Skin Protection Know-How for the Summer

I don't typically post PR information that's somewhat blindly sent to me without regard to what Making Up the Midwest and its' readers are about. Today, however, I received information on a feature in the June issue of O Magazine (pictured below) that talks about sunscreen, the claims it can make, and its efficacy. As someone constantly looking to decipher labels and debunk claims, this had some serious appeal to me. As someone who has had nearly every member of my immediate family and beyond need malignant skin (and sometimes more) removed, this touched me on a deeper level and I wanted to share the information.

How to Read the New Sunscreen Labels

This month the FDA’s new sunscreen regulations go into effect. Here’s what you should look for.

-          Only the term ‘sunscreen’ can appear on a label. The word ‘sunblock’ can no longer be used, because it overstates effectiveness.

-          “Waterproof” and “sweatproof” are no longer acceptable claims (because, as it turns out, they’re false.) A “water resistant” claim must specify how long the sunscreen can stand up to swimming or sweating (either 40 or 80 minutes, based on testing).

-          “Broad spectrum”- a previously unregulated claim- now means that a sunscreen has undergone testing to ensure that it provides protection against both skin-burning, cancer-causing UVB rays (those included in the SPF rating) and skin-aging, cancer-causing UVA rays.

-          Only sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher that have passed the broad-spectrum test can claim to reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature aging anywhere on their packaging. If a sunscreen has an SPF below 15, or has not passed the broad-spectrum test, it can claim only to help prevent sunburn.

TIP: Don’t try to mask the scent of self-tanner with perfume! The combination of perfume and self-tanner can temporarily give your skin an eerie and otherworldly green tint. To avoid a sci-fi pallor, resist the urge to apply fragrance (and other body products like deodorant and lotion) for at least six hours after self-tanning.

TIP: Breezy, beautiful lipsticks: bright, sheer color with sun protection. Try Sugar Coral Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 ($23, fresh.com) or Bobbi Brown Treatment Lip Shine ($23, bobbibrown.com). (Note from Bailey: A drugstore alternative to both of these is Neutrogena's MoistureShine Lip Soother with SPF 20 and a retail price of about $6)

Stay safe this summer!