The FDA has changed its regulations toward sunscreen which may help people reduce their risk of early aging and cancer.

They have set this new standard into motion because of the damage from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.

While the sun is a good source for Vitamin D, the ultraviolet A-rays of the sun have the potential to damage a person’s DNA and cause cancer. The ultraviolet B-rays could cause blisters and irreversible sun damage to the face.

In fact, in 2012, the FDA will begin to make changes to the labels on the sunscreen products.

“Water-resistant” will still be allowed on the label, but the label must specify the amount of time until the sun lotion has to be reapplied.

The FDA is regulating what can be labeled “sunscreen.” This specific label is reserved for any lotion that is rubbed into or sprayed onto the body. Products that claim to have sunscreen in them, such as body washes and shampoos, may have to reconsider their label.

The new regulations are intended to inform consumers of the dangers of the ultraviolet radiation. They will do this with a broad spectrum label, which will tell the consumer if the product has met the FDA requirements.

In the future, don’t look for the terms water-proof, sweat-proof and sunblock on sunscreen labels.

These labels are misleading to the consumer, the FDA said.

The FDA is also considering pulling from the shelves those sunscreens which have an SPF of anything above 50.

The fact that most people put these higher SPFs on only once a day is what concerns the FDA. This increases the chances a person may get a serious sunburn, which could increase their chance of cancer.

Could consumers see warning labels on these products? Yes, if they don’t meet the new required standards of the FDA.

This means the product has to be above SPF 15 to be allowed on store shelves, but those above SPF 50 are more than likely to disappear. Goodbye Neutrogena SPF 100.

The FDA is certain the new standard they will set in place will protect the consumers against skin cancer and sunburn.

If anything, it will limit choices and make the selections easier to buy.

Maybe this is a mild solution to cancer and sunburn, but it’s only going to be a baby step in the effort to a cure. What is the FDA going to protect us against next? Soon we might as well live in a plastic bubble.

Jennifer Brown is a senior journalism major. She can be reached at 581-7942 or at