Good Question: Why are changes being made to sunscreen labels?

Last year, some 68,000 people in the U.S. were diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

The Food and Drug Administration has unveiled some new guidelines to standardize the sunscreens doctors say we should all be wearing.

Good Question: Why are changes being made to sunscreen labels?

With all the different sunscreen labels and claims it can difficult to know what's best.

"It can be confusing with all the brands out there and they come out with new varieties and forms of it," said Jason Flamendorf.

The FDA is now requiring manufacturers to test for both types of ultraviolet rays, UV-A which can lead to cancer and UV-B that causes sunburn.

"You need broad spectrum UV-A and UV-B protection that will protect you against aging as well as skin cancer," said Dr. Ellen Marmur, a dermatologist.

Sunscreens that are not broad spectrum and do not protect against both rays and those that have and SPF under 15 will have to carry new warning labels that say " this product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early aging."

SPF numbers seem to soar higher every year.

The FDA wants to cap them at 50 unless a manufacturer can prove their product really does offer more protection.

"We don't want to give the false impression that complete sun protection is provided," said Dr. Marmur.

And for that matter you won't see what the FDA calls exaggerated marketing claims like waterproof and sweat proof..

Products will only be able to use water resistant.

Manufacturers have until next summer to comply.

powered by Disqus


Register for Email
RSS Feeds
Copyright © 2002-2015 - Designed by Gray Digital Media - Powered by Clickability 124026709 -
Gray Television, Inc.