OK, so maybe
you can’t judge a book by its cover. But
you can learn a lot about a bottle of sunscreen just by
looking at its label.
Specifically, checking the label helps you choose
a sunscreen that reduces your risk of sunburn, early
aging and skin cancer. And now that the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration has updated sunscreen label
rules, making the right choice for your skin is easier
than ever.
W H A T ’ S N E W ?
Here’s a closer look at today’s sunscreen labels, with
these hints on how to make them work for you:
Look for
broad-spectrum
protection.
These words mean
that the sunscreen helps guard against ultraviolet A
and ultraviolet B rays. Both kinds can damage skin and
lead to wrinkles and skin cancer. Only products that
pass a test can carry this claim.
Check the sun-protection factor (SPF).
Look for sun-
screen that has an SPF rating of at least 15, which can
help safeguard your skin. For even greater protection,
S U N S C R E E N L A B E L S
Reading IsBelieving
dermatologists recommend a broad-spectrum SPF 30
sunscreen.
Heed the warning.
Sunscreens rated lower than
SPF 15 and those that don’t offer broad-spectrum
protection must warn that they guard only against
sunburn—not skin cancer and early aging.
Choose a water-resistant product.
Labels now state
whether the sunscreen resists water for up to either 40
or 80 minutes, at which time you’ll need to reapply.
Claims that a product is waterproof or sweatproof aren’t
allowed anymore because there’s no way to prevent all
of the sunscreen from coming off your skin when you
swim or sweat. The term
sunblock
is also considered
misleading and banned from sunscreen bottles.
Rub it in.
Once you’ve chosen the right sunscreen, be
sure to apply it to exposed skin whenever you plan to
spend time in the sun. And use plenty—about 1 ounce
(enough to fill two tablespoons). Don’t forget to rub
some more on every two hours—sooner if you get wet.
Sources: American Academy of Dermatology; American Cancer Society
KH . ORG
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SUN SAFETY
