The Food and Drug Administration announced significant changes to sunscreen labeling. The changes are intended to reduce confusion about sunscreens and help consumers make better informed decisions.
The gold standard for sunscreen is broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB radiation, both of which contribute to skin cancer. The new guidelines include a drug facts label like that found on other over-the-counter drugs that shows sunscreen ingredients.
In addition, new labeling will differentiate between sunscreens that protect against skin cancer and those that only prevent sunburn.
Only sunscreens with both broad-spectrum coverage and SPF of 15 or greater protect against skin cancer. The FDA is also barring the use of the term “sunblock” and claims that certain sunscreens are “waterproof” or “sweatproof.”
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends both adults and children use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.