The Ministry of Health called on Friday the citizens to avoid the use of solar creams sold without legal authorization, in particular those marketed on the parallel market or via the Internet.
In its press release published on its official page, the ministry warns against counterfeit products or not in accordance with quality standards, which are not authorized by its services and which may contain harmful substances such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens or octocrylene.
“These substances have health risks and do not offer adequate protection, in particular against UVA rays,” the statement said.
According to the ministry, it is recommended to favor solar screens based on natural and safe components, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and to ensure that the chosen product offers a SPF 50 sun protection index, guaranteeing 98 % protection against UVB rays, while providing double protection against UVA and UVB.
The ministry also insists on the importance of reading the labels carefully, checking the composition, the expiration date, and not using solar creams started for more than six months. He recommends keeping products sheltered from heat and light, and renewing their application every two hours.
“Any product whose color or smell has changed must be thrown immediately,” warns the ministry.
