No more SPF 75 - FDA changing the way sunscreen is labeled

(NBC) - The Food and Drug Administration is changing the way sunscreens are labeled to clarify which products best protect skin from harmful rays.

Right now the label's SPF only indicates how well the product protects against UVB rays that lead to sunburn, not the UVA rays that increase the risk for skin cancer.

Starting next year, only sunscreens that protect against both kinds of rays will be labeled "broad spectrum."

Products that also have an SPF of at least 15 are the only sunscreens that will be able to claim they reduce the risk for skin cancer and protect against sunburn. Anything less will come with a warning.

A proposed rule from the FDA would limit the maximum SPF to 50. Experts say they don't have enough data to suggest anything above that offers better protection.

It's a move many dermatologists would support.

"It takes away the attempt at marketing hype of 'I've got a 70, no I've got an 80, no I've got a 90 and those are better and better and better.' I don't think there's a whole lot of difference between them," said Dr. Neil Korman.

A product may list the minutes it's water resistant, but no more claims that sunscreens are water or sweat-proof will be allowed. The FDA says those terms are misleading,

The FDA is also studying safety surrounding aerosol spray sunscreens.

They warn consumers, especially children, against breathing in the spray until more is known about where it settles.

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