This summer, sunscreen bottles will be getting a makeover. The FDA recently announced that sunscreen manufacturers will be required to disclose whether their sunscreen protects against UVA rays, UVB rays, or both. Additionally, labeling that describes sunscreen as water- or sweat-proof will be removed and replaced with either “water resistant (40 minutes)” or “water resistant (80 minutes).”
The purpose of the changes is to encourage consumers to seek out sunscreen that protects against skin damage, not just sunburn, as well as to re-apply sunscreen every two hours at least. The changes will first be enforced at the beginning of summer, when exposure to the sun and skin damage are most common.
Protecting yourself against the sun’s harmful rays is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your health. Be sure to apply sunscreen any time you go outside, especially in the summer. Furthermore, avoid tanning beds completely, as they have been strongly linked to melanoma even after only a few sessions. If you have any concerns about your skin, contact Zimmet Vein & Dermatology today.
