What You Need to Know About Sunscreen

New FDA Rules on Sunscreen Labels

I just came in from a long walk with Sophie, my little Coton de Tulear, and I am happy to report that spring is here! I felt it in the air; I smelled it on the breeze. The trees are budding, the birds are chirping and the squirrels are busy building nests or doing whatever squirrels do in early spring. It’s about time.

It’s also time to protect your skin from the sun. While sun protection is something we should consider regardless of the season, in spring and summer more of our skin is exposed to the sun and it needs to be shielded from burning rays. I don’t know about you, but buying sunscreen confounds me. How much SPF should I look for? How often should I apply it? Does it wash off in water from the pool or ocean? Does my facial moisturizer provide enough protection? It’s very confusing.

Happily, confusion about which sunscreen to buy just got a lot clearer thanks to new rulings by the FDA. Here, Dr. David E. Bank, founder and director of the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery, 359 East Main Street, Suite 4G, Mt. Kisco, NY, (914) 241-3003, outlines all of the final rules below:

BROAD SPECTRUM DESIGNATION
Sunscreens that do not pass the FDA’s broad spectrum qualifications cannot be labeled saying that they can help prevent skin cancer and early signs of aging. In addition, broad spectrum sunscreens must have an SPF value of at least 15 in order to contain this label. All other non-broad spectrum and broad spectrum sunscreens with an SPF value between 2 and 14 can only claim to prevent sunburn.

SPECIFIC USAGE REQUIREMENTS
Water resistance labels must indicate how long the sunscreen will remain effective after applying- intervals of either 40 or 80 minutes must be specified. These times are formulated based on standard testing done by the FDA. Sunscreens that are not water resistant must include a label alerting consumers to use a water resistant sunscreen when swimming or sweating.

NO MORE FALSE CLAIMS
Labels promising “instant protection” will no longer be included on sunscreens. “You should wait at least 15 minutes before going into the sun after application,” states Dr. Bank. In addition, claims such as “waterproof”, “sweatproof”, and “sunblock” are no longer allowed to be noted on labels as they overstate a product’s effectiveness.

COSMETICS
The final rule now applies to all cosmetics claiming to provide Broad Spectrum SPF protection as well. All products labeled with SPF values, whether it be a moisturizer or foundation must follow the same regulations as OTC sunscreen products.

Dr. Bank also offers the following tips to keep skin in tiptop shape during the spring and summer.

SUNSCREEN APPLICATION
It’s not just about wearing sunscreen- it’s about applying it correctly. Skin that is not protected by clothing should be generously covered with about an ounce of sunscreen (the equivalent of a standard shot glass), and it should be applied at least every two hours. According to one survey done by the Skin Cancer Foundation, the majority of people used half the required amount and another survey proved that sixty percent of men believed that this would protect them for at least four hours.

AVOID SKIN IRRITATIONS
Every woman wants to look her best while lounging on the beach or by the pool, but take note when it comes to shaving. A common mistake that many women make is to shave or wax immediately before they plan to go to the beach. This will backfire as coming into contact with products after hair removal can irritate the skin, especially if it is sensitive. “I recommend shaving or waxing the day or night before”, states Dr. Bank.

STAY MOISTURIZED
Skin can be dry in the winter, but this can happen in the summer too. “Sun exposure sucks moisture from your skin,” says Dr. Bank. So, perhaps keep a few of your thicker moisturizers around. Also, remember to moisturize from the inside out by drinking plenty of water.

FIGHT BREAKOUTS
It’s a common misconception that sun exposure will dry up acne; however, this is not the case. Don’t disregard using acne fighting products such as salicylic acid cleansers. Chances are that skin will be clogged during the summer months due to an increase in sweating and sunscreen use.