After a few weeks of early summer heat, I thought it would be a good time to talk about sunscreen, especially after the Food and Drug Administration's recent rule changes that should really help you make better sun protection choices starting next summer. The FDA's new guidelines are designed to "reduce consumer confusion," said Dr. Janet Woodcock, the director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
Starting in 2012, sunscreen products may be labeled "broad spectrum" if they block UVB radiation and a percentage of UVA radiation. UVB is the major cause of sunburn, but both can cause premature skin aging and skin cancer. Broad spectrum sunscreens with an SPF over 15 can now claim to reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature aging - because the FDA has determined that they do. Also, you will no longer see sunscreens with an SPF listed above 50. Instead, the bottle will be labeled 50+. According to Dr. Woodcock, "We don't have sufficient data to show that those [sunscreens] with an SPF higher than 50 provide greater protection."
Products will also no longer be able to called "sunblock," because there is no evidence that they can actually block all of the radiation in sunlight. One last claim that will be eliminated starting in 2012 is that sunscreens are "waterproof" or "sweatproof." Sunscreens can only now be called "water resistant" and must clearly state how long that protection lasts - generally 40 or 80 minutes.
Unfortunately, you probably won't see any of these label changes this summer (although some at the FDA are hopeful that sunscreen companies will adopt the rule changes before next summer), but this definitive information from the FDA should be a good guideline for you during the high sun exposure months this summer.
Sunscreen is integral to protecting your skin from burns, skin damage, premature skin aging, and skin cancer. Any sunscreen with an SPF less than 15 is basically just lotion. Remember to try to stay out of the sun during peak times, usually 10am-2pm, if possible and use a "broad spectrum" lotion liberally and reapply regulary.
Sunscreen is integral to protecting your skin from burns, skin damage, premature skin aging, and skin cancer. Any sunscreen with an SPF less than 15 is basically just lotion. Remember to try to stay out of the sun during peak times, usually 10am-2pm, if possible and use a "broad spectrum" lotion liberally and reapply regulary.
Do you have a family member who is lax about sun protection? How do you try to keep your family safe from excessive sun exposure? Leave a comment or drop a question about how your family can stay safe this summer.
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