How do you know which of the dozens of sunscreen products to choose from is the safest and most effective? Look for the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation.
“The Seal of Recommendation is the only labeling program worldwide that not only sets rigorous standards for sun protection products, but scrupulously verifies that they are met.”
Now 32 years old, the Seal of Recommendation is getting an upgrade. It designates whether a product is intended for “Daily Use” or “Active Use.”
In contrast to the FDA, which does not publish or enforce its sunscreen requirements, the Skin Cancer Foundation’s criteria for its Seal of Approval are published and are scientifically verified. Its new criteria include:
For Daily Use products:
- An SPF of 15 or higher (which specifically measures UVB protection)
- Validation of SPF number by testing on 20 individuals
- Acceptable results for phototoxic reactions and contact irritancy testing on 20 people
- Ability to retain adequate potency for some time without breaking down in the sun
- Substantiation for claims that a product is water- or sweat-resistant.
For Active Use products
- An SPF of 30 or higher
- Validation of the SPF number by testing on 20 individuals
- Acceptable results for phototoxic reactions and contact irritancy testing on 20 people
- Proof that the product retains potency for some time without breaking down in the sun
- Proof of water resistance
The transition to the new Seal of Recommendation program will be completed by May 2012.
Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery Drs. Larry Nichter and Jed Horowitz and their BioSpa Medical Aestheticians are best suited to help you select the best sunscreen products for your skin including products like Klen , a combination sunscreen and body soap/shampoo as well as other products for sun damaged skin and can select the best treatments, sunscreen and skin maintenance products best for your skin type.
Abstracted from “Introducing the New Seal of Recommendation”, The Skin Cancer Foundation Journal, 2011, Vol. 29