Posted on February 19, 2015
Are all sunscreens created equal?
The short answer is no. And which should you choose? Who is evaluating all of these things?
The Skin Cancer Foundation has created a seal of recommendation program. There are two different seals which are replacing the old traditional seal. To see a photo of the seal, click here:
To earn the Skin Care Foundation’s seal:
- the product has been tested to protect against UVA and UVB
- the product test data is submitted to a panel of dermatologists.
- 150 products have completed the process
DAILY USE
- for INCIDENTAL sun exposure- walking outside to your car, going to work.
- This includes sunscreen in cosmetics and lip products
- SPF 15 or higher
- If it claims to be water or sweat resistant, it must submit supporting data
ACTIVE SEAL
- Sunscreens designed to protect you against EXTENDED sun exposure
- Examples: beach, outdoor work, golfing, tennis, etc
- This may include sport sunscreens, zinc oxide/titanium dioxide, baby products
- SPF 30 or higher
- UVA protection
- Water resistance
TRADITIONAL SEAL
- still used for other types of products (non sunscreen) like sunglasses, window film, and clothing
New regulations from the FDA are out to prevent inaccurate terms such as “sunblock” “sweatproof” and “waterproof.” Any sunscreen which has a SPF between 2 and 14 must now include a warning stating “this sunscreen has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging.”