The American
Academy of Dermatology
(Academy) has recently reiterated the safety and effectiveness of sunscreens to
protect against the damaging effects from exposure to ultraviolet (UV)
radiation. As one component of a daily sun-protection strategy, sunscreen is an
important tool in the fight against skin cancer, including melanoma, the
deadliest form of skin cancer.
Unprotected sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor
for skin cancer. More than 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer will be
diagnosed in the United
States this year, affecting 2 million
people. At current rates, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in his
or her lifetime. Approximately 75 percent of skin cancer deaths are from
melanoma, and the incidence of melanoma has been rising for at least 30 years.
"Scientific evidence supports the benefits of sunscreen
usage to minimize short- and long-term damage to the skin from UV radiation and
outweighs any unproven claims of toxicity or human health hazard," said
Daniel M. Siegel, MD, FAAD, president of the Academy. "To reduce the risk
of skin cancer and premature aging, dermatologists continue to recommend
generously applying a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen -- that
protects against both types of ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB) -- with an
SPF 30 or higher, in conjunction with other sun-safe practices such as limiting
sun exposure, seeking shade, and wearing sun-protective clothing, hats and sunglasses."
Sunscreen products contain one or more active drug
ingredients -- compounds that absorb, scatter or reflect UV light -- and are
regulated as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA). The FDA has several safety and effectiveness regulations
in place that govern the manufacture and marketing of all sunscreen products,
including safety data on its ingredients. However, recent media reports have
questioned the health risks of some sunscreen ingredients, specifically oxybenzone
and retinyl palmitate, as well as the use of nanotechnology in sunscreen.
Oxybenzone provides
effective broad-spectrum protection
Oxybenzone is one of the few FDA-approved ingredients that
provides effective broad-spectrum protection from UV radiation, and has been
approved for use since 1978. "Available peer-reviewed scientific
literature and regulatory assessments from national and international bodies do
not support a link between oxybenzone in sunscreen and hormonal alterations, or
other significant health issues in humans," stated Dr. Siegel. "The
FDA has approved oxybenzone in sunscreen for use on children older than six
months, and dermatologists continue to encourage protecting children by playing
in the shade, wearing protective clothing and applying broad-spectrum
sunscreen."
Retinyl palmitate
helps protect against aging
Retinyl palmitate, is a form of vitamin A (retinol), but is
not an active drug ingredient in sunscreen. When used in sunscreen, retinyl
palmitate serves cosmetic purposes as an antioxidant to improve product
performance against the aging effects of UV exposure, or to enhance product
aesthetic qualities. Despite recent concerns from in vitro (test tube) studies
and one unpublished report using mice, "topical and oral retinoids are
widely prescribed to treat a number of skin diseases, such as acne and
psoriasis, and there is no published evidence to suggest either increase the
risk of skin cancer in these patients," said Dr. Siegel. "In fact,
oral retinoids are used to prevent skin cancers in high-risk patients such as
those who have undergone organ transplantation." Dr. Siegel also added
that "unlike more potent prescription forms of vitamin A, there is no
evidence to suggest that use of sunscreen with retinyl palmitate poses
comparable risks."
Nanotechnology
enhances broad-spectrum protection
The broad-spectrum sunscreen active ingredients titanium
dioxide and zinc oxide leave a white residue on the skin following application
when used in a larger particle form. However, when these active ingredients are
converted into nanoparticles -- smaller, lighter molecules -- they appear to
vanish on the skin, do not leave a residue, and retain and enhance their
ability to block UVA and UVB light.
"While widespread use of nanotechnology in medicine is
currently under evaluation, one of the main benefits of nanoparticles in
sunscreens is that the small molecules can provide more protection and more
even coverage on the skin's surface than larger particles," said Dr.
Siegel. "Considerable research on the use of nanoparticles on healthy,
undamaged skin has shown that the stratum corneum -- the outermost layer of the
skin -- is an effective barrier to preventing the entry of nanoparticles into
the deeper layers of the skin. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide have a long
history of safe use in sunscreens and offer good options for broad-spectrum UV
protection."
Get vitamin D safely
There has also been concern that sunscreen use prevents the
synthesis of vitamin D by the skin. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that is
vital for strong bones and a healthy immune system. The Academy recommends that
an adequate amount of vitamin D should be safely obtained from a healthy diet
that includes foods naturally rich in vitamin D (e.g., dairy products and
fish), foods/beverages fortified with vitamin D (e.g., fortified milk and
fortified cereals), and/or vitamin D supplements -- and not from UV exposure.
The Academy recently updated its position statement on vitamin D based on the
published review of the increasing body of scientific literature on this
vitamin conducted by the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine
(IOM).
"Unprotected UV exposure to the sun or indoor tanning
devices is a known risk factor for the development of skin cancer. Since sun
exposure is responsible for vitamin D production in the skin, wearing sunscreen
can decrease the skin's production of vitamin D, but alternative and safer
options are available to obtain your vitamin D," states Dr. Siegel.
"Individuals who properly and consistently wear sunscreen or use other UV
protective measures, and are concerned about their vitamin D, should discuss
obtaining sufficient vitamin D from foods and/or vitamin supplements with their
doctor."
FDA sunscreen
regulations will be helpful
Last June, the FDA announced new sunscreen regulations which
clearly define the testing required to make a broad-spectrum protection claim
in a sunscreen and indicate which types of sunscreen can reduce skin cancer
risk. "We look forward to the implementation of these regulations which
will help Americans reduce their risk for skin cancer by guiding them to the
most effective sunscreens and advising them about other sun-protection
measures," said Dr. Siegel.
Sunscreen just one
sun protection tool
"Despite any concerns over the use of sunscreen, they
are an important component of a daily protection plan, as dermatologists
understand that the public may not be willing to wear protective clothing and
minimize sun exposure. There are many sunscreen products available that meet
the Academy's recommendations, and consumers need to be comfortable with their
choice of product in order to use it routinely," Dr. Siegel added.
"Since allergic and other reactions can occur, individuals should read the
product's labeling carefully, use as directed, and seek the advice of their
dermatologist in using sunscreens and any product applied to the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology will continue to
monitor scientific evidence related to sunscreen ingredients and their
effectiveness to help guide patients and the public."
The above news was released by the Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
on May 16, 2012
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| This picture is not issued by the AAD |
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