Lifting The Screen off Misleading Sunscreen labels

Ambiguous labeling on sun lotions may actually lull the consumer into a false sense of complete protection, which might actually not be the case. The European commission has got its act together on this issue, to redress the misinformation in the labeling of sun lotions and its allied products.

The labels that have raised eyebrows and offered misleading cues by captivatingly labeling a total protection message are: "sun blocker" or "total protection" "broad spectrum", "strengthened protection UVA" and "100 per cent anti-UVA/UVB/IR".

Instead the commission has hinted at substitute categories of labeling for sun lotions , under low, medium, high, and very high protection , which would live up to its label, after being adequately tested for its desired purpose.

The most reliable and popular sun products that speak of the sun protection factor, SPF offer protection against only sunburn radiation and not protection from harmful UV radiation. Consumers may not be fully informed and thus may be under the impression of protecting themselves fully, when it is certainly not the case.

The commission says: "It is important to know that an SPF over 50 practically does not increase the protection against sun burn and UVB radiation. Rather, if a product is applied correctly an SPF of 15 to 25 suffices to protect a person with normal skin from sunburn."

Günther Verheugen, the commission vice-president has issued a warning saying: "The situation is untenable. The best way forward is a recommendation in which industry commits to label sunscreen products openly. This will give consumers clear and coherent information without creating unnecessary red tape for industry."