FDA Applies New Rules to Sunscreen ?

 The Beach at Seagrove, FL

It's the first day of Summer, June 21, 2011, and this morning there is news that the FDA will have new sunscreen rules. I know what you're thinking - "Great! Now the labels won't just read 15 SPF or even 100 SPF, like this one:

“Under the new guidelines, any sunscreen that says ‘broad spectrum’ will have to protect against UVA and UVB light,” said Dr. Brian Horvath, a dermatologist at Horvath Dermatological Associates. “The SPF, or sun protection factor, will still refer only to UVB protection, but as long as the sunscreen label says ‘broad spectrum,’ it also will protect well against UVA light.”

Additionally, only a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB light and has an SPF of at least 15 can claim to protect against skin aging and skin cancer.


The new rules, which are more than 30 years in the making, will take effect by summer 2012, although some sunscreen manufacturers may choose to change their labels earlier.