by Aimee Keenan-Greene

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration  says by this time next year sunscreen will have all new labels.

The new regulation allows only sunscreen products that protect against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to be labeled as “Broad Spectrum” .

Under the new labeling, sunscreens labeled as both Broad Spectrum and SPF 15 (or higher), if used regularly, as directed, and in combination with other sun protection measures can claim they will help prevent sunburn, reduce the risk of skin cancer, and reduce the risk of early skin aging.

The FDA says sunburn is primarily caused by UVB radiation.

Both UVB and UVA radiation contribute to sunburn, skin cancer, and premature skin aging.

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. 

The Skin Cancer Foundation says annually more than 3.5 million cases of skin cancers are diagnosed in over two million people. That's more than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer combined. Nearly 800,000 Americans are living with a history of melanoma and 13 million are living with a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer, typically diagnosed as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.

“FDA has evaluated the data and developed testing and labeling requirements for sunscreen products, so that manufacturers can modernize their product information and consumers can be well-informed on which products offer the greatest benefit,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “These changes to sunscreen labels are an important part of helping consumers have the information they need so they can choose the right sun protection for themselves and their families.”

Any product that is not Broad Spectrum, or that is Broad Spectrum but has an SPF Under 15 (between 2 to 14), will be required to have a warning stating the product has not been shown to help prevent skin cancer or early skin aging.

The FDA has also proposed a rule to limit the maximum SPF value on sunscreen labels to “50 +”, because there is no sufficient data showing products with SPF values higher than 50 provide greater protection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say skin cancer is the most common type of cancer.  In 2007, 8,461 people died from melanomas of the skin.

Health experts recommend:

Avoiding excess sun exposure at all times. Particularly 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 

Wear a hat, long sleeves if possible, and sunglasses when you are in the sun.

Use sunscreen or sunblock with at least SPF 15. Sunscreen should be waterproof and applied 15-30 minutes before sun exposure. It should be reapplied every 90 minutes, or more often if you are in the water.

Have a complete skin exam. 

Quit smoking or don't start smoking.