sunscreen

The Food and Drug Administration in America recently issued some new rules to help clarify the confusion that comes with sunscreen labeling, dispelling many false advertising claims. For example, sunscreens should no longer go under the name of “sunblock,” since the lotion does no such thing. However, these rules may take up to two years to take effect, so it is best to be informed now. If you and your family are spending a lot of time in the sun this summer, you may want to double-check the labels on your bottle.

The facts:

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These days there is an overabundance of sunscreens on the market: Creams, sprays with or without retinol, with SPF30, 50, 100! How do you choose one that is safe and effective for you and your loved ones? Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
 
A good sunscreen should block out both UVA and UVB light, in other words it should be labeled as broad-spectrum. Most sunscreens do a good job of blocking UVB, but aren’t so great when it comes to UVA.

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Summer means lazy weekends, hot temperatures and outdoor activities. Good sun protection is important to prevent dehydration, burns, and the development of skin cancer. Children need to be especially well protected because their skin is thinner and more sensitive. According to the Canadian Cancer Society children and teenagers who get a severe sun burn before the age of 18 are at an increased risk of getting skin cancer as adults.

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