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MARQUETTE -- That lotion or spray that screens you from the sun's harmful rays will soon be screened itself.  According to a spokesman for the American Academy of Dermatology, the current labeling system for sunscreen products is confusing, and new federal regulations will help clarify packaging print for consumers.

"What the FDA has decided to do to sort of challenge the suntan lotion companies to provide the evidence that they have about what they provide in terms of sun block protection," said Marquette General Physician, Dr. Ryan Curran.  "Essentially what that will mean is better advertising and better labels for the consumers to make better informed decisions about what they're actually buying."

New FDA rules would force new testing protocols for sunscreen manufacturers, so products can be more accurately labeled.  Under the new labeling, only the products that protect against both UVA and UVB rays will be labeled as "broad spectrum."

"In the past, sunscreens could just imply that they were broad spectrum which would imply that they actually protect against both," Dr. Curran said.  "UVB rays actually cause sunburn whereas UVA and UVB rays are both linked to skin cancer and to skin aging, so the FDA wants our products to be more specific."

Also, products that have an SPF less than 15 will not be able to advertise that they prevent skin cancer, even if they are labeled broad spectrum.  The FDA is also taking a closer look at sunscreens that advertise as "waterproof or sweat-proof."  Chances are, there will be stricter label laws applied to those promises, too.

The new federal regulations have yet to be implemented, and doctors say we certainly won't see them this beach season, so for now, use products that protect against both UVA and UVB rays and have an SPF of at least 15.  And although it may interrupt your fun in the sun, reapply lotion each hour.