Here’s the dilemma. You want your child to enjoy being outside in the sunshine without the risks associated with sunburn, like an increased risk of melanoma. Figuring out what to do can be confusing but it’s important: Approximately 25 percent of lifetime sun exposure happens before age 18.
The Food and Drug Administration recently announced new requirements for over-the-counter sunscreen products in the U.S. that hopefully will eliminate some of the confusion. Under the regulations, which go into effect in a year, sunscreens will have to protect against both UVB rays (which cause burning) and UVA rays (which cause wrinkles). Both UVB and UVA cause cancer. Only sunscreens that have an SPF of 15 or higher will be allowed to claim that they prevent sunburn and reduce the risks of early skin aging and skin cancer. Manufacturers won’t be allowed to claim that their products are sweat proof or waterproof, either; depending on test results, they’ll only be allowed to state the amount of time the product is water resistant.
