If you are like most people, you believe that your sunscreen protects you from sunburn, skin damage and even skin cancer under the road.
You choose something with the “wide range” or “SPF 50” label and your figure is covered.
But what if you have cheated?
A new study turns heads and not in a good way. The results showed that three -quarters of the sunscreen on the market do not provide the protection they claim. Worse still, US sunscreen may not meet the same safety and efficiency standards used in other parts of the world, especially in Europe.
So what do you need to do to protect your skin?
Your sunscreen protects you, but only if it is worded correct
In a recent study published in Peer published in Photodermology, Photanosology & Photomosis Journal, researchers looked at 51 sunscreen products for sale in the US with SPF prices from 15 to 110. Everyone was described as a wide range protection and tested using a commercial laboratory. Researchers wanted to see if they were protected by UVA and UVB rays, which is something that people expect to make a sunscreen “wide range”.
UVB rays are those that cause visible sunburn. UVA rays go even deeper and are strongly linked to premature aging, wrinkles and skin cancer.
Here is the problem: SPF values from ultraviolet radiation absorption and computers modeling and computer modeling were, on average, just 59 and 42 percent of the highlighted SPF. Most of the products provided significantly lower UVA protection, with an average UVA protection only 24 % of the highlighted SPF.
In other words, sunscreen did a good job to protect against UVB rays, which means they would probably help protect against sunburn. Where they fell shortly they are safeguarded by the deeper penetrating UVA rays. This means that even if you use these sunscreens regularly, you may still be at risk of premature aging and skin cancer in the future.
In addition, researchers found that only 35 percent of products The test fulfilled the EU sunscreen model, which is stricter in terms of UVA protection than the US standard. Most sunscreen – 94 % – will pass today’s American standard, but they would be too weak to qualify for the EU standard because they do not filter UVA rays quite effective.
How are sunscreen in the US?
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which conducted this study, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates sunscreen with non -prescription drugs, which means that the new UV filters must be subjected to the same long review with medicines.
Manufacturers seek to use new sunscreen chemicals approved in the EU, but because they do not have sufficient safety tests, as required by the FDA, they are unable to do so. Indeed, the FDA has not approved a new sunscreen filter since 1996.
The FDA wants to ensure that all new sunscreen is safe for the public, but delaying the approval of these ingredients means that consumers have fewer choices when it comes to sunscreen products. The FDA has proposed rules to enhance UVA protection that offers US sunscreen in 2019, but has not yet finalized the changes, so they have not come into force.
The EU, on the other hand, regulates sunscreen as cosmetics, which allow for greater flexibility in the use of ingredients. The EU approved 34 UV filters for sunscreen use compared to just 16 in the US
To one Study Assessment of UV Protection Of the four US sunscreen compared to four EU sunscreen – all at SPF 50 or more – the results showed that US sunscreen allowed, on average, three times more UVA rays passing through the skin from the EU sunscreen.
Another study The comparison of the sunscreen found that 19 of the 20 sunscreen tested met the US demands, but only 11 met EU requirements.
What you really need in a sunscreen that protects you
EWG has heard the alarm about sunscreen standards for years. Their annual sunscreen guide reviews hundreds of products. You can find their recommendations here, that can help you identify the best sunscreen you will use.
In addition to reviewing their list, look for the following features when buying sunscreen.
Wide range protection
This label is supposed to mean that the product protects both UVA and UVB rays. But because of the weak US regulations, not all wide range products are created equal. Look for those who specifically report high protection from UVA or have been reviewed by reliable resources, such as EWG.
Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
These mineral sunscreen are one of the most effective and safest options for UVA protection. They sit at the top of the skin and reflect the rays rather than their absorption and then try to disarm them, as many chemical sunscreen do. Many dermatologists-and we here at CV Skinlabs!
THE FDA also marks That they only consider these two active ingredients safe and effective. The body has approved other non -mines of active ingredients, but lacks sufficient data to determine their safety.
Water resistance
Especially if you are going to swim or sweat, make sure your sunscreen is water resistant. Otherwise, it can be rinsed quickly, leaving you exposed.
High SPF
SPF 30 is considered the minimum, but don’t be fooled to think that the SPF 100 is twice as much as SPF 50. Once you go over SPF 50, the difference in protection becomes quite small. What matters is how often you re -apply. Every two hours is a good rule.
Be selective, because your sunscreen must protect you!
As the research reveals, not all sunscreen provide the same level of protection. Many Americans rely on products that give a false sense of security. Even if you do not burn, UVA rays can silently damage your skin, leading to wrinkles, age points and increased risk of cancer later.
With a little further research, you can find those that will keep your skin safe. Pause, read the ingredients and check the zinc oxide. Use the EWG guide if you want. This is the best way to avoid sunburn today and serious health issues tomorrow.
What sunscreen are you using?
Suggested Picture by Mikhail Nilov through Pigeons.
