Sunscreen info you need to know!

Hello!!! Happy Summer!! Hope you are enjoying your summer so far! I am constantly preaching about sunscreen and reminding people to always use it. Whether you tan or burn doesn't matter, sunscreen is an absolute necessity to your daily beauty routine. Women and MEN!!

With all the changes the FDA is finally making with sunscreens, including the way they are marketed & made; I felt that it was important not only as a makeup artist but a fair skinned redhead to educate myself on all the new sunscreen standards. And of course I would be no proper promoter of sunscreen if I did not share all my useful information with you! So without further adieu...

What's happening? 
For the last 30+ years sunscreens have focused on sunburn protection. Which is caused by ultraviolet b radiation from the sun (UVB rays).  There has been little attention on UVA rays which contributes to skin cancer and early signs of aging. In an effort to ensure that sunscreens meet modern day standards and effectiveness the FDA is making changes to the way sunscreen is made & marketed. This way consumers may have the proper information when choosing sun protection.

What's changing?
-Sunscreen products that pass the broad spectrum test are to be labeled as "broad spectrum." Indicating that the product has both UVB & UVA protection. The test measures a product's UVA protection relative to its UVB protection.  Studies have shown that sunscreens with a broad spectrum of spf 15 or higher have reduced the risk of skin cancer and early aging. Non broad spectrum sunscreens must state on the product they only provide sunburn protection.
-No sunscreen is "waterproof" they all eventually wash off. Therefore sunscreen products will be labeled as "water resistant" if they are tested and pass the required SPF test procedure. Sunscreens that are labeled "water resistant" will be required to state how long the sun protection is effective for (40 mins. or 80 mins.) and how often it needs to be reapplied.
-Sunscreens can not claim to provide sun protection for more than 2 hrs without reapplication.
-Sunscreens must also now include "drug facts" information on the back of the bottle.

All of the new standards will also apply to any cosmetic and moisturizing products that claim to provide SPF sun protection.

Some of these rules have already taken effect but most sunscreen companies will be required by the summer of 2012 to make the changes. In the meantime here are a few products I love that offer both UVA & UVB protection!

Great for face & body
broad spectrum 30.

Amazing daily moisturizer w/broad spectrum spf 30
Skin Ceuticals Ultimate UV Defense.

And for the kiddos, it is so important to start good sunscreen
habits when they are young!


Thank you so much for reading! Hope this gives you a little more information on what to look for the next time you go to buy sunscreen. Also check out this amazing article by my friends at Bellasugar, it's the best sunscreen lesson you'll get!

Everything-You-Need-Know-About-Sunscreen

Enjoy your summer!!! Don't forget to drink plenty of water and always always put on sunscreen!! ALWAYS!!!

lots of light and love,
desirae