Skin cancer accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States. Each year more than 2 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer are found and melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is expected to account for more than 75,000 cases of skin cancer in 2012, according to the American Cancer Foundation.
Roughly 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers and 65 percent of melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Given those statistics, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to recognize that minimizing sun exposure is a prudent step in lessening the risk of skin cancer, not to mention decreasing premature aging of the skin. Obviously this doesn’t mean we need to move into caves or begin to take cues from the vampire set. But aside from avoiding peak sun (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and employing protective clothing, it's smart to get a grasp on the basics about the increasingly complicated world of sunscreen.
With that in mind, here’s the skinny on how the Food and Drug Administration's new labeling works, what different types of sunscreen are available, and how to apply it — all which might just save your hide.
What the labels mean
The FDA has devised a new set of labeling requirements, which will be in effect by summer 2012. Here are the new guidelines and some key terms:
Broad-Spectrum: Sunscreens that pass the FDA's new broad-spectrum test may be labeled as "Broad-Spectrum SPF [value]" on the label. Broad-spectrum products provide protection against both ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) and ultraviolet A radiation (UVA) – and offer the best protection. Sunburn is mostly caused by UVB, while both UVB and UVA can cause sunburn, skin cancer and premature skin aging.
Sun Protection Factor (SPF): The SPF value indicates the level of sunburn protection provided by a product. All sunscreens must be tested according to an SPF test, which measures the amount of UV radiation exposure it takes to cause sunburn when a person is using a sunscreen, in comparison to how much UV exposure it takes to cause a sunburn when they are not using a sunscreen. Higher SPF values mean better protection against sunburn.
In addition to the final rules, the FDA is proposing a regulation that would require sunscreen products that have SPF values higher than 50 to be labeled merely as “SPF 50+.” They do not have adequate data proving that products with SPF values higher than 50 provide additional protection compared to products with SPF values of 50.
Broad Spectrum SPF 2-14: Only broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF value of 15 or higher can claim to reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. Non-broad-spectrum sunscreens and broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF value between 2 and 14 can only claim to help prevent sunburn.
Waterproof, sweatproof, sunblock, instant protection: Manufacturers can no longer label sunscreens as "waterproof" or "sweatproof," or call their products "sunblocks," because these claims are misleading. Sunscreens also cannot claim to provide sun protection for more than two hours without reapplication, or claim to provide protection immediately after application ("instant protection") without submitting data to support these claims and obtaining FDA approval.
Water Resistant: Water resistance claims on the front label must indicate whether the sunscreen remains effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes while swimming or perspiring, based on standard testing. Sunscreens that are not water resistant must include directions instructing consumers to use a water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.
Basic types of sunscreen
The two basic components of sunscreen that make it work are either chemical ingredients or physical ingredients (many sunscreens use a combination of both).
Chemical ingredients: As the Environmental Protection Agency describes it, broad-spectrum sunscreens often contain a number of chemical ingredients that absorb UVA and UVB radiation. Many sunscreens contain UVA-absorbing avobenzone or a benzophenone (like dioxybenzone, oxybenzone, or sulisobenzone) in addition to UVB-absorbing chemical ingredients. In rare cases, chemical ingredients cause skin reactions, including acne, burning, blisters, dryness, itching, rash, redness, stinging, swelling, and tightening of the skin. These reactions are most commonly associated with para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)-based sunscreens and those containing benzophenones. Some sunscreens also contain alcohol, fragrances, or preservatives, and should be avoided by people with sensitive skin.
Physical ingredients: The physical compounds titanium dioxide and zinc oxide reflect, scatter, and absorb both UVA and UVB rays. These ingredients generally do not cause allergic reactions. Unlike the white greasepaint look of older physical sunscreens, new technology allows the particle sizes of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to be reduced, making the new formulas more transparent.
Which is best?: Healthy living watchdog Environmental Working Group has paid diligent attention to sunscreens as part of its comprehensive Skin Deep database. The group's top-rated sunscreens (the ones they consider healthiest) all contain physical ingredients. They recommend these as, “the right choice for people who are looking for the best UVA protection without any sunscreen chemical considered to be a potential hormone disrupter. None of the products contain oxybenzone or vitamin A and none are sprayed or powdered.”
How to apply
Apply sunscreen around 30 minutes before being in the sun for best absorption by the skin; it will be less likely to wash off when you perspire.
Shake well before use to mix particles that might not be mixed well in the container.
Make sure to apply an ample amount. Basically, use one ounce (equal to about a handful) to cover your entire body. Apply thickly and thoroughly.
Use on all parts of your skin exposed to the sun, including the ears, back, shoulders, and the back of the knees and legs. Don't forget beneath straps!
Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours — and more if you’re sweating or getting in and out of the water.
Try a sunscreen with different chemicals if your skin reacts badly to one that you are using.
Use a water-based sunscreen if you have oily skin or are prone to acne.
Some sunscreen ingredients can degrade over time, so check the expiration date.
A note on spray sunscreens: The FDA has requested additional data to establish effectiveness and to determine whether spray sunscreens present a safety concern. According to Consumer Reports, the particular concern is the possibility that people might accidentally inhale the ingredients, a risk that’s greatest in children. The group recommends not using sprays on children, unless no other product is available.