While the FDA’s recommendation for sun exposure will remain the same, the label on your favorite sunscreen will not. The FDA has just announced new regulations that will force manufacturers to re-vamp labeling in order to increase consumer awareness and protection from sun damage. If you have walked down the sunscreen aisle lately, you have probably noticed the sun protection factor (SPF) arms race that’s occurring. It’s no longer just SPF 15, 30, 45 or 50. Now SPF ratings 80, 90 and 100+ are available. However, most SPF factors above SPF 50 barely provide more coverage while exposing humans to much stronger chemicals. Thus, the FDA has imposed a regulation that will restrict production of sunscreen to a maximum SPF level of 50. Additionally, many consumers are unaware of the two types of UV radiation that can harm their skin, UVA and UVB. UVB radiation causes burning while UVA radiation causes wrinkles and pre-mature aging. Both types of radiation, UVA and UVB, cause cancer. The SPF rating that is typically seen on sunscreen labels provides protection from UVB radiation but provides limited coverage from UVA radiation. Thus, the FDA has determined that sunscreen manufacturers can only indicate that their product provides “broad spectrum coverage” if the sunscreen reflects both UVA and UVB rays proportionally. The new labels will also specify exactly how long the sunscreen retains its advertised SPF while the consumer sweats or swims. In fact, manufacturers are no longer allowed to state claims such as “waterproof” or “instant protection” without appealing to the FDA because these claims are typically not completely true. The changing in labeling will take place over the next year. So, look for the new, consumer-friendly labels and remember the FDA’s recommendations for sun protection each time you go outside.
For other InfantRisk Center “Hot Topics” regarding sunscreen usage:
http://www.infantrisk.com/content/using-sunscreens
References:
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm258416.htm
