Sun Safety!!! Tips from Target and The Skin Cancer Foundation
The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) updated sunscreen regulations go into effect this summer, allowing consumers to make easier decisions about sun safety.
Target’s affordable, award-winning up & up Sport Spray SPF 30 Sunscreen ($5.24) and up & up Kids’ Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($6.99) adhere to the new guidelines and offers “broad spectrum” protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Updated packaging clearly states that the product is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so consumers know exactly when it is time to reapply.
Target’s affordable, award-winning up & up Sport Spray SPF 30 Sunscreen ($5.24) and up & up Kids’ Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($6.99) adhere to the new guidelines and offers “broad spectrum” protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Updated packaging clearly states that the product is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so consumers know exactly when it is time to reapply.
In support of Skin Cancer Awareness Month this May, Target is partnering with The Skin Cancer Foundation to better educate guests about taking preventative measures against skin cancer.
“The new FDA regulations and our partnership with The Skin Cancer Foundation will help Target guests make more informed decisions about products through consistent messaging— like that found on our updated up & up sunscreen packaging,” says José Barra, senior vice president, health and beauty, Target. “Our team of highly trained pharmacists serves as an in-store resource for guests to provide advice and guidance on sun safety and protection."
The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime, so it is important to protect skin from the damaging rays of the sun by following these prevention tips:
- Seek the shade, especially between 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest.
- Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
· Don’t be fooled by sunscreens with an SPF value over 50. To date, there is no evidence that products with SPF valueshigher than 50 provide significant additional protection compared to products with SPF values of 50.
- Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to the entire body 30 minutes before going outside.
- Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
“Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, but is also the easiest to cure if diagnosed and treated early,” says Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, Senior Vice President of The Skin Cancer Foundation. “In addition to incorporating sun protection into your daily lifestyle, it’s important to see your doctor every year for a professional skin exam, and examine your skin head-to-toe every month using a step-by-step guide like the one on SkinCancer.org. This routine ten minute self-examination is a small investment in what could be a life-saving procedure.”