A Blog published by the Cosmetic Centers of Hawaii

Sunscreens and SPF: Selecting the best one for you

  

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By Marné CarMichael Walsh, M.S., P-AC

When I go to the store, especially the larger ones like Walmart, I often glance at their sunscreen selection. It seems to constantly change and grow in the number of choices. If I feel overwhelmed, what are our patients feeling? For me, I know what to look for under “active ingredients” and I am shocked at how the labeling has gotten out of control.

Beware of false labeling on sunscreen products

New FDA recommendations were recently released to help control false labeling and claims but it is still not enough. Below is a summary of the proposed changes put forth by the FDA in June 2011:

• The final regulation allows sunscreen products that pass the FDA’s test for protection against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to be labeled as “Broad Spectrum.” Both UVB and UVA radiation contribute to sunburn, skin cancer, and premature skin aging. Sunburn is primarily caused by UVB radiation.
• Under the new labeling, sunscreens labeled as both Broad Spectrum and SPF 15 (or higher), if used regularly, as directed, and in combination with other sun protection measures will help prevent sunburn, reduce the risk of skin cancer, and reduce the risk of early skin aging.
• Products that have SPF values between 2 and 14 may be labeled as Broad Spectrum if they pass the required test, but only products that are labeled both as Broad Spectrum with SPF values of 15 or higher may state that they reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging, when used as directed.
• Any product that is not Broad Spectrum, or that is Broad Spectrum but has an SPF between 2 to 14, will be required to have a warning stating that the product has not been shown to help prevent skin cancer or early skin aging.

Additional FDA regulatory documents

Subsequently, three additional proposals were released by the FDA. They include limitations on the maximum SPF values, an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) for Dosage Forms, and a Draft Enforcement Guidance for Industry.

• The proposed rule would limit the maximum SPF value on sunscreen labels to “50 +”, because there is not sufficient data to show that products with SPF values higher than 50 provide greater protection for users than products with SPF values of 50. The proposal creates the opportunity for the submission of data to support including higher SPF values in the final rule. FDA looks forward to receiving public comment on this document.
• The ANPR will allow the public a period of time to submit requested data addressing the effectiveness and the safety of sunscreen sprays and to comment on possible directions and warnings for sprays that the FDA may pursue in the future, among other issues regarding dosage forms for sunscreens.
• The Draft Enforcement Guidance for Industry outlines information to help sunscreen product manufacturers understand how to label and test their products in light of the new final rule and other regulatory initiatives.

Since most skin cancers are caused by sun exposure, the FDA encourages consumers to protect themselves by regular application as well as reapplication of sunscreens with broad spectrum protection and SPF of 15 or higher. Here in Hawaii, I recommend an SPF of at least 30.

Suncreen facts you should know:

• The FDA is working to control false labeling and claims on sunscreen products
• In Hawaii, a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 should be used
• Zink oxide provides true broad-spectrum coverage

Watch for my next blog article where I will post my list of favorite picks for sunscreen products that we carry in our office. All of these products contain zinc oxide and provide true broad-spectrum sunscreen coverage (Full UVB and UVA).