FAQs
Would like to give us Feedback? Click here.
What is BioAcceleration Technology™ and how do SKINS work?
BioAcceleration Technology™ is a term trademarked by SKINS that refers to the benefits of engineered gradient compression. When you apply compression to specific body parts in a balanced and accurate way, it accelerates blood flow. This gets more oxygen to your working muscles – and boosts your performance.
Better blood flow also helps your body to get rid of lactic acid and other metabolic wastes – which helps you work at a higher rate for longer. Plus, improved oxygenation reduces the effects of delayed onset muscle soreness and accelerates muscle repair. So BioAcceleration Technology™ plays a big part in helping you recover from exercise too.
Why are SKINS different?
SKINS are different because their unique combination of features works better than any single component. Plus, their benefits are backed by independent testing – something that no other compression and therapeutic sportswear manufacturer can boast.
SKINS benefits include:
- less lactic acid build up, more muscle oxygenation – and better circulation
- more muscle power
- wicking – to draw moisture away from the skin
- temperature control, whether it’s hot or cold
- antibacterial treatments – to keep your SKINS smelling fresh
- 50+ UV protection
How do I know what size SKINS to wear?
We use a specific size chart for our products based on your body mass index (your height to weight ratio). The chart is easy to use. You’ll find it on our website and on the back of all SKINS packaging.
Is there any proof that SKINS will help me?
The performance, recovery and lifestyle benefits of SKINS have all been fully proven – both by our own research institute and outside experts, including sports physiotherapists and vascular physicians. In fact SKINS are the only compression and therapeutic performance apparel to be independently scientifically tested.
Results on elite athletes show that SKINS BioAcceleration Technology™ vastly reduces the build-up of lactic acid immediately after periods of sustained exercise. This allows for a more rapid return to normal levels and minimises the occurrence of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
For more information on testing, visit our research section on our website.
Can SKINS help me recover from injury?
Yes. SKINS BioAcceleration Technology™ speeds recovery by forcing more oxygen to your muscles – helping to virtually eliminate delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). MRI-based studies have also shown real improvements in muscle recovery.
How can SKINS prevent injury?
When you wear SKINS during activity, the compressive effect prevents muscles from overextending (which can cause injury) and may even treat injuries as they occur.
How do SKINS help my muscles?
Your muscles feel more fatigued and less powerful when they vibrate. SKINS are cut to hold your muscles against your frame in the right places, to help reduce this vibration and improve muscle focus and awareness (proprioception). Other garments have static compression (similar tightness everywhere) – and don’t help your muscles in the same way SKINS do.
SKINS also feature distinctive muscle wrapping seams. These help to provide the right compression level and support muscle groups through their full range of movement – increasing your power and endurance even more.
Can SKINS help with medical conditions?
The increased oxygenation and circulation provided by SKINS is an excellent way of relieving a range of medical complaints including arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, lymphoedema, varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis. It also helps to improve circulation during pregnancy.
Aren't long black tights hot?
No. Not only do SKINS improve circulation – which helps your body to regulate its temperature, whether it’s hot or cold outside. They have wicking built in.
Will SKINS keep me warm when it’s cold?
Yes. Because SKINS improve blood flow, they help keep your extremities warm. Built in wicking stops sweat cooling on your skin too.
Do SKINS keep me dry?
Yes. Wicking moves moisture away from your skin to the outside of the garment where it evaporates - so your skin stays dry. We use a top quality wicking treatment where the moisture management is in the thread – rather than treated afterwards.
Are all Lycra tights the same?
No. Even though Lycra is a brand name, it’s become a generic description for most elastomeric fabrics. The fabric we use is warp knitted, which is a superior fabric that provides the stringent stretch and recovery standards needed for SKINS engineered gradient compression. We then cut this fabric in a certain way to provide benefits like no other tights can.
Why should I choose SKINS over a less expensive pair of tights?
Because no-one’s invested as much time or money into research – or been able to replicate the benefits SKINS have been proven to deliver. SKINS’ unique BioAcceleration Technology™ has been developed by leading sports physicians over years of scientific research. And the medical benefits that SKINS provide are backed by independent testing.
Who’s wearing SKINS?
International elite sport physiologists, squads, teams and individual athletes wear SKINS. Why? Because SKINS deliver real results.
Are SKINS restrictive to wear?
SKINS tops are firm fitting, but they don't restrict movement in your shoulders, arms or muscles.
When should I wear SKINS?
- During any physical activity – for more power and endurance
- As a recovery aid after exercise
- When recovering from injury
- In the workplace (particularly if you stand or walk on hard surfaces)
- When travelling – to reduce the effects of jetlag and lower risks of DVT
Can I wear my SKINS with nothing over the top - even in the sun?
Wear your SKINS loud and proud – or under your kit. SKINS have 50+ UV protection, so you can be confident you’re covered up from the sun.
Do I need to wear underwear under SKINS?
SKINS can be worn with or without underwear. It’s entirely up to you.
Will my SKINS start to smell if I wear them under other clothes for too long?
No. SKINS come with an anti microbial sanitisation treatment in the fabric which keeps them smelling fresh even after days of use. Still, you’ll probably want to wash them once in a while.
How should I wash my SKINS?
There’s no need to hand wash your SKINS. You can put them in the machine, but wash them on a cold, delicates setting. It’s best to use a gentle detergent too. As with all elastomeric garments, the gentler the washing process, the more life you’ll get out of your SKINS.
How should I dry my SKINS?
Don’t tumble dry your SKINS. Let them dry naturally.
How long will my SKINS last?
Obviously this depends on how your wear your SKINS and how often you wash them. If you’re a runner, we expect that your SKINS will last about the same distance as a very good quality running shoe. As with all elastomeric materials, SKINS will deteriorate eventually.
How long is the warranty on SKINS products?
Your SKINS are covered by a 1 year warranty (from the day you buy them) on any material or workmanship flaws.
Is there any benefit to different coloured SKINS – or is it just personal preference?
There are subtle differences. The white camo and white colours have extra venting to release heat. Other light colours are designed to be worn in the summer – and under light coloured kit, such as cricket whites.
Is SKINS affiliated with the Australian Physiotherapists Association (APA)?
The APA has endorsed SKINS as the leader in compression performance equipment. The recommendation followed rigorous testing by APA-commissioned sports scientists that confirmed SKINS’ ability to enhance performance, endurance and recovery.
Why wear Powersox™/Powersleeves?
Powersleeves are ideal for activities that involve repetitive arm movement, such as shooting (basketball, netball), throwing and racket sports. Powersox™ help prevent cramping in your calf muscles during long periods of activity and can be worn under team socks.
Powersox™ and powersleeves can also be used to treat isolated injuries, such as forearm or calf strain – a useful way of preventing repetitive strain injury (RSI).
Can I swim in SKINS?
Chlorinated water can have a deteriorating effect on SKINS fabric, so we advise against wearing your SKINS in the pool. But seawater is fine. Just give your SKINS a good rinse with freshwater afterwards.
SKINS dry out quickly and have a UVP of 50+, so they’re great at blocking out the sun. The only thing you might notice is that the gradient compression doesn’t work quite as well when you’re submerged.
What's the difference between half tights and shorts?
SKINS half tights provide engineered gradient compression on the entire upper leg muscle groups - the hamstrings, quadriceps and gluteal muscles. SKINS shorts have a 5 inch inseam and provide increased compression along the lateral rotater line - giving extra support to the deep buttock muscles.
I’m not allowed to wear branded products. How visible is the SKINS logo?
We keep branding to a minimum to meet the stringent uniform restrictions of some elite sporting bodies. Plus, because SKINS shorts are shorter than half tights so they can be worn under your shorts during game time without being noticed.