Sunscreen Sold In The US Does Not Match Their Labels, Study Finds

The public is now warned about misleading labels of sunscreen sold in the United States. A recent study revealed that some of these products do not really reflect the correct SPF it contains.

Daily Mail said a research published on the Sunscreen Guide by Consumer Reports revealed that 28 out of the 65 products they tested did not match the indicated SPF levels on their labels. It noted that some which claimed that they contained SPF 50 only had around SPF 8.

Some of the sunscreen products with the lowest results were CVS Kids Sun Lotion and Banana Boat Kids Tear-Free Sting-Free. The two products claimed on their labels that they had SPF 50 when they only had SPF 8.

Aside from this, the same report said that there were also waterproof products that did not display such capacity when soaked in water. The study mentioned in particular the Shiseido's WetForce Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 50.

Your sunscreen might not have the SPF you think it does: https://t.co/vSvpPf06R9 pic.twitter.com/IbAYjdSHmM

— Health magazine (@goodhealth) May 18, 2016

In a similar report, MarketWired said that dermatologists said that users of sunscreen or sunblock products need to understand what SPF levels mean. "A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 blocks up to 97 percent of the sun's rays. Higher SPFs block slightly more rays, but a higher-number SPF does not allow you to spend more time outdoors without reapplication," said dermatologist Abel Torres.

He noted that sunscreen should be reapplied on the screen every two hours especially after sweating or swimming as this can already be worn off. Some experts also fear that individuals do not know how to properly apply sunscreen.

Dermatologist Anna Chien said that some apply only a little amount of sunscreen which may not be enough to protect their skin from the harmful rays of the sun. She also highlighted the importance to use various types of skin protection products, not only sunscreen.