Beach season has arrived and everyone is spending their free time out by the pool or relaxing on the beach. If you are like me this means you have about 30 minutes in the toasty sun before your skin turns from white into a vibrant shade of lobster.
It is important for everyone, even those with darker skin tones, to use sunscreen in order to prevent premature aging and skin cancer.
But what if your sunscreen isn’t really working as well as it claims? That seems to be the case according to a recent study conducted by the FDA.
Just recently the FDA announced a new series of rules requiring a product labeled “broad spectrum” to provide both UVA and UVB protection. Products currently on the shelves that are labeled as “broad spectrum” may or may not protect against UVA. Starting in 2012, all new products will have to pass a test to demonstrate that they protect against UVA as well.
UVB rays result in the painful sunburn you get after too much sun exposure. This type of radiation only affects the outer layer of skin. However, UVA are the most powerful rays
found in tanning beds. These rays penetrate much deeper into the skin and in a short amount of time can cause premature aging. The problem that the FDA recently addressed is that both of these rays can cause skin cancer.
Another change that will be made in the new sunscreen regulations is the labeled length of time that water-resistant sunscreens actually protect you after you swim or sweat. The FDA stated that many of the sunscreen manufacturers “exaggerated” the protection provided by their product, which often left consumers at risk for skin damage. The labels will now specify either 40 or 80 minutes of protection, and those that aren’t water resistant will have to display a warning label.
There is also a new regulation preventing any product from claiming they provide an SPF above 50. At this point, none of the companies have been able to provide data that proves anything above 50 SPF can provide increased protection, so it is basically a waste of money and a scam for the consumer.
In addition, products will no longer be able to state that they can be used to “block” the sun, and they will carry a drug fact box on the back much like an over-the-counter medication.
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