How to Buy Sunscreen

New labeling requirements may change how you look at a sunscreen bottle now

Choosing a sunscreen is often a confusing ordeal. If the large number of products available doesn't overwhelm you, the misleading labeling and overzealous advertising may. A ruling by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) aims to clear up the confusion with strict labeling guidelines that take effect in December (2013 for small companies).

Here's a short tutorial in all things sunscreen to help you understand what you will soon see on sunscreen bottles everywhere:

The first is a large number that holds the most real estate on the bottle: the SPF or the sunscreen protection factor. This is one area that hasn't changed much with the new laws, but it is a number that is frequently misunderstood. For instance, many people think that an SPF 30 sunscreen offers double the protection of an SPF 15. In actuality, the difference is slight. Experts say SPF 15 blocks 93 percent of rays, while SPF 30 blocks 97 percent.

Additionally, SPF ratings higher than 30 don't offer more UV protection, and they let the same 3 percent of UV rays through as SPF 30 sunscreen. However, a higher SPF means you may not have to reapply as often but the FDA is considering new guidelines that would only allow a maximum SPF of 50+ (it hasn't passed yet). And to confuse matters even more, SPF only applies to UVB rays. For that reason, it's just as important to look specifically for UVA protection. Ultimately, when it comes to purchasing sunscreen, know that SPF 30 offers adequate protection when extended sun exposure is expected and SPF 15 is suitable for everyday use.

Starting in December, if the label lists "broad-spectrum protection" it means that the sunscreen protects against both UVA (long rays that cause cancer and skin aging) and UVB rays (short rays that cause sunburns). In the past, sunscreen manufacturers could use this label if they provided even the slightest amount of UVA protection. Under the new guidelines companies will have to prove that they provide "adequate" protection in order to use the label.

At this point, we're not exactly sure what "adequate" means. There is still no rating system for UVA protection to help consumers readily determine the best option. For this reason, experts say it's best to check the ingredient list to make sure that your sunscreen contains avobenzone, Mexoryl SX, titanium dioxide or zinc oxide (these last two are more natural sunscreen ingredients), each of which is a key protective ingredient against UVA rays.

Furthermore, only sunscreens that provide broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of 15 or higher will be allowed to claim a reduced risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. Those that do not meet the aforementioned guidelines must warn consumers that the product has not been shown to help prevent skin cancer and early skin aging.

The new guidelines will also do away with the terms "waterproof", "sweat-proof" and "sunblock" to describe products. "Sunblock" is not a completely accurate term because no product can block all harmful rays. Likewise, sunscreens can more accurately be described as water- and sweat-resistant because they need to be reapplied after exercise or contact with water. Sunscreens are now also required to list the amount of time they remain water/sweat resistant. Additionally, manufacturers will no longer be allowed to claim protection for more than two hours without first submitting proof that those claims are accurate.

Finally, you may notice that some sunscreens display logos from the American Cancer Society (ACS). This does not indicate that the ACS has tested or endorses the sunscreen -- the group charges manufacturers a royalty fee for the right to display their logo.

Due to the new guidelines, you may see some changes to your favorite sunscreen in the near future. Adjustments may range from simple name changes to formula modifications. It's important to note that the sunscreens recommended by ConsumerSearch have always provided adequate broad spectrum protection but many of them have used labeling terms that are now outlawed by the FDA.

What you need to know about sunscreen

• A sunblock's texture and scent can be extremely subjective: What might feel light and smooth to one person may feel thick and slimy to another person. That means you might have to try a few sunscreens before you find one that's both effective and feels good on your skin.

• No sunscreen is truly waterproof. In 2012 sunscreen manufacturers must do away with using the term waterproof, according to FDA guidelines. Labels that now promise "waterproof" coverage must be changed to "water resistant," because no product can be completely waterproof. Manufacturers must also specify whether their formula is water-resistant for 40 or 80 minutes.

• For the best protection, apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to exposure. Sunscreen can take up to a half hour to dry and become effective enough to reduce the effects of sun exposure. It's also important to follow the directions about the amount required to fully protect the skin.

• Sunscreen SPF ratings on the bottle are only realized when you apply enough product. Experts say that adults should use 1 ounce of sunscreen for full-body coverage. This is the equivalent of approximately 2 tablespoons or a palm-full. Experts say that most people do not apply enough sunscreen and that this is the most common mistake that people make.

• Some medications (such as skin creams or lotions containing alpha hydroxy acids or topical retinoids) can significantly increase an individual's sun sensitivity. Discuss concerns about potential interactions with your pharmacist before heading outside -- and carefully read cosmetic labels.

• Children should wear UVA/UVB sunscreen because their skin is more sensitive than adults'. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises avoiding sun exposure and dressing infants or children in lightweight pants and long-sleeved shirts as a first defense. Sunscreen should be used on infants less than 6 months old only if adequate shade and clothing aren't available. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the gentlest UVA-protective ingredients for children's sensitive skin.

• Antioxidants can increase the efficiency of sunscreen. They do not protect against sunburn, but studies show that antioxidants in combination with broad-spectrum sunscreen protect against cell damage better than antioxidants or sunscreen alone.

• Sunscreen on top of sunscreen doesn't equal more SPF. If you wear makeup with SPF in addition to sunscreen, the result is an SPF that equals the highest of the two products. Because sunscreens can clog pores and cause breakouts, experts say that women with oily skin may prefer to use a foundation with a good SPF on their faces and a good sunscreen from the neck down.

• Unless otherwise noted on the bottle, sunscreen is good for about three years from the date of purchase.

• Ideally, sunscreen should be applied daily to the face, neck and hands, whether or not you will be outdoors. UVA rays can penetrate through windows. In fact, experts say that not wearing sunscreen daily for a year is equivalent to an entire week at the beach without sunscreen.