visibly reducing brown spots, fine lines, and wrinkles, and reducing redness and irritation after a sunburn. It has also been proven – and continues to be proven – in the field, with dozens of daily users excited about their results (see testimonials).

Do you offer discounts?

To maintain the quality of our products and services, we are unable to offer discounts. Sign up for our membership program to receive exclusive gifts and offers.

Do you ship outside of the US?

Currently, we only ship within the United States. We are working on an international expansion to be available to you soon.