According to an article in the January 2012 issue of Dermascope (The Encyclopedia of Aesthetics) titled "What Aestheticians and Clients Need to Know About New FDA Sunscreen Guidelines” by Rachel Pontillo, the FDA says that starting this summer, sunscreens will go through a different test to determine how they will be labeled and marketed. Here’s some of the scoop: - There will now be an established range for SPF with a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 50. Anything less than 15 must be labeled "helps prevent sunburn.” Anything higher than 50 will be labeled 50+, because there’s no scientific study that says an SPF higher than 50 offers more protection
- If a sunscreen label reads "broad spectrum SPF,” the amount of UVA protection must be proportionate to the UVB protection.
- Sunscreens can no longer say "waterproof” or "sweatproof.” They can say "resistant.” Manufacturers will also have to specify on the label how long the water resistance is good for, i.e. 40 minutes, 80 minutes, etc.
- No sunscreen will be allowed to claim protection for longer than two hours.
- All sunscreen must be labeled as drug products and state the drug facts on the package.
- Be cautious with sprays. The FDA is requesting additional data on them before issuing specific guidelines.
In conclusion … read the labels and always remember to reapply!
