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With summer upon us its not to soon that we start actively protecting our skin from sun damage and understanding the new FDA sunscreen label requirements. A basic down-to-earth start would be to decipher the label requirements & definitions of sunscreens; Followed up by some boating safety tips to keep you safe and alive during this summer season.
It looks like everytime we turn around there is some new warning or finding for our FDA & various other agencies. Of course it is intended to soothe (So we are told) but it can rattle the senses. Fortunately when it comes to product labels I do find them helpful and informative provided the company list everything on their labels according to the law and as far as I'm concerned they can list even more. I want to know what is within the food I eat and feed my family and What goes into my cosmetics and sunscreens are high priority.
So here's your Sun screen definitions heads up:
Broad Spectrum:
Sunscreens with an SPF with at minimum 15 have passed the broad-spectrum test are permitted to claim their product will reduce your risk of skin cancer & premature wrinkling (A definite no-no for the Fashionista). Any rating below 15 doesn't legally have the right to list on their label & promote their product as being, "Broad Spectrum" the manufacturers are allowed to say their product helps prevent sun damage only!
The well known term "Sunblock" is infamous in itself but what does it really mean? It appears to suggest you can completely block the sun's skin damaging rays, when this is just not so. New regulations have made it legal to use only the term sunscreen rather than sunblock on their labels, and about time too I am sick of the lies.
Remember a minimum of SPF 15, reapply every 1-2 hours and follow the sunscreen application directions. If you are curious as to how long your sunscreen will last when no water activity is involved or intense sweating, take the number of SPF and multiply it by 10. That is the length of time you'd be safe from the sun's rays. For example: SPF 15 x 10 = 150 minutes of protection.
Water Resistant claims by sunscreens must specifically clarify how long their product can stand up to your water-fun frolicing & perspiration before it looses it effectiveness. Which means if it offers 6 hours of protection it must notify potential customers of their specific endurance. The waterproof & perspiration prood claims are no longer tolerated on the label.
The term "Broad Spectrum" has come under exacting governmental requirements. When you read on a product's label that it is broad-spectrum it must have undergone test to make sure it provides the sun protection that it claims to possess. Which means it must provide protection from skin-burning, Harmful sun rays referred to as UVB rays, skin aging & potential cancer causing UVA rays too.
Most sunscreens protect against UVB rays, but manufacturers are having to step up their game with the new label laws, so many started including UVA protection, but not manufacturers include the dual protection. To be on the safe side read your sunscreen label carefully and make sure it specificies both UVA/UVB or "broad spectrum coverage" on the product.
You should practice self-health advocacy by knowing the difference between UVA and UVB potentially damaging rays.
Without being overly technical both Uva & Uvb sun rays are simply wave lengths, which means their specific energy levels radiating from our sun. Knowing the difference between UVA and UVB rays will enable you sun-worshipers to purchase the appropriate sunscreen for you skin & learn about the potential dangers from each type of ray.
UVB Rays are responsible for those dangerous sunburns. UVB rays are responsible for causing most skin cancers & UVB rays are most prevalent during noon when the sun is at it's highest, so take advasive measures when venturing outdoors mid day.
Large doses of UVA rays can also contribute to potential skin cancer. It's helpful to know that UVA rays strength varies through out the year and are more common during the summer, but can reflect off of objects such as, snow & water to damage skin in colder weather. With this said it's essential you protect your precious skin year-round.
Summer is approaching the Northern Hemisphere and it's time to apply sunscreens. For Fashionista without natural brown/bronze skin self-tanners are often part of their beauty regimen. Here's a tip from me to all you Divas seeking a beautiful tan. If you are fotunate who haven't learned the hard way that applying a skin tanner then spritzing yourself with your favorite scent (regardless to how inexpensive/expensive it may be) deodorant or any chemical can irritate your skin, resulting in a carrot to greenish complexion.
In truth depending on your skin sensitivity undesired discoloration, burns, and various other negative effects may result; So to be on the safe side after applying your favorite skin tanning lotion/ointment please for goodness sake avoid applying any other chemicals to your skin for at least 6-8 hours dependidng on your skin sensitivity.
Well I've said my piece on this subject now lets talk boating safety, since sailing is another fun summer time activity you want to survive your summer fun. So keep these quick Boating safety tips in mind:
Don't operate your boat while intoxicating-Under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
Always have a back up plan should emergency arise, and let people know that you will be sailing that day.
Common sense dictates that you check your local weather forecast to avoid running into storms, unusually high waves etc.
Avoid fuel spills when refueling your boat.
Keep on-board sanitation equipment well-maintained.
Don't litter. Keep your trash bags on board & dipose of it appropriately.
I believe in always having life vest available.
If you've never been sailing before you may want to take along some sea-sick pills, which can be purchased over-the-counter at any drug store and many supermarkets.
Always make sure your boat & its radio are in good working order.
Now get out their Fashionistas and show them what you've got! :)
© by Tiease D. Deutsch 6-2-2012
Author/Creative Consultant/Artist/R.N.
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