Sunscreen Products

There is a broad array of sunscreen products available today.  Unfortunately, some of the claims made by sunscreen manufacturers need a level of scrutiny.

Many sunscreens are labeled “waterproof” despite a request by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for voluntary removal of such labels. Waterproof testing is completed in an 80-minute still-water bath that does not account for rubbing, sweating, or other activities that might compromise effectiveness. Results, therefore, are inconclusive. No sunscreen product is truly waterproof or sweat-proof.

The FDA has asked for voluntary removal of the label, “All-Day Protection”. Many sunscreen ingredients begin to break down immediately upon exposure and are wiped off the skin.

A subject of debate for several years, high SPF numbers give people a false sense of security, encouraging them to stay in the sun too long.  On the other hand, using a higher SPF–rated sunscreen can compensate somewhat for not applying the recommended thickness, which is the major problem with the usage of sunscreen products.

Some sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide are labeled “sunblock.” These ingredients do provide blocking or reflective capabilities, but their protection is not absolute. Again, the FDA has asked manufacturers to voluntarily remove this word from labeling because it is misleading.