Believe it or not, last year the sunscreen industries profited 687.5 million dollars in sales. But last week, the FDA released the much anticipated changes to sunscreen products that will forever change this industry. In the past, the SPF # referred to UVB rays only and not UVA rays. Now science believes UVA is more harmful than first researched.
Below is a quick lesson on understanding the sun’s harmful rays, sunscreens, and what to look for on the labels when purchasing sunscreens.
· UVA- accounts for 95% of sun’s Ultraviolet Rays
o Penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB
o Dominant tanning rays
o Contributes to and may even initiate the development of skin cancer and premature aging
o Tanning beds emit primarily and increase melanoma risk by 75% in youths
· UVB- in the past is what the SPF number referred to
o Chief cause of skin reddening and sunburn
o Most significant between 10 am and 4 pm from April to October in the United States
o Does not penetrate glass
· SPF- indicates how long it will take for UVB rays to redden skin when using a sunscreen
o SPF of 15- 15 times longer to redden sun then without protection(screens out 93% UVB rays)
o SPF of 30 – protects against 97% of UVB rays
o SPF of 50 – protects against 98% of UVB rays
New changes to sunscreens are as follows:
· No sunscreen is permitted to promote their product prevents skin cancer
· Must clearly indicate if they protect you against UVA
· If a label has “BROAD SPECTRUM” - cleared by the FDA to protect against BOTH UVA and UVB
· A Broad Spectrum and SPF of 15 and higher can claim to reduce skin cancer and premature aging but must be used as directed and with other protective measures
· SPF between 2 – 14 and NO BROAD SPECTRUM – can only claim to help prevent sunburn
· SPF levels- capped at 50 for now but higher are proposed.
· Labels CAN NOT read waterproof, sweat proof or sunblock
· IF labeled WATER-RESISTANT-the label must indicate if effective for 40 or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating.
This is a list of what ingredients sunscreens should contain or have on the label to protect you against UVA and UVB rays:
· SPF of 15 or higher
· Broad Spectrum
· Stabilized Avobenzone, Ecamsule(Mexoryl), Oxybenzone,Titanium Dioxide, and Zinc Oxide
Guidelines for sun protection:
· Do not burn
· Look for shade between 10am and 4 pm
· Cover up with clothing and broad-brimmed hats
· Use the new labeled broad-spectrum(UVA/UVB) , SPF of 15 or higher sunscreens
· Apply 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.
I guess the government finally stopped us from believing we were protected when we truly weren’t very well protected at all. The proof of these changes in a positive direction will come when we see how the skin cancer rates are affected. Time, will be the true test! Have a great summer and be careful in the water.
