When summer comes around it's natural for people to want to spend a lot of time at the beach or outdoors. But all that fun in the sun can do a lot of damage to our skin. If you plan on spending a lot of time under those strong and harmful rays, then you need to be aware of the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) new regulations for sunscreens. One of the reasons this announcement is so important is because guidelines for sunscreens hasn't been updated in many decades. “Today’s action is an important step in the FDA’s ongoing efforts to take into account modern science to ensure the safety and effectiveness of sunscreens,” Dr Scott Gottlieb, the FDA commissioner, stated in a press release. The goal is simple. The new guidelines will hopefully provide people with safe and quality sunscreens that can be used daily. Here is what you need to about the new guidelines on sunscreen.

The proposal primarily focuses on making sure people uses safe and effective sunscreens that includes ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. To get the best protection the proposal stated the maximum sun protection factor (SPF) level should be 60+. If you are using an SPF of 15 or higher, it should offer broad-spectrum protection. Sprays,lotions, creams, gels and buttersare some of the official FDA-sanctioned dosage forms for sunscreens. The FDA also notes that the label on the sunscreens should be clear for consumer to know what ingredients the products contain. Labels should also include a skin-cancer and skin-ageing notification for products that have not been found to prevent skin cancer.

One of the most common forms of cancer is skin cancer across the globe. Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are the three types of this particular cancer. While it is not common for basal cell carcinoma to spread to other areas of the body, experts still recommend removing it. On the other hand, squamous cell carcinoma can spread rapidly. If it is caught early it can be properly treated. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and early diagnosis is crucial to treating it. The best way to protect yourself from these cancers is by applying a good quality sunscreen. “People are getting better about applying sunscreen but can be forgetful about reapplying sunscreen,” Dr William W. Huang, MD, an associate professor and residency program director at Wake Forest School of Medicine in North Carolina, told a news portal. Adding, “Although the face is a sensitive area of the body, it is prone to UV (ultraviolet) damage and the development of skin cancer due to UV exposures over a lifetime. So, be liberal with the amount of sunscreen you apply.”

Make sure to apply sunscreen on the sensitive areas of your body like your lips, ears and eyelids. "Most of our lip products do not contain an SPF and often can increase the sun’s penetration into this area with the pigments and emollients that they do contain," Dr Amy Kassouf, MD, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, told a news portal. Adding, "The lower lip is particularly sensitive and so sun protection in your lip products when outdoors is essential." You should also store sunscreen in a place that is cool and dry.

It can be difficult to know which sunscreen to use as there is a variety of options on the market. According to the proposed FDA guidelines, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 (at the least) and one that offers broad-spectrum protection. This means it will protect against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. If you are someone who is very active, pick a product that is sweat-resistant or water-resistant.