Sunscreen: in the Know-How

Now that the summer sun is in full swing, the Federal and Drug Administration issued out an announcement regarding sunscreens to be implemented summer 2012.  This aims to clear up consumer confusion on sunscreen products’ effectiveness. 

Here are some of the highlights:

• Broad Spectrum with SPF 15 or higher– sunscreens labeled “broad spectrum” block UVB radiation and a percentage of UVA radiation. It will also indicate that it reduces the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. UVB is a major cause of sunburn while UVA causes early skin aging and skin cancer.

• Broad Spectrum or with an SPF lower than 15 – labels will be required to carry a warning that they have not been shown to reduce such risks

• No more SPF above 50 - sunscreens will no longer claim to have an SPF above 50; it will state SPF 50+

• No more “sun block” – there is no evidence that products blocks all sunlight radiation

• No more “waterproof” or “sweat proof” – labels will be called “water resistant” and must state how long such protection lasts – either 40 or 80 minutes

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that people use sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher. You should use about one ounce to cover your body -- about a glob the size of a golf ball.