The 2012 edition of The Skin Cancer Foundation Journal features medically reviewed, reader-friendly articles such as tanning, the increasing incidence of skin cancer diagnoses among young women, & the prevalence of melanoma among white males over 50.
NEW FDA SUNSCREEN LABELING DEBUTS
In December 2012, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s long-awaited new rules for sunscreen labeling go into effect. The new rules for the first time require testing and labeling for protection against ultraviolet A (UVA) rays as well as against ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Sunscreens that meet FDA standards for both UVB and UVA protection and have an SPF of 15 or higher will be labeled "broad spectrum" and may say they not only protect against sunburn, but, if used as directed with other sun protection measures, can reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun. Any sunscreen not labeled "broad spectrum"
or with an SPF between 2 and 14 must include the warning, "This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging." The regulations also bar the use of inaccurate terms such as "sunblock," "sweatproof," and "waterproof." Products will begin to follow these guidelines
this year. THE SEAL:
Examples of Daily Use sunscreens include moistur- izers, color cosmetics, foundations, eye creams and lip products. Requirements include UVA protection and a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. If a product claims to be water- or sweat-resistant, supporting data must be submitted.
t 5IF Active Seal is for sunscreens designed to protect against extended sun exposure, the kind you might ex- perience during outdoor work or recreational activities such as a day at the beach. Examples of Active sunscreens might include sport sunscreens, zinc oxide/titanium dioxide sticks, and baby products. (Babies under six months old should be kept out of direct sunlight.) Requirements include UVA protection, an SPF of 30 or higher, and water resistance.
t #PUI 4FBMT BMTP SFRVJSF BDDFQUBCMF SFTVMUT GPS CPUI phototoxic reactions and contact irritancy testing.
The Traditional Seal will continue to be used for other types of sun protection products, including sunglasses, auto and residential window film, awnings/umbrellas, clothing, and laundry products. For more information, visit http://www.skincancer.org/seal.
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A Standard of Certainty More than 90 companies and several hundred products worldwide have been awarded the Seal of Recommendation. The Skin Cancer Foundation remains the only organization that reviews manu- facturers' test results for every product submitted for approval.