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NEW WAVE SUNSCREEN PRODUCTS

Some of the latest sunscreens now out on the market today seem to be getting away from sun protection and do more to attract MORE sun which can contribute to MORE skin cancer. Remember, if you see some famous person or some group endorsing a sunscreen this does NOT mean they actually use the product!

Many dermatologists agree that any sunscreen with over a 45 SPF is possibly a waste of money and anything less than a 15 SPF is possibly too risky to use for anything over 30 minutes out in the direct sun. A 30 SPF may be ideal and less costly than those over 30 SPF. Regardless, just because sunscreens allow you to stay out longer in the direct sun it still does not mean you should do so if getting skin cancer is of any concern to you years down the road.

Many sunscreens and sunscreen moisturizers may be overpriced with a low SPF so consider avoiding them altogether. Manufacturers may claim that their 0 SPF products still block out 50% of the sun but dermatologists say this is not enough to absolutely protect you from deadly melanoma skin cancer.

Some of the promotional printing on the packaging may seem to describe the product as having some sunscreen protection but anything with less than a 15 SPF, do not count on it.

SUPPLEMENTAL SOURCE: ABC-TV 20/20 5/2/97

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