Six Changes You'll See On Sunscreen Labels

You may toss your sunscreen in your beach bag as an afterthought. Or you may be very careful about reading sunscreen labels before you purchase them. Either way, you may not be properly protected against damaging radiation from the sun.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced tougher and clearer label requirements on sunscreen products. The announcement was made June 14 and will be effective in summer 2012; however, we will probably see changes in the labels well before then.

So why the change? According to the FDA Web site, current products need to be updated with new safety information on the dangers of sun exposure. The changes are to help consumers choose sunscreen products based on protection.

One of the biggest problems stems from public misunderstanding of ultraviolet rays and their damaging effects on health.

Brandi Broughton, physician's assistant at Bay Dermatology of Largo, says that people aren't aware of the difference in ultraviolet A  (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.

Exposure to UVA and UVB rays can cause sunburn. However, consumers may not realize that UVB rays can cause an increased risk of early skin aging and skin cancer.

Here are six changes you'll see on sunscreen labels.

1. Broad Spectrum: Products that pass an FDA test will be able to label their products "broad spectrum," which protects against UVA and UVB rays.

2. Sun Protection Factor (SPF): This designation will show the overall amount of protection from the sun.

"Broad spectrum" products will be labeled SPF 15 or greater, which will show an overall protection against sunburn, early skin aging and skin cancer.

If the product isn't labeled broad spectrum, the SPF will refer only to the overall protection against sunburn.

3. Use Claims: Only sunscreen products with broad spectrum labels will be allowed to claim they can reduce your risk of early skin aging and cancer.

Products that are SPF 15 and greater must be used with other sun protection such as limiting your sun exposure and using protective clothing. Any product with an SPF below 15 will only be allowed to claim protection against sunburn.

4. Protection Claims: Sunscreens will not be allowed to use words "sunblock," "waterproof" or "sweatproof." These terms imply an exaggerated protection.

All sunscreens must be reapplied every two hours and after swimming or sweating.

5. Water Resistance: Sunscreens will be allowed to make this claim, but the product must list whether protection lasts through 40 or 80 minutes (based on standard testing) of swimming or sweating.

Products that aren't water resistant must state that the consumer should use a water-resistant sunscreen during swimming or sweating.

6. Drug Facts: All sunscreen products must list drug information on the container's back or side.

Aerosal sunscreen products are going through additional effectiveness testing. The sprays are convenient to use, but may not be providing the same protection as creams or lotions.

"It's hard to know how much product is being used," Broughton said. "The best place to use them are on your scalp. It provides an excellent way to get skin protection."

Manufacturers must make label changes by summer 2012. You'll see some product changes before next year's deadline.

Broughton recommends general use of broad spectrum sunscreens, whether you're outside for a few minutes or headed to the beach for an afternoon.

Make sure your sunscreen is providing the most effective protection. Check your current bottle. What does the label say?

To further protect yourself against the risks of sun damage, you can take the following actions.

• Reduce exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun's rays are the most intense and potentially more damaging to your skin.
• Protect your skin by wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.
• Use specially labeled "water resistant" sunscreens when swimming or exercising (or doing other physical activity that causes sweating).
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours when you're outside. You'll need to reapply more frequently if you're swimming or sweating.

For information on skin protection and care, call Bay Dermatology in Largo at 727-585-8591.

Clarification: In a previous version of this story it was not stated that both UVA and UVB rays cause sunburn. This information is based on the Federal Drug Administration.