The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made recent changes to sunscreens to help protect consumers from damage caused by excessive sun exposure. These changes will take place in 2012.
The new measures include the following:
- Final regulations that establish standards for testing the effectiveness of sunscreen products and require labeling the accurate test results.
- A proposed regulation that would limit the maximum SPF value on sunscreen labeling to “SPF 50+”.
- A data request for safety and effectiveness information in certain dosage forms (For example, sprays).
- A draft guidance for sunscreen manufacturers on how to test and label their products in spite of these new measures.
The additional and final regulations include:
• Sunscreen products that are NOT broad spectrum or that are broad spectrum with SPF values from 2 to 14 will be labeled with a warning that will read, “Skin cancer/Skin Aging Alert: Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburns, NOT skin cancer or early skin aging.”
• Water resistance claims on the product’s front label must tell how much time a user can expect to get the declared SPF level of protection while swimming or sweating, based on standard testing. Two times will be permitted on labels: 40 minutes or 80 minutes.
• Manufacturers cannot make claims that sunscreens are “waterproof” or “sweatproof, or identify their products as “sunblocks”. Also, sunscreens CANNOT claim protection immediately on application (For example, “instant protection”) or protection for more than two hours without reapplication, unless they submit data and get approval from the FDA.
Below, I have posted a link to a video that explains how sunscreen works.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC-d9ZsnLds&feature=player_embedded#at=31
Not all sunscreens are created equal, and this new information will help consumers know which products offer the best protection from the harmful rays of the sun. Reading all of the labels, front and back, is recommended because we need to choose the appropriate sunscreen for our own needs.
Under these new regulations, sunscreen products that protect against all types of sun-induced skin damage will be labeled “Broad Spectrum” and “SPF 15″ ( Or higher) on the front. Broad Spectrum protects our skin against all of the sun’s rays.
Wearing sunscreen everyday, even in the dead of winter, will protect our largest organ, the skin, from painful sunburns, skin cancer, age spots, and wrinkles. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and clothing that covers your skin. Of course you can still wear shorts and tank tops, though just apply sunscreen to areas of skin that are exposed to the sun. Remember to reapply frequently!
What is SPF?
SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor”. Sunscreens are rated or classified by the strength of their SPF. SPF numbers can be anywhere from as low as 2 to as high as 50. These numbers refer to the product’s ability to deflect the sun’s burning rays.
An SPF rating is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to produce a sunburn on sunscreen-applied skin to the amount of time needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin.
For example, if a sunscreen is rated SPF 2 and a person who would normally turn red after 10 minutes of exposure in the sun uses it, it would take 20 minutes of sun exposure for them to turn red instead.
Can I use the sunscreen I bought last summer, or do I need to purchase a new bottle each year?
Unless indicated by an expiration date, the FDA requires that all sunscreens be stable and at their original strength for at least three years. You can use the sunscreen you bought last summer, though keep in mind that if you are using the correct amount, a bottle of sunscreen should not last very long.
What type of sunscreen should I use?
Sunscreens are available in many forms, including wax sticks, oils, ointments, lotions, creams, and gels. Choose any type you’d like, its all a matter of personal preference. Gels are nice in hairy areas, a male chest and the scalp. Creams are good for individuals who have dry skin. Sticks are good around the eyes. Creams are also typically thicker, and are best for face. There are also sunscreens made for special purposes, such as use on babies and sensitive skin.
There are many harmful chemicals in sunscreens and I definitely suggest usage of organic sunscreens. I recommend http://www.badgerbalm.com/c-6-sun-care.aspx
How much and how often should sunscreen be used?
Sunscreens should be applied 15 to 30 minutes BEFORE going outside. When putting on sunscreen, be sure to apply it to all skin that will be exposed to the sun-pay attention to the ears, hands, arms, neck, legs, back, stomach, feet, face, and lips! Rub thoroughly and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating heavily. Water resistant sunscreens lose their effectiveness after 40 minutes in the water.
When and who should use sunscreen?
Everybody should use sunscreen everyday! Even on a cloudy day, up to 80% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays can pass through the clouds. Sand reflects 25% of the sun’s rays and snow reflects 80% of the sun’s rays. UVA rays can penetrate glass windows. Sunscreen can be applied under makeup, or there are many cosmetic products that already contain sunscreen in them, great! Also, limit in the sun between the hours of 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, because this is when the sun’s rays are most intense.
Infants:
Infants under 6 months old should be kept out of direct sun as much as possible. Their skin is not yet protected by melanin. So when you take your cute, little baby outside:
- Avoid midday sun- Take walks in the early morning or late afternoon.
- Make shade- Use the stroller’s canopy or hood. If you can’t find a shady spot, put up an umbrella.
- Follow product warnings for sunscreen on infants under 6 months old- Most manufacturers advise against using sunscreens on infants and urge parents and caregivers to consult a doctor first.
Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen SPF 70+ is absolutely the WORST sunscreen you can buy for your baby. It’s key ingredient is oxybenzone, which readily seeps through the skin and into the bloodstream and acts like estrogen in the body. Oxybenzone is dangerous to everyone, not just babies.
They are plenty of safer and more effective products out there, my personal favorite sunscreens are all by Badger Balms. http://www.badgerbalm.com/c-6-sun-care.aspx
Make an appointment to come talk about your optimal health NOW by going to our website and making an appointment at www.DrLiesa.com and clicking on the Request an Appointment button or by calling our office at 512-537-8859. Our office is located at Liesa Harte, M.D., P.L.L.C., 1132 South Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704.
