19
Sep 2011

The FDA’s New Sunscreen Guidelines

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After more than three decades in the works, the FDA’s new regulations on sunscreens have finally been released.

The new rules require that sunscreens are subjected to FDA tests to check that they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Ultraviolet radiation is associated with development of 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers (which affect one in five people in the US), and 65% of melanoma cases (responsible for the death of about 8,700 people annually).

Reading The New Labels

  • Products with SPF values between 2 and 14 can be labeled as “Broad Spectrum” if they pass FDA tests to show that they protect against both UVA and UVB radiation.
  • Products can only state that they reduce the risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer if they are of SPF 15 or above.
  • The FDA feels that there is no such thing as a “waterproof” sunscreen. So the terms “waterproof” and “sweatproof” are no longer allowed. The term “water-resistant” is now used, and products must state if they work for 40 or 80 minutes. If a sunscreen is not water-resistant, it must be labeled in such a way as to advise consumers to use a water-resistant product if necessary.
  • The maximum SPF value on a label will now be “50+” since there’s not yet any proof that SPF values over 50 offer any better protection against sun damage than those with SPF 50.
  • The term “sunblock” is no longer allowed, since products don’t actually block the sun, but deflect it.

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“These changes to sunscreen labels are an important part of helping consumers have the information they need so they can choose the right sun protection for themselves and their families,” reported Janet Woodcock,  director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “All they’re going to need to do is pick an SPF number and then make sure that it’s broad spectrum.”

The new rules go into effect next year and must be on all sunblocks by the summer, but manufacturers can implement them immediately if they so choose – so you’ll find some newly-labeled products on the shelves now.

The Skin Cancer Foundation hopes that the new FDA regulations will make consumers choose sunscreens more wisely, thereby better protecting their skin from sun exposure, and ultimately reducing the rates of skin cancer.

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Some Other Sunscreen Tips
In addition to choosing a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30:

  • Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before heading outdoors
  • Apply it liberally – use at least 2 ounces (enough to fill a shot glass)
  • Reapply every two hours (more frequently if you are swimming, drying off, or sweating)
  • Always check the product expiration date

And don’t forget all the other ways you can protect yourself and reduce your risk of skin cancer.

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02
Sep 2011

Respect The Sun

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We may be heading into the fall, but temperatures are still soaring in many parts of the country. And outdoor activities are still popular at this time of year in all regions, whether they involve hiking, biking, or barbecuing!

Although we used to think that soaking up the sun could only be good for us, we now know that this isn’t necessarily the case, and the dangers of ultraviolet rays are well known.

The Sun’s Rays:

The sun produces two types of rays that can penetrate the atmosphere and cause health problems associated with sun exposure:

  • Ultraviolet A (UVA) Rays: These comprise about 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the earth’s surface. Although less intense than UVB rays, their prevalence is higher and they can penetrate the skin more deeply. Their intensity is similar during daylight hours at all times of the year, and they can also penetrate glass and clouds. This is the predominant ultraviolet form that is emitted by tanning booths, and these powerful booths can emit up to 12 times the dose of UVA as the sun. Consequently it is not surprising that people using tanning booths are more likely to develop skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.
  • Ultraviolet B (UVB) Rays: These represent the main cause of reddening of the skin and sunburn due to sun exposure. The highest amount of UVB is emitted in the US between 10am and 4pm from April to October. It should be remembered, however, that UVB damage is possible all year round, especially in people at high altitudes. Surfaces such as ice or snow can also reflect the UVB rays such that they can hit the skin twice. These rays, however, do not have any significant ability to penetrate through glass.

 

What Are The Effects Of Sun Damage On Our Skin?

Both UVA and UVB can penetrate the atmosphere and contribute to various health problems, in particular:

  • Premature aging of the skin
  • Skin cancers
  • Eye conditions such as cataracts

It should be remembered that sun damage is permanent and cumulative. The short-term effects of excessive, unprotected exposure to UV rays are sunburn and tanning. Long-term exposure causes the skin to age prematurely, leading in particular to wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer.

Skin cancer represents the most common cancer type, with more than 2 million Americans diagnosed with some form of this disease annually – more than lung, prostate, breast, pancreatic, colon, ovarian, and uterine cancers combined. The staggering number of skin cancer cases has also steadily increased over the past 30 years.

UV radiation is now recognized as a carcinogen by both the US Department of Health and Human Services, and the World Health Organization. It is considered the main cause of non-melanoma skin cancers (including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) which affect more than 250,000 Americans each year. It is also believed that UV radiation frequently plays a key role in malignant melanoma formation. This is the most deadly type of skin cancer, killing more than 8,000 Americans annually.

 

The good news, however, is that skin cancer is a largely preventable cancer, since most cases are linked to sun exposure. So as we enter the holiday weekend, and the final week of our official summer, don’t forget to respect your skin and eyes while you enjoy the sunshine outdoors. Take adequate precautions to protect yourself from the sun’s powerful rays.

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