The ABC’s of SPF

Sunscreen regulations have changed over the years, but even more recently have their been stricter rules for proper sun care health. The FDA has introduced new labels to sunscreen bottles to ensure extreme protection against the harmful rays of the sun. Here are the new regulations:

1. Make sure the sunblock is labeled “broad-spectrum” which protects against both UVA and UVB radiation.
2. The Sun Protection Factor or SPF of 15 or higher can state that they defend against radiation, nothing lower can.
3. An SPF of 2-14 must state that they do not prevent radiation, skin cancer or aging.
4. “Sunblock”, “waterproof” and “sweatproof” are no longer allowed on suncare bottles but “water resistant” may be if it is stated on the bottle that it provides 40-80 minutes of protection while swimming or sweating.
5. Sunscreens cannot state that they protect for two hours without reapplication.
6. One should also seek shade, wear the proper clothing and reapply sunscreen often to ensure the highest protection against the dangers of the sun.

The sun provides vitamin D but it contradicts with the high increase of melanoma, skin cancer, radiation exposure, early aging, and overall health problems associated with it.