Study that bottle of sunscreen before you head outside. If you find the word “waterproof” on it, don’t necessarily believe it. This month, the FDA decided the claim was misleading.
Jump in the water or sweat heavily, and you’ll need to reapply the lotion often to avoid a painful, and potentially dangerous, burn.
It’s about time the FDA made that decision, says Dr. Yan Isabel Zhu, a dermatologist practicing in Westminster.
“I’ve been telling my patients that if sunscreen is the only sun protection they can use during an activity, like when it’s not practical to wear hats or protective clothing, they need to reapply it every hour, no matter what the label says,” Zhu says. “So I am glad FDA added this to the new regulations.”
We asked Zhu for other tips to help combat the perils of summer sun.
Q: Does a “healthy tan” exist? For instance, don’t people get vitamin D from sitting out in the sun?
A: Studies have shown that even in Hawaii, where sun exposure is high, people still don’t get enough vitamin D. Take supplements. The risks of sitting in the sun outweigh the benefits.
Q: Are there any other FDA regulations that please you?
A: The number you see on a bottle of sunscreen (sun protection factor, or SPF) refers to UVB rays, which cause burning. Longer-length UVA rays can also cause damage and lead to skin cancer. The FDA now says bottles must say whether they protect against those rays, too. Also, very high SPF numbers are no longer allowed (the number is capped at 50). Greater than that has no added value.
Q: Let’s face it, most of us mess up once in a while and end up with a nasty burn. How should we treat it?
A: Immediately after coming in, take an anti-inflammatory, like aspirin or ibuprofen. Then put a bag of frozen peas or something else frozen on the burn. I really like just plain Vaseline for burned skin, especially when it starts to peel.
Q: What specific ingredients should you look for in a suntan lotion?
A: I tell my patients to use a physical block, like hats and long sleeves. Or use zinc-based sunblocks because they don’t cause an allergic reaction. I don’t like the chemical-based sunscreens because they’re so bad for sensitive skin, and I’ve seen too many people suffer bad reactions.
Q: What about the other warm-weather danger: insect bites?
A: I see a lot of skin sensitivity from insect repellant, too, so I suggest that people wear long sleeves and pants, and spray insect repellant on their clothing instead of directly on their skin.
Q: Any final words to sun worshipers?
A: Get outside, but cover up. I can tell you that when people get older, I can really tell who has taken care to do this. The people who protect their skin look really great. They look young well into their 60s.
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