FDA and EU Guidelines for Sunscreens

Many sunscreens do not block UVA radiation and people may be exposed to a high level of UVA without realizing it. To limit unrealistic claims about the level of protection offered, the EU revised the UVA guidelines for sunscreens. Now, the requirement is that UVA must be at least 1/3 of the SPF. For example, if the UVA protection is SPF 5 and the UVB protection is SPF 30, the overall SPF allowed to be displayed on the product can only 15, despite the fact that the UVB protection is actually much higher. While the FDA is reportedly working on a UVA rating system, currently in the US there are no UVA requirements. The image above shows the sunscreen ingredients approved by the FDA. Avobenzone, Ecamaule, and Zinc Oxide are the only three ingredients to fully protect against UVA rays. Zinc oxide is the only natural ingredient approved by the FDA.

The amount of time in the sun allowed by your sunscreen depends on your activity level, perspiration and skin type. Water sport enthusiasts — Lavera Sunscreen stays on in the water, providing a more effective, long-lasting and waterproof layer of protection-well suited for catching a few waves. Purchasing a safe and effective sunscreen is only half the battle. Unfortunately, its common for most to not apply enough sunscreen to protect us as much as the label on the bottle indicates. Just because an SPF of 30 indicates 300 minutes (5 hours) of protection before skin burns, repeated application is still necessary. Apply generously — the EPA advises: 1 ounce, or a shot glass full, of sunscreen applied every two hours over your whole body for one application (more if you are sweating or perspiring). Be sure not to forget lips, ears, feet, hands, bald spots and the back of neck.

Lavera is a proud sponsor of professional Kite boarder Katie Bowcutt, age 15, of the Dominican Republic! She finished 14th in the world in the PKRA for 2010!
Katie uses Lavera sunscreens to protect her sensitive skin out on the Dominican surf as she practices. Listen to what Katie says about our products!

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