IN THE HEADLINES...

Recently, an independent analysis statement from prominent photobiologists was released refuting a report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) alleging that sunscreens with retinyl palmitate (vitamin A) as an inactive ingredient may be harmful. The FDA has responded to the EWG report as well, commenting that the animal research behind the EWG report is still in the early stages, has yet to be peer reviewed or published and should not be extrapolated to humans.

ABC News in San Francisco, CA reported on the alleged controversy over vitamin A in sunscreens.

Since its inception in 1979, The Skin Cancer Foundation has always recommended using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher as one important part of a complete sun protection regimen which includes seeking shade, covering up with clothing including a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses and avoiding tanning and UV tanning booths. Recent attacks on sunscreens by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and by the media point to imperfections and potential risks, but miss the point that sunscreen continues to be one of the safest and most effective sun protection methods available.

We are concerned that the criticisms will raise unnecessary fears and cause people to stop using sunscreen, doing their skin serious harm.

In general, the criticisms have not been based on hard science. In fact, The Chair of the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Photobiology Committee, an independent volunteer panel of top experts on sun damage and sun protection, reviewed the same studies reviewed by the EWG, and found that their determination of what made a sunscreen bad or good was based on “junk science.”

Below, the Photobiology Committee responds to the criticisms and explains why sunscreen remains an essential part of anyone’s daily sun safety program.

What Are Sunscreens?

Sunscreens are chemical agents that help prevent the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the skin. Two types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB, damage the skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.

By JANE E. BRODY
June 1, 2009

“No,” I was pleased to be able to reply. “I just use a tinted face cream and makeup to match.”

You see, I’ve learned my lesson, sort of. I’ve had four precancers (medically, actinic keratoses) removed from my face in recent years, the consequence of decades of unprotected exposure to the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. From my teens through my 30s, I devoted hours to baking in the summer sun coated with baby oil, not sunscreen.

A rating system, for ultraviolet A (UVA) protection in sunscreens is finally on the horizon. For the first time since 1999, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed new sunscreen rules, which would include the first U.S. standards for UVA testing and labeling; the rules would also cap SPF numbers at 50+ and ban certain terms in labeling.