Proposed New Rules For Sunscreen Products Will Better Protect Skin
Rules For Sunscreen Products
Sunbathers and other people who like to spend time outdoors will benefit if a newly proposed FDA rule for sunscreen products is adopted, Dr. Marcy Street, M.D., a skin cancer expert and the founder of Doctor’s Approach Dermatology & Laser Center and Med Spa, said today.
“Sunbathers, outdoor sports enthusiasts, people who like to work in their gardens and even people who like to go for long walks will benefit because they will know exactly what kind of protection they can count on from their sunscreen product if this regulation is implemented,” Dr. Street said. “Everyday in my practice I see the effects of sunlight damage on people’s skin. That’s why I definitely endorse this proposal,” she added.
Dr. Street is also the first African American female Mohs surgeon in the United States and she performs Mohs surgery for recurrent skin cancers in high risk locations and aggressive tumors that have a higher rate of spreading. She also is a Mayo Clinic-trained, board certified dermatologist. She is a clinical instructor in Michigan State University’s Department of Dermatology and is recognized as an expert in skin and hair wellness.
The proposed rule establishes standards for formulating, testing and labeling over-the-counter sunscreen products with ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) protection. UVA light is responsible for tanning and UVB for sunburn. Both can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. Currently, the only way for consumers to determine the level of UVB protection in their sunscreen product is by its sun protection factor (SPF).
Dr. Street said the new regulation would create a rating system for UVA sunscreen products by establishing a scale of one to four stars. One star would represent low UVA protection, two stars would represent medium protection, three stars would represent high protection and four stars would represent the highest UVA protection available in an over-the-counter sunscreen product. If a sunscreen product does not provide at least a low level (one star) of protection, the FDA is proposing to require that the product have a “no UVA protection” marking on the front label near the SPF value.
In addition, a “warnings” statement in the “Drug Facts” box will be required of all sunscreen product manufacturers. The warning will say: “UV exposure from the sun increases the risk of skin cancer, premature skin aging, and other skin damage. It is important to decrease UV exposure by limiting time in the sun, wearing protective clothing, and using a sunscreen.” The purpose of the warning is to increase awareness that sunscreens are only one part of a sun protection program.