Buy the Best Sunscreen Protection BEFORE You Visit Hawaii

Buy the best sunscreen protection before you visit Hawaii on your Hawaii vacation. What is the BEST sunscreen protection? Today that is a difficult question to answer.

Yesterday the Food and Drug Administration proposed to implement sweeping new standards for sunscreen, including a new labeling system for UVA rays.

Now, for the first time, the US health agency is proposing sunscreen standards to include the level of protection they provide from the Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays which are linked to skin cancer (melanoma), wrinkles and skin aging.

"For more than 30 years, consumers have been able to identify the level of UVB protection provided by sunscreens using only sunburn protection factor or SPF values," said FDA Commissioner Andrew C. von Eschenbach.

"Under today's proposal, consumers will also now know the level of UVA protection in sunscreens, which will help them make informed decisions about protecting themselves and their children against the harmful effects of the sun."

The FDA proposals won't take effect until 2009, so for now consumers will be responsible for protecting themselves from sunburns and worst.

To do this, make sure your sunscreen contains these protective ingredients, known to protect in the UVA range.

oxybenzone, abobenzone, zinc and titanium dioxide

For more infomation see FDA Proposes New Guidelines for Sunscreens.

"Go Visit Hawaii" published an excellent post on 7 tips to avoid getting a sunburn.

If you find a great sunscreen brand, please share it with the rest of us by posting a comment!

Comments

[Kailani]

I feel so bad when I see visitors who stay out in the sun too long. They end up turning so red! Ouch!

[HawaiiVacationGifts]

Yeah, makes you wonder where did they come from?

[Sheila]

The sun in Hawaii is waaaay stronger than what we're used to on the mainland. (The sun is stronger due in Hawaii because it is closer to the equator.) So, most visitors think they can stay out in the sun as long as they do at home or wear the same sun protection factor and are caught by surprise. FYI - I wrote an article a while back on why and how to be extra careful in the sun in Hawaii.