American Academy of Dermatology issues statement on sunscreen safety

The American Academy of Dermatology has released a statement on sunscreen, emphasizing that “sunscreen remains a safe, effective form of sun protection.”

“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,” Henry W. Lim, MD, FAAD, president of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), stated in a news release. “Current scientific data does not support claims that sunscreen ingredients are toxic or a hazard to human health,” Lim stated. “Rather, evidence supports the benefits of applying sunscreen to minimize short- and long-term damage to the skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.”

Henry W. Lim

The AAD statement was in response to the recently released guides by the Environmental Working Group and Consumer Reports that reviewed safety and efficacy of sunscreens, according to an AAD spokesperson.

“Sunscreen products contain one or more active drug ingredients — compounds that absorb, scatter or reflect UV light — and are regulated as over-the-counter drugs by the [FDA],” Lim stated.

FDA regulations govern the manufacture and marketing of all sunscreen products, including safety data on its ingredients, according to the statement.

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 to reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature aging, the AAD reported.

“There are a wide range of sunscreen products on the market today; choose the one that follows the AAD’s recommendations in the form that you are most likely to use,” Lim stated.

Reference: www.aad.org