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Sunscreens Definition http://www.nycdermatologist.com Sunscreens are products applied to the skin to protect against the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV)
rays. http;//www.dermatologynyc.org Purpose http://www.1800blemish.com http://www.dermatologistsnyc.com/sundamagedskin.html Everyone needs a little sunshine. About 15 minutes of exposure a day helps the body make Vitamin D, which is important for
healthy bones and teeth. But longer exposure may cause many problems, from wrinkles to skin cancer. One particularly deadly
form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, has been on the rise in recent decades, as tanning has become more popular. Over
the same period, scientists have warned that the thin layer of ozone that protects life on Earth from the sun's ultraviolet
(UV) radiation is being depleted. This allows more UV radiation to get through, adding to the risk of overexposure. http://www.dermatologistsnyc.com Sunscreens help protect against the sun's damaging effects. But just how much protection they provide is a matter
of debate. The sun gives off two kinds of ultraviolet radiation, called UV-A and UV-B. For many years, experts thought that
only UV-B was harmful. However, recent research suggests that UV-A may be just as dangerous as UV-B, although its effects
may take longer to show up. In particular, UV-A may have a role in causing melanoma. Most sunscreen products contain ingredients
that provide adequate protection only against UV-B rays. Even those labeled as "broad spectrum" sunscreens may offer
only partial protection against UV-A radiation. Those containing the ingredient avobenzone give the most protection against
UV-A rays. Some medical experts are concerned that sunscreens give people a false sense of security, allowing
them to stay in the sun longer than they should. Although sunscreens protect the skin from burning, they may not protect against
other kinds of damage. A number of studies suggest that people who use sunscreens may actually increase their risk of melanoma
because they spend too much time in the sun. This does not mean that people should stop using sunscreens. It means that they
should not rely on sunscreens alone for protection. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, sunscreens should be
one part of sun protection, along with wide-brimmed hats and tightly-woven clothing that covers the arms and legs. Description Many brands of sunscreens are available, containing a variety of ingredients. The active ingredients
work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering some or all of the sun's rays. Most sunscreen products contain combinations
of ingredients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires sunscreen products to carry a sun protection factor
(SPF) rating on their labels. This number tells how well the sunscreen protects against burning. The higher the number, the
longer a person can stay in the sun without burning. Sunscreen products are sold as lotions, creams, gels, oils,
sprays, sticks, and lip balms, and can be bought without a physician's prescription. Recommended dosage Be sure to read the instructions that come with the sunscreen. Some need to be applied as long as 1-2 hours before
sun exposure. Others should be applied 30 minutes before exposure, and frequently during exposure. Apply sunscreen
liberally to all exposed parts of the skin, including the hands, feet, nose, ears, neck, scalp (if the hair is thin or very
short), and eyelids. Take care not to get sunscreen in the eyes, as it can cause irritation. Use a lip balm containing sunscreen
to protect the lips. Reapply sunscreen liberally every 1-2 hours—more frequently when perspiring heavily. Sunscreen
should also be reapplied after going in the water. Precautions Sunscreen alone will not provide full
protection from the sun. When possible, wear a hat, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sunglasses. Try to stay out of the
sun between 10 A.M. and 2 P.M. (11 A.M. to 3 P.M. Daylight Saving Time), when the sun's rays are strongest. The sun can
damage the skin even on cloudy days, so get in the habit of using a sunscreen every day. Be especially careful at high elevations
or in areas with surfaces that reflect the sun's rays, such as sand, water, concrete, or snow. Sunlamps, tanning
beds, and tanning booths were once thought to be safer than the sun, because they give off mainly UV-A rays. However, UV-A
rays are now known to cause serious skin damage and may increase the risk of melanoma. Health experts advise people not to
use these tanning devices. People with fair skin, blond, red or light brown hair, and light colored eyes are at
greatest risk for developing skin cancer. So are people with many large skin moles. These people should avoid exposure to
the sun as much as possible. However, even dark skinned people, including African Americans and Hispanic Americans may suffer
skin damage from the sun and should be careful about exposure. Sunscreens should not be used on children under
6 months because of the risk of side effects. Instead, children this young should be kept out of the sun. Children over 6
months should be protected with clothing and sunscreens of at least SPF 15, preferably lotions. Sunscreens containing alcohol
should not be used on children because they may irritate the skin. Older people who stay out of the sun and use
sunscreens may not produce enough vitamin D in their bodies. They may need to increase the vitamin D in their diets by including
foods such as fortified milk and salmon. A health care professional can help decide if this is necessary. Anyone
who has had unusual reactions to any sunscreen ingredients in the past should check with a physician or pharmacist before
using a sunscreen. The physician or pharmacist should also be told about any allergies to foods, dyes, preservatives, or other
substances, especially the following: http://www.dermatologistsnyc.com/sundamagedskin.html artificial sweeteners anesthetics such as benzocaine, procaine, or tetracaine diabetes medicine taken by
mouth hair dyes sulfa medicines water pills cinnamon flavoring People with skin conditions or
diseases should check with their physicians before using a sunscreen. This is especially true of people with conditions that
get worse with exposure to light. Side effects The most common side effects are drying or tightening
of the skin. This problem does not need medical attention unless it does not improve. Other side effects are rare,
but possible. If any of the following symptoms occur, check with a physician as soon as possible: acne burning,
itching, or stinging of the skin redness or swelling of the skin rash, with or without blisters that ooze and
become crusted pain in hairy parts of body pus in hair follicles Interactions http://www.nycdermatologist.com Anyone who is using a prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter) drug that is applied to the skin should check
with a physician before using a sunscreen.
FDA Proposes New Sunscreen RulesProposed Sunscreen Regulation Includes a Rating System, New Warning By
Miranda Hitti
WebMD Medical News Reviewed By Louise Chang, MD Aug. 23, 2007 -- Sunscreens may get a new rating system and a warning, thanks to a new FDA proposal. The
FDA today proposed a new regulation that sets standards for formulating, testing, and labeling over-the-counter sunscreens
with ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) protection. The proposal includes a four-star rating system for sunscreen
protection against UVA light, along with a warning that stresses the importance of not relying solely on sunscreens to prevent
skin cancer and skin damage. Sunlight contains the visible light that we can see and ultraviolet (UV) light that we cannot. There
are two types of UV light, UVA and UVB. UVA light is responsible for tanning and UVB for sunburn. Both can damage the skin
and increase the risk of skin cancer. SPF ratings on sunscreens refer only to UVB protection, not UVA protection. For years, the FDA has been studying UVA's
effects on skin, but until now hasn't required sunscreens to carry specific information on UVA protection. "Only
a few countries have addressed UVA protection in their product labeling," says Douglas Throckmorton, MD, deputy director
of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. The proposed new regulation would include cosmetics that
tout sun protection but not insect repellents that include SPF, according to Matthew Holman, PhD, interdisciplinary scientist
team leader at the FDA's Office of Nonprescription Products. New UVA Sunscreen RatingsThe FDA's proposed
sunscreen regulation is designed to be a consumer-friendly rating system for identifying the level of UVA protection offered
by a product. It rates UVA sunscreen products on 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 to bear a “no UVA protection”
marking on the front label near the SPF value. The UVA ratings would be based on two tests the FDA proposes to assess
the effectiveness of sunscreens in providing protection against UVA light. One would be a lab test that measures a product's
ability to reduce the amount of UVA radiation that passes through it. The other test would be conducted on people, checking
the product's ability to prevent tanning. This test is nearly identical to the SPF test used to determine the effectiveness
of UVB sunscreen products. If a sunscreen scores higher on one test than the other, it would bear the lower rating,
says Holman. The proposal also includes tweaking the SPF information on sunscreens. For instance, a sunscreen that
currently says "SPF 45" would say "UVB SPF 45" with the word "high" to indicate a high level
of UVB protection. To see an example of what the new labeling would look like, visit the FDA's web page on the
proposed sunscreen labeling at http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/sunscreen082307.html. New Sunscreen WarningThe
FDA also proposes requiring all sunscreens to include a "Warnings" statement in the "Drug Facts" box. The
warning would 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 warning is intended to increase awareness that sunscreens are only one part of a sun protection program. The proposed
new sunscreen regulation will also stress instructions to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours and to use sunscreen as directed, says Holman. The FDA
will accept comments on the proposed new rule for 90 days, ending on Nov. 26, 2007. Trade Group RespondsThe
Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) states that it is "pleased that the FDA has proposed these new sunscreen
regulations" and that it looks forward to working with the FDA as it finalizes the sunscreen rules. The CTFA points
out that "while the final rulemaking is ongoing, there are currently strong FDA safety and effectiveness regulations
that govern the manufacture and marketing of all sunscreen products." "Consumers should have a high level
of confidence that sunscreen products are safe and effective when used as directed," states the CTFA. Like the
FDA, AAD, ACS, and other health experts, the CTFA stresses that besides wearing sunscreen, people should minimize their sun
exposure -- especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when UVA/UVB exposure is highest -- and to wear protective clothing to safeguard
skin. SOURCES: News release, FDA. Douglas Throckmorton, MD, deputy director, Center for Drug Evaluation
and Research, FDA. Matthew Holman, PhD, interdisciplinary scientist team leader, Office of Nonprescription Products, FDA.
News release, American Academy of Dermatology. News release, American Cancer Society. News release, Cosmetic, Toiletry, and
Fragrance Association
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