You can now bring your full sunscreen in your suitcase

A small but major change was made to the guidelines of the Transportation Security Administration. As of April 7, sunscreen is now on TSA’s medically approved list of items and will therefore be allowed in full size in your handbag. This change is due to the Department of Dermatology at Brown University, which challenged TSA on the 3.4-ounce fluid limit because sunscreen is needed to protect against skin cancer.

© Getty / Carol Yepes
Big news: You can now carry your full sunscreen in your suitcase

On the TSA’s website, SPF products now sit alongside other medical objects such as inhalers, contact solution and medicines. But there is one caveat – although this change means that your full size sunscreen will no longer be confiscated at security, your officials should note that you have it.

“TSA allows larger quantities of medically essential liquids, gels and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip, but you must report them to the security officers for inspection,” the website says.

This important change comes just before the month for skin cancer awareness. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and according to the National Foundation for Cancer Research “approximately 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the United States daily”.

Julia A. Siegel, managing director of Brown in dermatology, and Tiffany J. Libby, director of Mohs micrographic and dermatological surgery at Brown, led the effort to get sunscreen accepted by the TSA to promote sun protection and to make them aware of the risks. of skin cancer. In an article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, they wrote “Estimates show that increasing sunscreen use by 5 percent per year over ten years will lead to a 10 percent reduction in melanoma in the United States. lead.” Melanoma, for all who do not know, is the most deadly form of skin cancer.

“Because inadequate access to sunscreen can lead to severe sunburn and subsequent skin cancer, it is an important public health initiative,” said Dr. Siegel told POPSUGAR. “We hope this change will promote sun safety and encourage travelers to use the recommended amount of sunscreen. The average adult needs 1.4 grams of sunscreen per application, and it is recommended again every two hours.”