Rochester, N.Y. - The biggest problem with sunscreen is that people don't use it often enough and don't use enough of it to offer the most protection against skin cancer.
They also don't re-apply after swimming, sweating or spending extended time in the sun.
That's why the FDA is issuing new guidelines for labels on sunscreen.
Sunscreen isn't waterproof and can no longer say that on the label. It will instead say "water resistant."
The package must also be re-labeled to say: apply every two hours and can no longer promise to "stay on all day."
In order to pass the FDA's test, the sunscreen must protect against UVA and UVB rays and be 15 SPF or higher to protect against skin cancer.
Anything lower than that must carry a warning label saying that while the product may prevent sunburn, it doesn't protect against sun damage or skin cancer.
Dermatologist Allison Holm says skin cancer rates are alarming. She has seen a dramatic increase in young women, as young as teenagers, with melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.
Holm says indoor tanning and sun exposure are factors in the increased number of skin cancer cases. She also says family history and genetics put others at a higher risk.
Jennifer Shadders has blonde hair, blue eyes and fair skin. She has a high risk of skin cancer because of her fair coloring.
Though Jennifer has never had a scare, she faithfully wears sunscreen and re-applies it often.
Dr. Holm says people don't realize that you need to use about a shot-glass full of sunscreen to offer the most protection from the sun's harmful rays.
Don't forget to apply to your scalp, ears and the palms of your hands.
The best way to avoid skin cancer is enjoy the sun in moderation, avoid peak sun times between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and use sunscreen properly.
When it comes to the best SPF number for sunscreen?
Dr. Holm says dermatologists prefer anything above a 30 SPF.
She says there is controversy when it comes to sunscreens offering an SPF of 50 or higher.
Do they work better? Probably not she says. But she does say that people who are exposed to sunshine for prolonged periods need to use at least a 30-40 SPF, apply every two hours and if possible, spend time in the shade under an umbrella or tree.
