Thursday, September 22, 2011

Proposed Rules on Sprays, SPF Limits

From the 09.2011 issue of Dermatology World:

In addition to announcing a final rule establishing broad-spectrum and water-resistant standards for sunscreen labels on June 14, the FDA also published a proposed rule that would limit the level of SPF that could appear on a sunscreen label to 50 and a notice of proposed rule making seeking additional data regarding sunscreens in spray form.  Zoe Draelos, MD, said the latter is an important issue for dermatologists to educate patients about.


"One of the things dermatologists have known for a long time is that is you don't apply an even coat of sunscreen in sufficient amounts you get insufficient sun protection," Dr. Draelos said.  "if you spray on the sunscreen you get little droplets on the skin but you don't get a complete film.  Unless you rub, that discontinuous film will not provide optimal sun protection."


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