Peelable labels on sun protection products sold all over the world may face a complete overhaul after measures were implemented in the US to improve sun safety.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered manufacturers to remove terms including 'waterproof' and 'sweatproof' from their bottles amid fears that they could be misleading consumers.

Sunscreens will be permitted to have the term 'water resistant' on them, but it must be clear that they should be reapplied every two to four hours.

Any products that protect from both UVA and UVB damage will have printed labels on them that say 'broad spectrum'.

The changes will come in for the US market in summer 2012, but authorities in this country may be prompted to follow suit to bring down rates of malignant melanoma.

According to Cancer Research UK, more than two people under the age of 35 are now diagnosed with the deadliest form of skin cancer each day.

Denny Bros Ltd, 01 July 2011