This was the advice of the Food and Drug Administration, which also urged the public to report products that cause an adverse reaction.
“Remember that not all sunscreens have the same ingredients. Choose a product that suits your skin. Be aware of the expiration date because some sunscreen ingredients might degrade over time,” it said.
It also advised consumers to “read the label and follow the instructions on the amount that can be applied on the body.”
The products may also contain when to apply sunscreens before actual exposure and the frequency of re-application, it said.
On the other hand, the FDA said consumers can report adverse reactions via email to report@fda.gov.ph.
It advised health professionals to log in at the FDA Website and click the ADR Report platform and accomplish the form on line.
Creams or gels?
The FDA also suggested sunscreen creams are best for the face and dry skin while gels are good for hairy areas of the skin.
Water-resistant sunscreen products are best when going swimming or when sweating profusely, it added.
“Regardless of which sunscreen preparation you choose, be sure to apply it generously to achieve full UV ray protection,” it said.
Also, the FDA said babies can be protected from sun by being kept in the shade or with appropriate clothes or cover.
“Allow them to drink plenty of fluid. Babies have sensitive skin compared to adults and applying sunscreen preparation to less than 6-month old babies should be avoided. When applied to older babies, apply sunscreens only to skin not covered by clothing and never apply them around the eyes,” it said.
Meanwhile, the FDA said other practical ways to avoid overexposure from harmful sun rays include:
– protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirt, pants, a hat or sunglasses
– avoiding direct exposure to sunlight between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
– always seek shade or use an umbrella
— Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News
