Sun cream ‘total protection’ claims are banned by EU

CLAIMS that sun creams provide total protection have been banned under new labelling rules that come into force today as sun seekers are warned the best way to enjoy the sun is from under a wide-brimmed hat.

EU’s Consumer Affairs Commissioner Maglena Kuneva has warned holiday-makers there is no such thing as a total protection or a complete sun block.

Manufacturers have now agreed to stop making these claims in their advertising and on their products, but Ms Kuneva urged consumers to get to know the facts about the dangers of getting a tan.

Even a high skin protection factor — such as 50 — is not enough, as research shows you need to reduce both the amount of UBV and UVA rays your body is exposed to.

Most people know to look for sun creams with UBV protection as this radiation causes sunburn and cancer, but they should also look for protection against UVA that causes the skin to age, damages your immune system and contributes to the cancer risk.

A new logo — “UVA” inside a circle — on sunscreen products shows that it helps protect against both kinds of radiation.

Consumers should still go for a high sun protection factor, or SPF, but should not be fooled into thinking that factor 50 means no sunburn or radiation. It may prevent the warning signs of your skin burning, but the UV radiation builds up through the day.

Sun creams must be applied regularly and liberally, especially after swimming. Some radiation always gets through and the only safe way of sitting in the sun is to be properly covered up and wearing a hat and sunglasses.

Even on a cloudy day you are not safe as 90% of solar UV radiation can penetrate light clouds. It also penetrates water and is extra strong when reflected off the water onto your body when swimming.

Sun radiation is particularly harmful for children and babies and experts say they should be well covered so they are never exposed to direct sunlight.

One in ten Irish women and one in eight Irish men will develop skin cancer during their lives, mostly from getting sunburned too often.

Two thirds of Irish people have a higher risk of developing skin cancer because of their fair skin.

The Irish Cancer Society points out that skin cancer can take 30 or 40 years to show up and many of those diagnosed with it in later life have been over exposed in their childhood.

Ireland has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in Europe and rates, says the Irish Cancer Society as more people are taking sun holidays. It is a very curable form of cancer if it is caught early enough and they advise seeing a doctor if you notice any moles or unusual changes in your skin.