Half of the sunscreens sold in the United States could not be sold in Europe. An NGO warns about the ineffectiveness of American screens. They would also be harmful.
Alarming. In the United States, 73% of sunscreens on the market are ineffective or even dangerous. The alert comes from theEnvironmental Working Group. Like every year, the environmental NGO reviewed the 1,500 sunscreens and sticks available in the country. In addition to the misleading arguments, manufacturers too often use products with known adverse health effects.
Too soft legislation
The EWG questions the overly flexible rules of the US Food and Drug Administration, the FDA. “Sunscreens will not improve until it puts stricter rules in place,” warns EWG analyst Sonya Lunder.
Since 2011, the health authority has strengthened the conditions for placing sunscreens on the market. Thus, the protection index (SPF) is capped at 50+. Beyond that, there is no evidence that the defense against ultraviolet rays will be more effective. The filters against UVA, meanwhile, are very little controlled.
In the eyes of the NGO, the FDA is still too timid about the products used. In his viewfinder, in particular, oxybenzone, a chemical that acts as a filter against UVB. Known allergen, it also has harmful effects on the endocrine system. The concern is justified since this component is particularly well absorbed through the skin.
Retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A, is also receiving increased attention. This antioxidant substance is believed to slow the aging of the skin. But federal studies have suggested that it promotes the development of tumors upon exposure to the sun. And yet, despite these growing suspicions, the FDA appears unwilling to restrict clearances.
Stricter Europe
When it comes to sun protection, the European Union is a model. A central directive regulates the elements displayed on packaging, but also the products used. Result: According to calculations by the EWG, half of American sunscreens could not be sold in the European market. It must be said that, since 2006, protection against UVA and UVB rays is required.
It must be said that the Old Continent is rather severe on the quality of the products and the claims. UVA filters, for example, may only be on the label under strict conditions. The protection must correspond, at least, to one third of the SPF. It is only at this price that the argument is authorized.
In the absence of more stringent regulations, the EWG calls on consumers to pay more attention to the products they buy. Avoiding harmful additives, retinyl palmitate and oxybenzone is a key step. But sprays must also be avoided. If they spray a thick layer of sunscreen, it is not always uniform.
Advice from dermatologists
Sun protection must be adapted according to the risks associated with exposure. Skin color in particular is a key clue. “The lower the phototype, the more the subject must protect themselves from the sun,” explains the National Syndication of Dermato-venerologists (SNDV). The strongest exposures are found on the beach or near the tropics.
The use of appropriate protection is recommended, but it is not enough. The amount applied must also be sufficient and regularly renewed. The SNDV recommends varying the shapes according to the areas of the body to be protected: rather face creams, sticks for the lips, nose and eye area, milks or gels on the body.
In addition to these sunscreens, avoiding the sun is strongly recommended during peak hours (between noon and 4 p.m.). Wearing covering clothing is also an effective measure.
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