Labels On Sunscreen Might ‘Burn’ You
Sunscreen is crucial to protect against skin cancer and aging. Most of us already know we should buy a SPF of 15 or higher, but 10News found out some sunscreens have misleading labels. You may not be getting enough protection.
“I use it religiously actually, I am obsessed with sunscreen. I put it on before I go and if everybody else is putting it on, I put it on again. I try to get one that has a high SPF and something that says waterproof or water resistant. ” said a 10News viewer.
But there are so many different brands for sale, tanning oils with little or no protection to waterproof sunblocks with SPF 50. They all claim to be the best choice.
“It says on here it’s a sunblock lotion SPF 30 ultra sweat-proof and waterproof,” said the concerned viewer.
The makers of sunscreens will do anything to catch your eye. But here’s a warning for your next day in the sun: What they say and what they actually do are two different things.
The truth is, words like “sunblock” and other protective sounding words are misleading.
“Words like waterproof, baby sunscreen are virtually meaningless,” said Scripps Dermatologist Doctor Susan Stuart.
Stuart said labels on sun lotions can give a false sense of security.
“Sometimes a label will say UVA and UVB and they may not be getting and adequate amount of UVA coverage,” said Stuart.
The SPF factor protects you from the UVB rays. They can cause some types of cancer, but that’s only half the story.
“One of the things the FDA has not regulated or created standards for labeling is the UVA rays,” remarked Stuart.
“UVA are deeper rays that can cause melanoma, premature aging, brown spots and skin texture changes.
UVA rays go through windows whether you are driving a car, you’re on a plane or you’re sitting at your desk next to a computer, you are bombarded with UVA rays, UVB rays do not get through,” said Stuart.
The
Food and Drug Administration has no UVA rules, so manufacturers can put a very small amount in their sunscreen and claim UVA protection. The truth is on the ingredients label.
“Look for those words zinc oxide, titanium oxide, parcel 1789, the new product mexral called anthelios,” said Stuart.
Anthlelios sunscreen has a higher price tag, around $29 a bottle, but in this case you can believe what’s on the label.
“It’s a fabulous sunscreen that’s now going to give you the best UVA protection and the most dense UVA protection on the market,” said Stuart.
Another misleading word on sunscreen labels is the word “waterproof”. Five years ago the food and drug administration asked manufacturers not to use it. Look instead for water resistant.
Stuart also said don’t go overboard on SPF protection. When used properly, an SPF of 15 protects the skin from 93 percent of UVB radiation and an SPF 30 sunscreen provides 97 percent protection. Anything higher than 30 provides only a marginal amount of added protection.
source : news.yahoo.com
