Have you Heard? The FDA is Proposing New Guidelines for Sunscreen — Good News for Skin Care Professionals

The US Food and Drug Administration or FDA has  recently proposed a new regulation that will set standards for the formulating, testing and labeling of OTC, or over-the-counter  sunscreen drug products with ultraviolet A  and ultraviolet B  protection, also known as UVA and UVB. Since sunlight consists of both UVA and UVB rays, the FDA proposes the creation of a consumer-friendly rating system for UVA products. This is designed to help consumers identify the level of UVA protection that is offered by a particular product instead of only the level of UVB protection that is identified through SPF values.

The proposed new four star ratings system works this way:  one star represents low UVA protection, two stars means medium; three stars mans  high; and four stars means the highest UVA protection available in an OTC sunscreen product. If a product does not   provide at least a one-star protection rating  the FDA is proposing to require the product to bear a ranking of "no UVA protection"  on the front label near the SPF value.

These ratings would be derived from two tests the FDA would perform to assess the UVA deflection effectiveness. The first test measures a product's ability to reduce the amount of UVA radiation that passes through it. The second test measures its ability to prevent tanning. Additionally a warning statement in the Drug Facts Box will be required on the product. This box will be required from all sunscreen manufacturers  and  will say "UV exposure from the sun increases the risk of skin cancer, premature skin aging and other skin damage. It is important to decrease UV exposure by limiting time in the sun, wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen."

The regulation when finalized would amend the existing over the center sunscreen rule published in 1999. This regulation  will also revise the existing SPF (UVB) testing procedures and allow new combinations of active ingredients and ask for comments of the issue of nanoparticles. This is looked at as good news by those who work in the spa industry and others who are concerned with both beauty and good health. Excessive sun exposure and the damage to skin caused by the sun is a problem for many of the clients seen in spas. More accuracy in over the counter protection should help everyone involved.