The FDA proposed a new regulation on Thursday governing retail sunscreens, including adding a new label warning consumers about the risk of skin cancer linked to sun exposure. The FDA proposed testing and rating a product's level of ultraviolet A protection. UVA is responsible for tanning and UVB for burning. The FDA hopes to clarify that both UVA and UVA are dangerous. Currently, the sun protection factor or SPF rating, only indicates the level of UVB protection.
The proposed warning would remind consumers that sunscreen use should not be used as a reason to extend time spent in the sun and that UV exposure increases the risk of skin cancer, premature skin aging and other damage. The new UVA rating system would use a scale of one to four stars, with four stars representing the highest UVA protection available in an over-the-counter sunscreen.
Anything that can help us increase our understanding of sun and skin health is a step in the right direction.
