The F.D.A.'s new rules governing sunscreen labels may have gone into effect this June, but the bottles on shelves may not reflect those changes until next year. (Companies are getting a little extra time to meet the new packaging requirements-six months for big companies, and as late as December 2013 for smaller ones.) In case you need a refresher, here are the basics:
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Sunscreens must protect against both UVA and UVB rays to be deemed "broad spectrum"-a coveted designation, since it is common knowledge now that while UVB rays cause burning and UVA ones cause wrinkling, they both cause cancer.
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Sunscreens can no longer be labeled "waterproof" or "sweatproof"-instead, they can be called "water-resistant," since a truly waterproof sun-protecting lotion does not exist.
That means that this summer you can find sunscreens in stores that are advertised as waterproof and sweatproof-but don't be fooled. A broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 to 50 is sufficient protection, but you should never go more than two hours without reapplying, especially if you've been swimming or working up a sweat.
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BOTTOM LINE: Always, always, always apply broad-spectrum SPF every two hours, no matter what the bottle says.
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