Sunscreen guidelines were finally revised for 2012 by the FDA to reflect changes that have been in progress for over 20 years. However, due to difficulties on the part of sunscreen manufacturers in making the revisions in time for last summer, the mandated changes were extended until December 2012.
This summer, sunscreens are expected to meet the new guidelines. That means, any sunscreen made before December 2012 may not reflect the new requirements in their labeling. In fact, my drug store still has some older labeled products on the shelves so make sure you take a close look before buying.
Here are the standards which new sunscreens labeling must meet:
1. Broad Spectrum:
Any sunscreen that carries a “broad spectrum” designation means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. An SPF 15 rating only indicates the protection level against UVB rays.
The proposed regulation states that the labeling should not be allowed to claim an SPF above 50 so that the highest rating will be SPF 50+.
People mistakenly believe that an SPF 30 rating gives twice as much sun protection as an SPF 15 and an SPF 50 offers more than three times that much. This is untrue.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, SPF 15 sunscreens filter out 93 percent of UVB rays, while SPF 30 protects against 97 percent and SPF 50 98 percent.
2. Use Claim:
Only products that are broad spectrum and have a SPF 15 and above may state, “If used as directed with other sun protection measures, this product reduces the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging, as well as helps prevent sunburn.” Sunscreen manufacturers have never before been able to make this claim.
Sunscreen with a SPF of 2-14 rating cannot claim protection against skin cancer or early aging, only that they protect against sunburn.
3. Waterproof, Sweatproof and Sunblock claims:
Sunscreens can no longer claim to be sweatproof or waterproof. Nor can a sunscreen claime to be a sunblock.
Sunscreen cannot claim immediate protection on application, or protection for more than two hours without reapplication, unless special approval is obtained by the FDA.
4. Water-Resistant claims:
Sunscreens that claim to be water-resistant will only have two reapply options listed, of 40 minutes or 80 minutes, while swimming or sweating, based on standard testing.
Sunscreen that is not water-resistant must have labeling telling the consumer to use one that is, while swimming or sweating.
5. Labeling:
All sunscreens must list the drug information on the back or side of the container. There are 17 active ingredients approved for sunscreen protection by the FDA though sunscreen may also list other ingredients.
Cosmetics that offer sunscreen protection must also abide by the FDA labeling guidelines.
One of the easiest ways to know if the sunscreen you plan to purchase meets proper protection is to look for The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation.
The Foundation implemented new standards that divide sunscreens into “Daily Use” for those with a SPF of 15 and “Active Use” for those with an SPF of 30 and above that also show proof of water-resistance.
Sunscreens should be applied at least 30 minutes before going outside, reapplied every two hours when spending time outdoors, and immediately after swimming or heavy sweating. At least one ounce should be used to cover the entire body.
In addition, if a person is taking photosensitive drugs, they should be aware that they have an increased risk from sun exposure. A list of many photosensitive drugs can be found here.
The Skin Cancer Foundation did state that there is no reason to throw away last year’s sunscreen. The shelf life of sunscreen is typically two to three years if stored in a cool place, since heat can break it down.
However, starting this summer it is probably a better idea to buy sunscreen with the new labeling to ensure that the warnings and directions are up to date.
Click here to see what new labels will look like.
Sources:
New FDA Guidelines For Sunscreen. EmpowHer. Retrieved May 10, 2013.
https://www.empowher.com/skin-hair-amp-nails/content/new-fda-guidelines-...
FDA: New Sunscreen Guidelines Delayed Six Months. Time Health & Family. Retrieved May 10, 2013.
http://healthland.time.com/2012/05/15/fda-new-sunscreen-guidelines-delay...
The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Guide to Sunscreen. The Skin Cancer Foundation. Retrieved May 11, 2013.
http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/the-skin-c... and http://www.skincancer.org/publications/sun-and-skin-news/summer-2011-28-...
FDA Sheds Light on Sunscreens. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved May 11, 2013.
http://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm258416.htm
Michele is an R.N. freelance writer with a special interest in woman’s healthcare and quality of care issues. Other articles by Michele are at www.helium.com/users/487540/show_articles
Edited by Jody Smith