

Section 2: UV protection is key, but how do EWG and others measure it?
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Sunscreens are marketed by sunscreen protection factor, or SPF, a value that represents the degree of sunburn protection they offer but not how well they protect from UVA rays, which produce subtler skin damage. We discuss the different wavelengths of UV rays and their roles in skin damage. Section 1: How well does sunscreen prevent UV-related skin damages? When they use sunscreen only, they get more UV exposure.īelow we will discuss what is needed to formulate an “ideal” sunscreen and reasons why U.S.


One study found that beachgoers using a poor quality “broad spectrum” sunscreen for two days on a tropical beach get the same dose of UVA exposure as those visiting a tanning salon once.Īnother factor that could be increasing melanoma rates is that many people rely exclusively on sunscreen for UV protection, rather than using sunscreen in conjunction with protective clothing and other sun protection measures. UVA rays, common with tanning beds, are known to increase melanoma risk. One factor could be the inferior UVA protection provided by American sunscreens. However, despite record growth of the sunscreen market, American melanoma diagnoses are on the rise. Sunburns, particularly those occurring in childhood, also increase a person’s risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Most of the sunscreens on the market can prevent sunburn when used appropriately, and preventing sunburn is critical to lowering risks of squamous cell carcinoma. In this paper we review the health risks of exposure to ultraviolet rays, and the ability of sunscreens to protect people from UV-related skin damage. EWG provides guidance to consumers on the significance of sunscreen as part of a sun protection strategy and highlights the sunscreen products that provide the best UV protection with the safest ingredients. We have found that, due to the weak federal rules set by the Food and Drug Administration, many inferior products reach store shelves, touting overstated sun protection claims. Over the past 10 years, EWG has investigated the safety and efficacy of sunscreens made in the U.S. sunscreens Originally published May 2016 Introduction Guide to Bug Repllents in the Age of ZikaĮWG’s analysis of UV protection offered by U.S.Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce™.Best Recreational Sunscreens: Non-Mineral OptionsĮxplore Best Recreational Sunscreens: Non-Mineral Options.EWG’s methodology for assessing sunscreens.Beware of benzene: Shining a light on sunscreen spray contamination.The trouble with ingredients in sunscreens.
