Sunscreen & Summer

Before you buy sunscreen this year, know that the FDA is standardizing the language on sunblock labels. "Broad Spectrum" means it will protect against UVB (those that burn) and UVA (those that cause skin cancer) AND pass a regulated broad-spectrum test to ensure that a minimum level of UVA protection is provided BEFORE a manufacturer can put the claim on its label. 


SPF's below 15 do NOT provide an adequate level of UVA blocking protection. Know that there is no such thing as "waterproof" or "sweatproof" products (all must be reapplied @ 40 to 80 minutes, depending on formula). 


The FDA says there is little evidence that SPFs above 50 provide a substantial level of protection and has proposed capping all SPFs @ 50+( SPF 15 filters out 93% of UV rays, SPF 50, 98% and SPF 100, 99%) Finally, remember that quantity counts: head to toe, use enough lotion to fill a shot glass; for foam, make the squirt the size of a tennis ball. 


Enjoy the sun, but safely!