Claims about sunscreen’s effectiveness come under scrutiny

By Julie Deardorff
Chicago Tribune
(MCT)

Many people want reliable sunscreen information to help sort fact from fiction. But although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration drafted guidelines three decades ago governing the safety, efficacy and labeling of sunscreen, official rules have yet to be implemented.

Critics of the agency say the lack of formal regulations has spawned misleading claims on products and put consumers at risk by encouraging them to rely too heavily on sunscreen for protection.

The FDA expects to finalize the rules in October; they would take effect by 2012.

In the meantime, to help consumers make decisions — and light a fire under the FDA — the Environmental Working Group released its annual Sunscreen Safety Guide on Monday, which rates sunscreens, lip balms and moisturizers, and features a database searchable by brand name. On Tuesday, Consumer Reports will issue its sunscreen guide.

The EWG, an advocacy group that has waged a four-year campaign promoting strict sun-safety standards, slammed the majority of the 1,400 products it tested. It recommends only 39 of 500 beach and sport sunscreens, primarily because of what it called “a surge in exaggerated SPF claims above 50″ and concerns about ingredients in the products.

“Hats, clothing and shade are still the only completely reliable sun protection,” said Jane Houlihan, EWG’s vice president for research.

In fact, the long-delayed FDA rules would update labels to stress the importance of a comprehensive approach to sun protection that encourages seeking shade and covering up.

Sunscreen can help protect against sunburn, but contrary to what most people think, it hasn’t yet been shown to prevent skin cancer or premature skin aging, according to the FDA.

For the complete EWG report, visit http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/full-report/

SUNSCREEN ISSUES

How much sunscreen should you use? Enough to fill a shot glass, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, though larger people should adjust accordingly. Most people apply a quarter to half of the recommended amount of sunscreen, which lowers the advertised SPF factor.

Spread it on liberally 15 to 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours or after swimming, sweating or towel drying.

How careful are you when going out in the sun? Do you use sunscreen daily? Never? Only when spending a day on the trails? Let us know what your approach to sun safety is and share your tips for beating the rays.

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