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The Philippines, being a tropical country, experiences sunny days most of the year. Summer to many Filipinos means trips to the beach, treks to the mountains and other sun-soaked activities. However, overexposure to the sun may bring risks to health. This is mainly due to UV radiation which is associated to several damaging effects to the body, including premature skin aging, wrinkling and sagging, a compromised immune system, and skin cancer.

To combat the damaging effects of UV radiation in the body, safety measures are recommended to be practiced including, wearing sunglasses and protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure. Another safety measure is the use of appropriate sunscreen products.

In order to raise awareness on the proper selection and use of sunscreen products, the public is hereby encouraged to consider the following information and safety precautions:

  1. Verify the product. The FDA regulates sunscreen products, it is highly advised to purchase only products that have been notified with the FDA. To check if a product is notified with the FDA, use the FDA Verification Portal feature accessible at https://verification.fda.gov.ph.

2. Check the label. Do not purchase and use sunscreen products that have passed their expiration dates. In cases where the product label does not reflect the expiration date, look for the manufacturing date. Cosmetic products, including sunscreens, without an expiration date have a shelf-life of at least thirty (30) months. In the label, it is also important to check its Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and broad-spectrum protective claims. For more information on sunscreens, UV radiation and SPF, please check the accompanying infographic material attached to this Advisory.

3. Don’t skimp. To get the full SPF benefit of a sunscreen product, it should be applied according to the directions for use found on the product label.

Throughout the day, sunscreen wears off, it is necessary to re-apply at least every two (2) hours or as recommended on the product label.

4. Report to the FDA. To report any sale, distribution, complaint and/or adverse event on the use of violative cosmetic products, please send an eReport through [email protected], or call the Center for Cosmetics and Household/Urban Hazardous Substances Regulation and Research (CCHUHSRR) hotline (02) 8857-1900 loc. 8113 or 8107.

Dissemination of this advisory to all concerned is hereby requested.

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