Sunscreen - Reapply every 2 hours or more often

Sunscreens may not be giving adequate protection against ultraviolet rays, according to a new report released by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

The report, which summarizes an exhaustive evaluation of 950 sunscreen products, states that 85 percent of the products on the market can be characterized as either providing inadequate protection or containing possibly unsafe ingredients.

The problem is compounded by the absence of labeling standards for sunscreens. Until now, the Food and Drug Administration has not established any guidelines to be followed by sunscreen manufacturers for testing and labeling their products. This means there is no regulatory standard on the product claims that manufacturers may put on their labels.

The EWG’s researchers analyzed the sunscreen products using findings from almost 400 peer-reviewed scientific studies and 60 national databases. Each product was rated, according to three factors:

* Protection from ultraviolet B (UVB) — indicated by SPF ratings
* Protection from ultraviolet A (UVA) — using industry-accepted absorption measurement models
* Product stability — using studies on reaction of chemicals to exposure to the sun.

Both types of UV rays cause skin cancer, but their action is different. UVA damages skin by destroying collagen and vitamin A, while UVB directly damages DNA molecules.

The researchers also took note of the presence of fragrances, which may trigger allergic reactions, and other chemicals that could enter the body through the skin or the respiratory system.

The report says many of the sunscreens do not protect against UVA, although most of them did protect against UVB rays. Under current regulations, the FDA does not require UVA ray protection capability in sunscreens.

FDA’s safety standards for sunscreens were drafted over 30 years back, but these were never finalized and, consequently, never enforced. Absent such mandatory rules for labeling, manufacturers’ compliance with the draft standards is done on voluntary basis only. The EWG says voluntary compliance exposes consumers to risk.

The latest FDA guidelines were reissued in August 2007, but they remain in draft form. In addition to criticizing the FDA for taking too long to finalize its mandatory standards, the EWG also says the FDA has been too slow in approving safer chemicals that have long been accepted for use in the European Union and Japan.

The absence of rules on labeling or product testing means consumers are not getting the appropriate data they need to make an informed decision.

Medical experts and the American Cancer Society say that despite the lack of information in labels, consumers should continue to use sunscreens: they do help to prevent skin cancer, thus not applying sunscreen is more risky.

Safety Tips:

* Use sunscreens with at least SPF 30 for protection against UVB.
* Use sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for protection against UVA.
* Stay away from the sun between 10 am and 4 pm.
* Put on protective clothing.
* Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside. Make sure to reapply every 2 hours or more often if you sweat profusely or towel dry.
* Make sure to apply at least 1 ounce (about one full palm) of sunscreen. Most users apply only up to two-thirds of the required amount to reach the SPF rating. Under-application means no protection.