Sunscreen Confusion
By now I'm sure you all have heard about the latest sunscreen conundrum. On one side you have the nonprofit agency called the Environmental Working Group (EWG); on the other side are the sunscreen manufacturers.
According to the Environmental Working Group, four out of five sunscreens may not be safe or effective at protecting your skin. The EWG scrutinized more than 900 sunscreen products. Only 15% of the sunscreens tested met the group's standards. EWG requirements included broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays, containing only active ingredients that remained stable in sunlight, and ingredients deemed safe by the group.
Sunscreen manufacturers are standing by their products, insisting they are rigorously tested and approved by both scientists and dermatologists alike.
The problem lies in that many sunscreens only protect against UVB rays, the rays that cause sunburn, but don't provide any protection against UVA rays. UVA rays don't burn the skin, but they do cause sun damage, wrinkles, and sun spots. It's thought UVA rays also are responsible for causing skin cancer.
The SPF rating that we've all come to rely upon when choosing our sunscreen is only a measure of protection against UVB rays. But the FDA is currently working on upgrading these standards. Soon your sunscreen labels will contain more detailed information about the level of sun protection, including defense against UVA rays.
With all the confusion, what's the average consumer to do? First and foremost, don't stop using your sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen every single day of the year. This is especially important if you are using acne medications that make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Look for brands that give both UVA and UVB protection. For acne-prone skin types, only use noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic products. And remember to reapply often, especially after sweating or swimming.
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