New Sunscreen Guidelines!!

Although we won't see new labeling on sunscreens until summer 2012, the FDA has released the details of its new regulations.  Go ahead and make yourselves familiar with them NOW so that when 2012 is upon us, you're ready to roll!  These guidelines could also help you choose a better-protecting sunscreen for THIS summer as well...if you know what to look for! Check out the FDA's new Guideliness below:

New FDA Guidelines:

• The final regulations establish a standard test for over-the-counter sunscreen products that will determine which products are allowed to be labeled as "Broad Spectrum." Products that pass this test will provide protection against both ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) and ultraviolet A radiation (UVA).
• 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 reads: "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 sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging.
• Manufacturers cannot make claims that sunscreens are "waterproof" or "sweatproof," or identify their products as "sunblocks." 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.
• FDA is proposing a regulation that would require sunscreen products that have SPF values higher than 50 to be labeled as "SPF 50+." FDA does not have adequate data demonstrating that products with SPF values higher than 50 provide additional protection compared to products with SPF values of 50

Sunscreens will look more uniform starting next summer.  They will each resemble something like this:

So for 2011, keep the following tips in mind and have FUN in the SUN!!

• Always wear at least SPF15, as anything lower has not been proven to reduce the risk of skin cancer.  Yikes!
• Don't believe everything you read.  Even if a sunscreen claims to be "water-resistant" or "sweat-proof", you should reapply after 30 minutes of swimming or sweating.

-Peace. Health. RoxyB!!

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