Health Canada would like to remind Canadians to protect themselves and their families from the sun.
OTTAWA, June 1, 2018 /CNW/ - Health Canada would like to remind Canadians to protect themselves and their families from the sun. Exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays without sunscreen can cause much more than a sunburn. It can lead to sun damage (such as skin wrinkling and hardening, dark patches, precancerous skin changes) and can increase the risk of skin cancer.
There are many sunscreen products available in Canada. It is important to choose a sunscreen with the level of sun protection factor (SPF) that is right for you. The SPF tells you the level of protection that the sunscreen provides against sunburn. It also tells you the length of time that your sunscreen-protected skin can be exposed before it starts to get red.
Health Canada recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. At this time, Health Canada does not have enough scientific information demonstrating that products with SPF higher than 50 provide additional protection.
Sunscreen safety tips
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Choose a high SPF Protect your health by using a
broad-spectrum sunscreen with a
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at
least 30. The sunscreen should
also say "broad-spectrum" on the
label, to screen out most of the
UVA and UVB rays.
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Sunscreens and babies Do not put sunscreen on babies less
than 6 months of age. Keep them
out of the sun and heat as their
skin and bodies are much more
sensitive than an adult's.
A sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
should be applied to babies over 6
months of age.
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Look for water resistant Look for claims on the label that
the product stays on better in
water (water resistant, very water
resistant).
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Read application instructions For best results, be sure to follow
the instructions on the product
label.
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Use lots of it Use the recommended amount of
sunscreen.
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Read application instructions For best results, be sure to follow
the instructions on the product
label.
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Apply it often Apply sunscreen before heading
outside and use a generous amount.
Reapply 20 minutes after going
outside and at least every 2 hours
after that. Cover exposed areas
generously, including ears, nose,
the tops of feet and backs of
knees. Reapply sunscreen often to
get the best possible protection
especially if you are swimming or
sweating heavily.
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Protect yourself Sunscreen and insect repellents can
be used safely together. Apply the
sunscreen first, then the insect
repellent.
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Test for an allergic reaction Before using any product on you or
your child check for an allergic
reaction, especially if you have
sensitive skin. Apply it to a
small patch of skin on the inner
forearm for several days in a row.
If the skin turns red or otherwise
reacts, change products.
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Prescription drugs and over-the- Some prescription drugs and over-
counter products the-counter products may make
your skin more sensitive to UV
rays. Speak to a healthcare
provider (such as a doctor,
pharmacist, or nurse) if you have
any questions about which
sunscreen is appropriate for you.
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Health Canada is in the process of reviewing the safety of various sunscreen products and will share the results in the coming weeks. The Department will take immediate action and inform Canadians should a safety concern be identified with any sunscreen product sold in Canada.
Report health or safety concerns
To report a side effect to a health product to Health Canada:
- Call toll-free at 1-866-234-2345
- Visit Health Canada's web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax.
Stay connected with Health Canada and receive the latest advisories and product recalls using social media tools.
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Media Inquiries: Health Canada, (613) 957-2983; Public Inquiries: (613) 957-2991, 1-866 225-0709
SOURCE Health Canada
