Ultraviolet Light and Sunscreens – Part 2

Ultraviolet Light and Sunscreens – Part 2 

In order to clear up the confusion about sunscreen products, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final ruling regulating sunscreen products that went into effect on December 17, 2013. The new FDA regulations include:

  • Sunscreen products labeled Broad Spectrum must provide protection from both UVB and UVA rays and have an SPF15 or higher.
  • Sunscreen products labeled Broad Spectrum may claim that they “not only protect against sunburn but, if used as directed with other sun protection measures, can reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging.”
  • Sunscreen products not labeled Broad Spectrum may only claim to help prevent sunburn.
  • Sunscreen products that are not labeled Broad Spectrum must include 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.”
  • SPF50 is the maximum SPF claim allowed. Products with an SPF higher than SPF50 must be labeled SPF50+. The FDA does not have any data to prove that an SPF above 50 provides any additional protection.
  • Water resistance claims on the front label must indicate whether the sunscreen remains effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating
  • The claims waterproof, sweatproof, sunblock, instant protection or protection for more than two hours, are not approved.

 

 TOP TEN TIPS FOR PRACTICING SAFE SUN

  • Make sure your sunscreen is labeled Broad Spectrum.
  • Do not use sunscreens over SPF30.
  • To avoid skin irritation, do not use sunscreens over SPF15.
  • To avoid skin irritation, use sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
  • Use sunscreen even on cloudy days.
  • Apply sunscreen liberally, two applications, 20 minutes before sun exposure.
  • Reapply sunscreen every hour. More frequently when swimming or sweating.
  • Avoid sun exposure from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, when the sun is the strongest.
  • The terms natural, non-chemical and chemical free are false and misleading.
  • The claims waterproof, sweatproof, sunblock, instant protection or protection for more than two hours, are not approved.

    Click Here for more consumer information from the FDA

 We welcome your questions and comments.|
john@chemistrysimplified.com

 


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