Lather Up: New Sunscreen Regulations

Nothing screams a successful Hawai‘i getaway than a glowing golden tan. That's the color to be had after those care-free days basking in the Hawaiian sun or surfing in Waikīkī. Basically wearing nothing but your beach attire 24/7.

Sunscreen makes us smile. Protect yourself whenever you're out and about. 

And because Hawai‘i requires very minimal epidermal coverage, it's important to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays. I've seen some pretty bad sunburns from lobster-red to even blistering, and trust me, you don't wanna go there! There's a few things you should know next time you lather on that lotion for the ocean, starting with new sunscreen regulations.

Just recently, the federal Food and Drug Administration ordered sunscreen manufacturers to revise product labels. Here are two things your tube of screen should now read:

1) SPF 30 – SPF measures a sunscreen's capability to prevent burns. SPF 30, period. If it's less than that, then don't bother buying it unless you want to show a shade closer to Kool Aid.

2) UVB and UVA – Sunburns are caused by ultraviolet B (UVB) light, but now we know that ultraviolet A (UVA) is the one that causes aging and contributes to skin cancer. Get a sunscreen that says "broad spectrum" and contains zinc oxide or avobenzone to protect against UVA.

3) Sweatproof/Waterproof – There's no such thing as a waterproof sunscreen. The best you'll get is water-resistant. Regardless, you should reapply every couple of hours. 

There's a lot you should know when buying the next bottle of screen.

You could also consider sun-protective clothing products that actually look like real clothing. A local O‘ahu-based company called Planet Sun Hawaii (www.planetsunhawaii.com) sells special hats, shirts and umbrellas, as well as its own line of sunscreen. 

Now the next time you're in the islands, don't only bask in the sun but in the information you just received. Sending lots of Hawaiian sunshine your way!

Source: Federal Food and Drug Administration

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87

Published by Bruce Fisher

Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.

Entry Filed under: How to Hawaii,Ocean

December 23rd, 2011