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Director of Health and Wellness, Adventist HealthCare
Do You Have the Right Sunscreen Protection?
As temperatures soar into the upper 90s and lower 100s this week, it’s important to protect yourself from dangerous ultraviolet rays.
The Food and Drug Administration recently established new guidelines that test the effectiveness of sunscreen products and require more accurate labeling. The regulations won't go into effect until next year, but knowing what they require can help us ensure the sunscreen we buy has the protection our skin needs.
SHARE: How do you guard against skin damage from the sun? Do you avoid the pool at certain hours or bring along an umbrella for young children? We want to hear your tips.
Join the discussion on the Washington Adventist Hospital Facebook page.
Joe Edgell
3:03 pm on Saturday, July 30, 2011
The FDA's guidelines don't necessarily consider all the safety issues involved in sunscreens. It's worth checking out the Environmental Working Group's sunscreen guide at http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/ . EWG notes a number of troubling facts, overlooked by the FDA. These include: (1) There’s no consensus on whether sunscreens prevent skin cancer; (2) There’s some evidence that sunscreens might increase the risk of the deadliest form of skin cancer for some people; (3) There are more high SPF products than ever before, but no proof that they’re better; (4) Too little sun might be harmful, reducing the body’s vitamin D levels; (5) The common sunscreen ingredient vitamin A may speed the development of cancer; and several other findings.
You can read a full discussion of the above findings at http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/sunscreens-exposed/sunscreens-exposed-9-surprising-truths/ and more about sunscreens and cancer at http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/sunscreens-exposed/sunscreen-and-skin-cancer/
lilkunta
9:47 pm on Monday, August 1, 2011
I thought spf 30 is enough. Just reapply every 3 hours.
Now pls answer this.
What is difference between sunscreen and sunblock?
Do I put on the sunscreen and then the off insect repellant? Or bug repellant 1st and then sunscreen?
Judy Lichty
3:21 pm on Friday, August 12, 2011
Joe, thanks for your feedback. As in many issues there are important facts to consider. As the FDA reviews data I am sure that they will continue to update recommendations. Another thing to note is the importance of moderation in all things. Sun has many important properties, but too much will result in skin cancer for many individuals.
For most people sunscreen and sunblock are used interchangeably. More and more experts are recommending the higher numbers. It appears some medical experts, including the CDC, recommend applying sunscreen before applying insect repellant.
Thanks again for the questions. Stay healthy!
lilkunta
11:45 am on Monday, August 15, 2011
Judy:
#1:
Really? wttgfox5 just the other day did a segment and the dermatologist said that higher spf wont protect one more. That sun protectors HAVE to be reapplied every 3 hours regardless of whether it is sspf15 or spf 100 bc of sweating and swimming. That derm dr said what is important is if the lotions protects from UVA and UVB spectrum sun.
#2: Thanks! Ive been putting on the repellant then sunscreen, no wonder Ive been bitten!
Judy Lichty
3:37 pm on Monday, August 29, 2011
There are discussions on both sides as to the effectiveness of higher SPF numbers. I do recommend that you speak with your physician if you have any additional concerns. The overall thought is to reapply every 2 - 3 hours. The most recent information that was released this summer does indicate that having both UVA and UVB is important to protect your skin.