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FDA Announces New Sunscreen Rules

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Federal Drug Administration is changing the rules for sunscreen companies.

On Tuesday, the FDA announced the new regulations. Starting next summer, sunscreen makers will have to prove that their product protects against both forms of dangerous ultraviolet rays before they can claim to protect against skin cancer, wrinkles and sunburn.

Manufacturers will be required to test their products' effectiveness against sun rays that pose the greatest risk of skin cancer.

Sunscreens that don't protect against both ultraviolet A and B rays and have an SPF below 15 will have to carry a warning label that says, "This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging."

In addition, marketing claims like "waterproof" and "sweatproof" will be prohibited, because the FDA says they are exaggerations.

The rules will go into effect in a year.

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