Your favourite sunscreen might not be up to standard
A study published by a US science journal has suggested many popular brands of sunscreen are failing to meet the minimum standards when it comes to protection.
The study, published in JAMA Dermatology, looked at 65 of the most popular sunscreen brands available on online store Amazon that had been highly rated by users.
Evaluating them according to guidelines set out by the American Academy of Dermatology (broad-spectrum protection that protects against UVA and UVB rays, an SPF of 30 or higher, and water resistance), the study made some startling findings.
Of the products tested a whopping 40 per cent didn’t meet minimum protection guidelines, as they weren’t considered efficiently water or sweat resistant.
The study also noted that the way the sunscreen felt on skin was a huge determining factor in the purchase, but in some cases led to people paying too much.
Lead author Dr Steve Xu said, “You don't want to wear a chalky, greasy, terrible-smelling product, even if your dermatologist recommends it. This gave us insight into what consumers prefer, so it can guide our recommendations and be cost conscious.”
While the study doesn’t necessarily suggest Kiwi sunscreens are failing to meet standards across the board, it does provide a timely reminder to check the bottle and make sure you’re getting adequate protection when you slip, slop and slap.
What sort of sunscreen do you generally get? And what’s the most important factor that goes into determining what sunscreen you end up with?
Share your thoughts in the comments.
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