Doctors Speak Out: New FDA Sunscreen Rules
Dermatologists and cancer doctors applaud newly proposed sunscreen guidelines.
Aug. 23, 2007 — -- New proposed rules by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), if implemented, will likely change the way many people look at sunscreen.
Dermatological experts were unanimous in their support of the proposed regulations, which would stiffen sunscreen labeling and testing. Most notably, the proposed rules would include a standardized system to indicate protection from the sun's UVA rays -- a factor that is currently not accounted for in the well-known SPF rating system.
However, some dermatologists worry that the new system, which uses a system of stars rather than numbers, may be confusing to consumers.
Here is more of what the experts had to say:
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Dr. Len Lichtenfeld
Deputy Chief Medical Officer
American Cancer Society
"This long-awaited proposal is a good first step in providing consumers better information on the value and limits of sunscreen use. The American Cancer Society recommends that sunscreens be part of a comprehensive effort to reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, the most important known risk factor for skin cancers, including melanoma."
"Our own studies have shown that people often use sunscreens incorrectly, by not using enough sunscreen, not reapplying, or using sunscreens to seek more sun exposure. This proposed regulation has the potential to increase awareness about the proper use of sunscreens and remind people to take sun exposure seriously. The evidence suggests that by using sunscreen correctly, people can reduce their risk of melanoma, which each year claims the lives of some 8,000 Americans, as well other skin cancers."
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Dr. Clifford Perlis
Director, Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery
Fox Chase Cancer Center
"These changes are extremely significant -- especially the inclusion of a measure of UVA protection. For some years, we've know that UVA exposure also plays a role in the development of skin cancer. Elsewhere in the world, others have taken the lead in quantifying protection from UVA exposure.
