You put on last summer’s SPF 50 sunscreen and think you’re ready to go for a walk, a day at the beach, or lounging by the pool, but you’d be sorely mistaken.
First of all, that “50” just means that without sunscreen you would burn 50 times faster, not that you are 50 times safer. Also, if it’s a year old, it’s outdated. And taking a dip in the sea or in the pool, or simply sweating removes sun protection, so you see: you are not at all sure.
And keep in mind that SPF only refers to how well the product filters UVB (ultraviolet B) rays, not UVA (ultraviolet A) rays which go even deeper and age the skin, so you won’t get any help there. Both types of rays increase the chances of skin cancer.
Under new FDA guidelines, manufacturers must now add a 4-star UVA rating system on sunscreens: low, medium, high, or higher, plus a corresponding star. But don’t expect to see those new labels anytime soon; actually, we may have to wait up to 18 months!
For now, the Skin Cancer Foundation says to look for at least one of these UVA-protective ingredients on the label: avobenzone, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or ecamsule.
In the meantime, with more than a million cases of skin cancer diagnosed annually in this country, pay attention:
1. Buy new sunscreen every year and keep in mind that the EWG (Environmental Working Group) determined that 84% of the 785 sunscreens on the market with an SPF rating of 15 or higher offer inadequate protection.
2. Look for those labeled “broad spectrum.”
3. Select only the best brands, as 80% of nearly 1,000 brand name products have been shown to “contain chemicals that may pose health risks or do not adequately protect skin from the sun’s harmful rays.”
4. Wear plenty of sunscreen and apply it often, about every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
5. Avoid the sun as much as possible, especially during the midday hours.
6. Don’t count on cloud cover to protect you.
7. Seek shade whenever possible.
8. Cover-up. In addition to sunscreen, put on a hat, wear protective clothing, like those offered by Coolibar, and don’t forget your sunglasses.
9. Remember that washing wears away the UV protection of specially treated garments, so you will need to replace them from time to time.
10. Check your skin for changes, lesions, or blemishes, and see a dermatologist annually for a professional full-body checkup.
11, what is good for adults is also good for children; if one product is irritating or causes a rash, try another.
12. Babies 6 months and under don’t yet have protective melanin in their skin, so when you can’t avoid the sun: cover them up, use the stroller canopy, and don’t apply sunscreen unless told to do so by your medical.
13. Look for new FDA-mandated labels in the coming months