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How to choose your sunscreen?

17/08/2011

This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.

 


Protection against the effects of the sun is important all year round and not only in the summer.

After 33 years of discussion, the FDA, Food and Drug Administration has taken steps to resolve the confusing world of sunscreens.
The new rules specify what lotions provide the best protection against the sun, offering "broad spectrum" protection and prohibits the use of terms such as "sunblock" and "waterproof" on the packaging.
 
The standardization reaches a market of 680 million dollars, which is growing rapidly because of an aging population and the growing concern about skin cancer among Americans. More than two million people in the United States are treated each year for the two most common types of skin cancer: melanoma and nonmelanoma.
And more than 68,000 receive a diagnosis of melanoma, the deadliest form of the disease.
 
In Brazil, according to the INCA, National Cancer Institute, "Although skin cancer is the most common and corresponds to 25% of all malignant tumors registered in the country, melanoma accounts for only 4% of malignancies of the body, although to be the most serious because of its high possibility of metastasis. The prognosis of this cancer can be considered good, if detected in early stages.
In recent years there has been a great improvement in survival of melanoma patients, mainly due to early detection of the tumor, "says dermatologist Cristine Carvalho, director of the CDE - Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics.
 
What is a good protector?
 
According to the U.S. regulatory agency, the sunscreen should also protect against both types of radiation: UVB and UVA to win the coveted designation of offering "broad spectrum" protection. "UVB rays are responsible for tanning and for our sunburns, UVA rays are already linked to premature aging of the skin, the appearance of wrinkles, but both can cause skin cancer," explains Christine Carvalho, who is also head
Phototherapy Department of the Postgraduate Course in Dermatology Foundation's Healthy Skin Institute BWS.
 
The new rules will come into force in one year in the United States, will also prohibit the sunscreen manufacturers "sell" their products as waterproof, because such a statement is false. The nomination for "waterproof" must be replaced to "water resistant". The packaging should tell how long or how many minutes the product resists the action of water, after testing for this specific purpose. The FDA will standardize the tests that manufacturers must undertake to ensure the protection of their products.
And only products with a protection factor above 15 may claim in public to help prevent sunburn and reduce the risks of skin cancer and premature aging.
 
American standards do not even mention the "trade war" between the higher protection factor. There are companies selling sunscreens with protection factor 70, 80 and 100, which have the same efficacy of a product with a protection factor 50.
The U.S. government is still studying whether there are special groups of people who, somehow, would benefit from buying a product with a protection factor greater than 50.
 
The term "sunblock" labels will be banned, because it may confuse consumers.
The U.S. is also requesting more information about sunscreens in spray form, in order to reassure consumers that there are no problems with the inhalation.
 
The new rules are pleased to American dermatologists.
Doctors said the new standards make it easy to buy good products for the population.
 
In Brazil, sunscreens obey the norms of Anvisa, specifically to Resolution RDC No. 237 of 22 August 2002, the National Agency of Sanitary Surveillance, Ministry of Health
 
Difficulties in time to use
 
The new U.S. regulations just can not do anything to prevent the most common problem in relation to sunscreens still occurring: "Consumers who do not use an appropriate or sufficient amount of these products.
This challenge is global, even with the spread of the use of sunscreens, use the form, in many cases is inappropriate, "says the dermatologist.
 
Cristine Carvalho argues that we must first teach people to buy sunscreen.
At the time of purchase should be observed:
 
• Number of product registration in Anvisa / MS;
• Indication of FPS (according to skin type);
• How to use;
• Shelf life;
• Need for reapplication of the product to maintain its effectiveness;
• Guidelines and warnings, such as: "Warning: this product offers no protection against heatstroke."
After the purchase, notes that new medical care should be judged on use.
Here's what Christine Carvalho recommends:
• Apply sunscreen to the skin at least 30 minutes before sun exposure;
 
• All sunscreens, even those resistant to water, must be reapplied after:
 
1.
two hours of continuous exposure to the sun;
2.
swimming or diving;
3.
dry with towel;
4.
physical exercise;
5.
sweat excessively.
 
• Do not forget to pass protector in the most vulnerable parts such as ears, neck, nose, feet and hands.


Source: Consumer RS

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This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.

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