FDA New Sunscreen Rules: Is it a step in the right direction?

The FDA has released their new rules for sunscreens. Check these out below (courtesy of Web MD):

• The claim “broad spectrum” will appear only on sunscreens tested for a minimum standard of UVA protection.
• All sunscreens will carry their SPF rating. On products without the broad-spectrum claim, SPF will rate only UVB protection. On broad-spectrum sunscreens, higher SPF numbers mean more protection against UVB as well as more protection against UVA.
• Sunscreens that claim to be water resistant must show how long they last after a person has been swimming or sweating: 40 minutes or 80 minutes.  Sunscreens that are not water resistant will have to say so in the “fact box” on the side or back of the package.
• As do other over-the-counter drugs, sunscreens will now have a fact box listing warnings and other important information in an easy-to-find location.

I guess I was reaching for a falling star when I had a glimmer of hope that it would include a regulation on the scary ingredients they use. It does seem the last point, that they must include a list of warnings, is a possible step in a more natural direction. Here’s hoping!

I used to be obsessed with sunscreen. Going out for ten minutes? Slather it on! Even longer? Bring it with my for reapplications!! I thought that was the key to being wrinkle free, after all.

Sunscreens are quite the chemical slop. Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octinoxate – wait a second is this high school chem? They also contain parabens, which in lab tests have been shown to produce free radicals (big skin agers) when exposed to light. In fact, all this chemical gar-baaage will do the same.

3 Tips for Healthy Sun Protection

• When you shop for your sunscreen, come armed with a list from the Environmental Working Group on the least toxic. Check the active ingredients for zinc oxide and hopefully nothing else.
• Respect the sun. Don’t worship it and don’t hide away in fear, as we need it. Rickets, osteoporosis, depression, disease – all these have been linked to a lack of the big D (Vitamin D, that is).
• Don’t wear sunscreen too often or every time you are outside. Something I wish I knew when I was a teen girl and my bones were developing, as Vitamin D (which we source from the sun) is incredibly important to bone growth.

Happy (and careful) sun worshipping!

S