Be safe...in the sun

I have written about this before so it's just a little update for your viewing pleasure (Check out my previous post). When you are in the sun you should be protected in more ways than one.

You put on sunscreen to protect your delicate skin (the largest organ in your body) from harmful rays that can cause cancer but you really need to know what you are putting on your skin to protect it.

In today's news, the FDA unveiled new rules about sunscreen claims (after thinking about for some 33 years), that will go into effect in a year and specify with sunscreens protect against the two most dangerous types of sun radiation, UVB and UVA. The rules will also ban sunscreen manufacturers from claiming waterproof and sweatproof products because most are -- wait for it -- FALSE!

Its nice to see the FDA FINALLY get on board about this. To read the full story click here.

Even while the FDA was taking its good old time looking into sunscreens, The Environmental Working Group, was already ahead of the game and working hard to bring you good, solid information and research on sunscreens, among other things.

The EWG called the FDA's proposed rules "Too little and VERY late" stating:

The federal Food and Drug Administration’s new sunscreen rules, released today after nearly 33 years of deliberations, fall short.


“FDA's action offers some noticeable improvements for consumers, such as limiting misleading claims” said David Andrews, Ph.D, a senior scientist with Environmental Working Group. “However, it is clear that FDA caved to industry and weakened its safety standards. Its earlier draft proposed stronger health protections.”

According to Andrews, the agency’s final rule for UVA protection has been substantially watered down from a draft circulated in 2007.

But never fear, the EWG has a very comprehensive list of sunscreens and their health score cards, citing the best and worst of the bunch! Check it out here.