Inadequate Sunscreen In US Leads Some To Black Market Purchase

Recent reports indicate that sunscreen produced for sale in the United States have not been updated in almost 15 years. The FDA has been grilled on the inaction that it has taken on changing the formula acceptance policy for all of the sunscreen manufacturers who currently adopt a different formula for sunscreen which is more effective abroad.

Many of our current sunscreens are effective in blocking UV B rays which was once thought to be the culprit behind skin cancer. While UV B rays play a part in skin cancers, the UV A rays are really the rays to blame for the disease, which our current sunscreen is not effective in blocking. The only forms of sunscreen that are effective in blocking UV A rays are items like zinc oxide, the stuff you see on lifeguard’s noses. Not many people are willing to take the leap into opaque sunscreen for protection, however.

This inactivity on the FDA’s behalf has caused many Americans to buy their sunscreen overseas where adequate protection is available. However, we question if it’s worth it for consumers to employ these sunscreens. Part of the FDA’s function is to provide product guidelines that are safe for Americans to use. Many foreign sunscreen products offer protection, yes, but at what cost? Many other countries do not scrutinize new products to the level that the United States does. While there are no cases found yet where new sunscreen that effectively block UV A rays have caused harm to people in other methods, these products largely have not been tested to the rigorousness that the FDA would put forth.

Another thought to consider is that researchers have not yet found a direct link in sunscreen blocking UV A and UV B rays and preventing melanoma, skin cancer. Part of the reason why it is so difficult to say is that the sun affects everybody differently. If you’re fair skinned, are frequently basking in the glow of sunshine, or how often you use sunscreen are all factors in the likelihood of one contracting skin cancers.

For many who have a history of melanoma in their family, they find that the risk to foreign sunscreen is worth it. Those with skin cancer in their family history are 50% more likely to contract skin cancer. They are much more proactive, typically, in protecting their skin with sunscreen when in the sunlight. These people are the loudest supporters of adding additional sun protection to our sunscreen.