New sunscreen rules

One of the most significant developments in 2011 was the introduction of new changes mandated to sunscreen manufacturers by the Food and Drug Administration. The changes in labeling rules, which were welcomed by the Academy, will require manufacturers to advise consumers about the specific sun-protection measures available in each product. Testing has finally been defined and required by the FDA for products which are given a broad-spectrum protection claim. In consumer terms, users of sunscreen will be able to clearly see whether a product will be able to protect them from sunburn and skin cancer, or solely sunburn. Labels may say “broad spectrum,” “protects against UVA/UVB,” or “UVA/UVB protection.” In addition, products may no longer claim to be water proof or sweat proof, but rather can only use the term “water-resistant,” and must state the length of resistance — 40 or 80 minutes. The new labels will begin appearing on products by June 18, 2012.

The announcement of the new rules on June 14 attracted widespread media attention, which the Academy was able to capitalize on because our president, Ronald Moy, MD, and the chair of our Council on Science and Research, Henry Lim, MD, participated in the FDA’s announcement and in subsequent media interviews. More information about the new rules and what they mean for dermatologists and our patients appeared in the September 2011 issue of Dermatology World.