The Food and Drug Administration announced tighter regulations on sunscreen labeling last week in an effort to prevent the alarming increase in Americans diagnosed with melanoma.
According to ABC World News, Americans spent $680 million on sunscreen last year! Sunscreen labels can be confusing, so the new guidelines are designed to improve the effectiveness and make them easier to use. Changes include:
- Products will no longer be able to be labeled “waterproof” or “sweatproof”.
- Eliminate the word “sunblock”. Too misleading.
- Only sunscreens proven to be protect equally against UVA and UVB rays will receive a “broad spectrum” designation. (The current SPF ratings refer to UVB rays only.)
-
Only sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher will be able to claim they reduce the risks of skin cancer and aging.
4 Tips when purchasing sunscreen:
- Read the label. Look for ingredients like Zinc oxide, Avobenzone, or Titanium dioxide which ensure broad spectrum coverage.
- Get the number right. Look for an SPF of 25 or higher.
- Be sun savvy. Limit your exposure during peak hours of sun exposure, 10am-4pm.
- Reapply, reapply, reapply! Applying sunscreen frequently is more important than a strong SPF.
AesthetiCare has a wide selection of Dermatologist approved broad spectrum sunscreens to meet your individual needs and the new FDA regulations. Contact us to schedule your complimentary skin analysis at (913) 338-5476 and discuss you skin care needs.
