New FDA Sunscreen Rules Make Getting the Best Protection Easier
After 33 years of consideration – yes, you heard right — the Food and Drug Administration earlier this week announced significant new sunscreen guidelines.
The new guidelines in place are meant to help people decide how to buy and use sunscreen, and allow them to more effectively protect themselves and their families from sun-induced damage. A few of the new rules to go in effect in a year include:
- Look for “Broad Spectrum” protection. Sunscreens must protect equally against two kinds of the sun’s radiation, UVB and UVA, to earn the coveted designation of offering “broad spectrum” protection.
- Waterproof and sweatproof don’t mean anything. Sunscreen manufacturers cannot claim their products are waterproof or sweatproof because these claims are false.
- Use sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher. Only sunscreens that have a sun protection factor, or SPF, of 15 or higher, will be allowed to say that they help prevent sunburn and reduce the risks of skin cancer and early skin aging.
The FDA said it has yet to decide whether sunscreens with SPF of higher than 50 should be taken off the market since currently, there is not enough data to show that they actually provide more protection than SPF 50. The issue is currently open for public comment.
What do you think? Will these changes help you make better decisions about your sunscreen purchases?
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Very imformative especialy the parts about water proof sunscreen. I want a slight tan but not a burn or skin ca thanks for the information.
I think that the new guidelines are great – and long overdue! The labels are VERY misleading, especially when it comes to a sunscreen being waterproof or sweatproof! As the above article states – this is FALSE! I think “water resistant” would be more accurate! This is very good information, and I think it will help the general public make better decisions when it comes to sunscreens. I’ll also be watching for new guidelines concerning the SPF strength. I’ve wondered many times whether sunscreens with SPF’s higher than 50 were true or not. Thanks!