Digital News Report – The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have new guidelines for sunscreen labeling and testing which will come into effect in one year. The sunscreen labeling will have limitations on what the product can say. The sunscreen and will have more specific information pertaining to its protection from the UV rays that can cause sunburn, skin cancer, and wrinkles.
There are two kinds of UV rays. Ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) cause sunburns while ultraviolet A radiation (UVA) can cause sunburns, skin cancer, and wrinkles. Some sunscreens do not protect both kinds of rays. Those that offer both UVB and UVA protection will be able to put “broad spectrum” with “SPF 15” on their packaging.
If the product has an SPF 2 to SPF 14 they will have a warning notice that says their product will not protect against skin cancer but will help to protect against sunburns.
The highest SPF rating allowed on packaging will be “SPF 50+.” The FDA said that there is not any evidence to show that anything more that SPF 50 provides any more protection.
Waterproof sunscreen products have to test their products in the condition advertised and have to give times of either 40 minutes or 80 minutes for how long it will last.
The manufacturers cannot say their product is a sunblock, waterproof, or sweat proof. They are not allowed to claim that the sunscreen can offer instant protection when applied. If the product claims to last more than two hours without reapplying they have to submit proof to the FDA. After reviewing, the FDA would have to give approval.
By: Jason Chang