Many Consumers Don't Understand Sunscreen Labels, Study Finds
Less than half in new survey understood what an SPF value meant
So what should a consumer look for in a sunscreen? Dr. Katy Burris is a dermatologist at North Shore-LIJ Health System in Manhasset, N.Y. She said the average person should look for three things on the label:
She also believes that many people need reminding of what a "SPF," or sun protection factor, means.
"The SPF is an indication of how long it will take you to develop a sunburn as compared to unprotected," Burris said. "So if it normally takes you 10 minutes to burn, an SPF of 30 will allow you to be out for 300 minutes before burning." Most people will need to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, she added.
And while an SPF of 30 is probably sufficient to protect most people, fair-skinned types or people whose skin is especially sensitive to the sun may want to get something with a higher SPF, Burris said.
About an ounce of sunscreen -- the amount in a shot glass -- should suffice for one application for the average person, she said.
What if you decide to go for a swim? "According to FDA regulations, 'water-resistant' sunscreen means that it maintains its SPF after 40 minutes in the water, while 'very water-resistant' can last up to 80 minutes," Burris said. "Look for those keywords 'water- and/or sweat-resistant,' and remember to allow a few minutes between application and exposure to water so it allows the sunscreen to be absorbed."
The Northwestern University study was published online June 17 in the journal JAMA Dermatology.
Many Consumers Don't Understand Sunscreen Labels
Less than half in new survey understood what an SPF value meant
So what should a consumer look for in a sunscreen? Dr. Katy Burris is a dermatologist at North Shore-LIJ Health System in Manhasset, N.Y. She said the average person should look for three things on the label:
- An SPF, or "sun protection factor" of at least 30.
- Whether the sunscreen is water- or sweat-resistant. It is important to remember there are no water- or sweat-proof, sunscreens, only resistant ones, Burris said.
- Whether the sunscreen contains physical blockers/screens (such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) or a chemical blocker/absorber. "The difference is that chemical blockers absorb the UV radiation, while physical blockers reflect the UV light," Burris said.
She also believes that many people need reminding of what a "SPF," or sun protection factor, means.
"The SPF is an indication of how long it will take you to develop a sunburn as compared to unprotected," Burris said. "So if it normally takes you 10 minutes to burn, an SPF of 30 will allow you to be out for 300 minutes before burning." Most people will need to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, she added.
And while an SPF of 30 is probably sufficient to protect most people, fair-skinned types or people whose skin is especially sensitive to the sun may want to get something with a higher SPF, Burris said.
About an ounce of sunscreen -- the amount in a shot glass -- should suffice for one application for the average person, she said.
What if you decide to go for a swim? "According to FDA regulations, 'water-resistant' sunscreen means that it maintains its SPF after 40 minutes in the water, while 'very water-resistant' can last up to 80 minutes," Burris said. "Look for those keywords 'water- and/or sweat-resistant,' and remember to allow a few minutes between application and exposure to water so it allows the sunscreen to be absorbed."
The Northwestern University study was published online June 17 in the journal JAMA Dermatology.
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