Since May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and the summer season is not far away, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Brian S. Glatt, MD, FACS, is frequently asked to recommend sunscreen products. Did you know that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently issued new requirements for over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreen products? These changes were made to ensure that sunscreens meet today’s standards for safety and effectiveness. Previous products protected against sunburn caused by ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from the sun, but did little to protect against ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, which is responsible for wrinkles and discoloration of the skin, and contributes to skin cancer. The FDA’s new “broad spectrum” label will ensure that the product protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Read your sunscreen labels carefully! You should regularly apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher for everyday use, and increase the SPF level for outside summer activities. Since no sunscreen is “waterproof”, you should reapply after swimming or water sports.
Premier Plastic Surgery Center of New Jersey, located in Morristown, offers a variety of medical grade sunscreen products, with and without tint, to protect against premature aging and other harmful effects of the sun. Call our office today at 973-889-9300.