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Samantha Hayes ReportingDo the words "waterproof" "sunblock" and "all day" make you confident about the sunscreen you wear?
Dermatologists say more and more -- it should NOT. They warn that while sunscreen may protect you from getting burned, it's not as effective against cancer-causing rays.
Some major suncreen manufacturers are facing a lawsuit alleging labeling- like "waterproof" and "sunblock"- give people a false sense of protection. More than 1 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year, and doctors say wearing sunscreen alone will not protect you.
Many people look at a black and white pictures of the celebration at Promontory Point and remark about the conservative dress. But the picture was taken on an afternoon in May.
And that's why Dermatologist Glen Bowen sees something different.
Glen Bowen/ Dermatologist, Huntsman Cancer Institute: "People used to dress in a much more common sense way-- hats and long sleeve shirts."
You have heard about UVB rays, the ones that burn. Doctors are becoming more concerned about cancer causing-UVA rays.
Sunscreens claim to protect against both, but are not as effective at blocking UVA.
Glen Bowen: "There's no question if you just rely on sunscreen by itself you can get a large dose of UVA because you have stayed out longer."
And in Salt Lake City, where people live at a higher elevation and tend to be fair complected, Dr. Bowen compares skin protection to another serious safety issue.
Glen Bowen: "Sunscreen is the airbag. Clothing is the seatbelt."
One million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. The CDC says the death rate from melanoma has increased about four percent a year since 1973.
Glen Bowen: "My granddad was a rancher, and lived to be 96 and never got skin cancer and spent his entire occupation outside. But he always had on a big straw hat, long sleeve shirts, and overalls."
