Misleading Sunscreen Messages Could Be Risking Your Health

23 December 2011

Misleading Sunscreen Messages Could Be Risking Your Health

In a bid to capture your attention, some sunscreen companies are sending consumers dangerous marketing messages that contradict proven sun-smart practices.

Big is not always better

You wouldn’t be the only one to think that a SPF 70 sunscreen allows you to stay in the sun seventy times longer before causing the skin to burn. For example, if your skin starts to burn within 10 minutes without sunscreen, an SPF 70 means you could remain in the sun for over 11 hours (10 x 70) before a burn would appear. Wrong.

The theory of high SPF sunscreens might be OK but the reality is quite different. Studies have found that consumers of high-SPF sunscreens have similar or even higher exposure to dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays than the consumers who use lower SPF products. Why? People trust the product too much, they go too long before reapplying it and they stay out in the sun too long.

New sunscreen regulations coming into effect next year prohibit any sunscreen to be labelled with a sun protection factor greater than SPF 50+. Sunscreen specialists, Oasis Beauty NZ, welcome the new regulations and are pleased that – for the first time in New Zealand – compliance will be compulsory. Stephanie Kimpton, Managing Director of Oasis Beauty said, “Currently, because sunscreens are treated as cosmetics rather than therapeutics in New Zealand, they can be sold without having to undertake in-vivo testing and compliance with the AS/NZ Standard 2604:1998. We think that’s insane in a country where the skin cancer risk is the highest in the world.”

Marketing

This is another area where consumers can be easily misled.

“We’ve noticed some companies encouraging people to apply their sunscreen and get out there,” said Stephanie. “This is sending a message that it’s OK to use sunscreen as your primary defence, it’s OK to get out in the midday sun and to stay in the sun longer. We see this as irresponsible behaviour towards consumers, especially young people who need the sun-smart message reinforced regularly. The extension of time exposed to the sun may increase the risk of melanoma.”

The first lines of defence against UV radiation should be shade, protective clothing and avoiding peak burn times of 11am-4pm from September to March. This isn’t always practicable and that’s when sunscreen should be worn as your second line of defence.

About Oasis Beauty NZ Ltd

Oasis Beauty are based in Christchurch and have been manufacturing a range of naturally inspired professional sun and skin care solutions for over a decade. The products are formulated especially for people with sensitive skin and are available online and through selected specialist retailers and beauty therapists nationwide. Oasis Beauty NZ is a strong supporter of the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA).

www.oasisbeauty.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media