Looking for youth in a bottle? Make sunscreen your best friend! While many products can claim to turn back time and reverse the signs of aging, the only true "youth in a bottle" is a quality sunscreen. How do you choose the best sunscreen for you? With so many different products on the market, it can be tough navigating the world of SPF. With an early spring this year, and summer quickly approaching, what better time to discuss sun protection than today? Last year, the FDA handed down new regulations to the manufacturers of sunscreen. The changes will be in place for 2012. What does this mean for you? I'll break it down!
1. Limiting the use of the term "Broad Spectrum" in labeling, to only those products that protect against the burning UVB rays, but also against cancer-causing UVA rays, and must be of SPF 15 or higher. Additionally, sunscreens with SPF between 2 and 14 must inform the consumer that they only protect against burns and NOT cancer. Always purchase "Broad Spectrum" sunscreens of SPF 15+ to protect yourself against both aging and for cancer prevention.
2. Eliminating the terms "Waterproof" and "Sweatproof." Manufacturers may claim their product to be "water resistant," but must clearly state the amount of time a user can expect to maintain the declared SPF while swimming or sweating. The labels are only permitted to claim 40 minutes or 80 minutes. Remember to reapply sunscreen often when swimming or sweating!
3. Manufacturers can no longer make claims of "instant protection." Remember that sunscreen is most effective when applied 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and when reapplied every two hours (at the latest!)
4. Spray sunscreens must include new labels that warn against the risk of inhaling the product. In my opinion, avoid spray sunscreen altogether. Besides the risk of inhaling chemicals, aerosol sprays are terrible for our environment! The FDA is currently in research to find out if the spray sunscreens are even as effective as lotion varieties, because of the application and dosing from the can. Stick with good, old fashioned cream or lotion!
5. Sunscreen in other forms is under the FDA's critical eye too. Sunscreen in the form of wipes, towelettes, body washes, and shampoo may eventually be considered completely ineffective. If the risk of these not working is even a small possibility, I would avoid them completely.
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