FDA Steps Up Guidelines For Sunscreen Labels

Sunscreen is a summertime-must.  But how do you know that the sunscreen you're using will protect you?

The FDA's new guidelines for sunscreen took effect June 1, 2012.  Essentially, they forced sunscreen makers to beef up their protection levels.

Old sunscreen protected us against UVB, the rays that largely cause sunburn, but left us unprotected against UVA rays, which contribute significantly to skin cancer and aging—yuck! New labeling guidelines require that sunscreen that protects adequately be labeled as “Broad Spectrum” or “UVA and UVB Protection”, with an SPF of at least 15-30.

Bottom line - make sure you're using sunscreen that will protect you from the summer sun.  Re-apply if you're going to be out in the sunshine for more than a few hours - to maximize your protection.

New FDA guidelines for sunscreen - Quincy, MA - The Patriot Ledger.