With the sun staying out longer and cautionary UV ratings issued daily, it may be time to stock up on the sunscreen. But with dozens of products boasting long lists of claims, the trip to the drugstore can be a bewildering experience.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - which governs most of the companies found on Canadian shelves - is on the verge of passing new rules to give consumers a clearer picture of the sun protection they're getting.
For the first time, manufacturers will have to disclose the amount of ultraviolet A (UVA) screening provided by their products. UVA rays do not cause sunburns, but they can lead to skin cancer and aging.
Misleading terms like "sunblock," "waterproof," "sweat-proof," and "all-day protection" will no longer be allowed. Ditto sun protection factor (SPF) designations of more than 50.
Instead, the FDA wants warnings for consumers to limit their time in the sun, wear protective clothing, and reapply sunscreen every two hours, and after swimming or perspiring.
According to a published report, sunscreen manufacturers Neutrogena, Banana Boat, Hawaiian Tropic, and Coppertone say they will comply with the FDA label changes. But they left the door open for challenging the SPF 50+ cap.
The rules should be in place by the end of the year. At that point manufacturers will have up to 18 months to make the changes or provide scientific evidence justifying a higher SPF rating.
For sun safety tips, courtesy of the
City of Toronto and
Health Canada, click on the links.
For a list of sunscreens and their effectiveness,
click here.