Sunscreens Reduce Skin Cancer Risk, but Beware of Unsafe Products

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. For example, 1 in every 5 Americans develops skin cancer at some point in life. Exposure to natural (sunlight) or artificial (tanning bed) ultraviolet (UV) light is an important factor that increases our risk of skin cancer. Nearly 90% of skin cancers are completely treated with surgery; advanced cases or cancers accounting for about 5% of skin cancers, such as melanoma , require systemic treatments, but the most important risk factor for all types of skin cancer is UV exposure.

Over the years, many studies have been conducted to provide better UV protection. Ultimately, avoiding the sun and using sunscreen have been identified as the two main strategies for reducing skin cancer risk. However, whether products marketed to protect against the harmful effects of the sun fulfill their promises is also a subject of research. FDAWe would like to discuss three comprehensive new initiatives by the FDA to improve its framework for sun protection products.

Sunscreens that are advertised but do not provide the promised benefits have been identified. In this way, some companies mislead consumers and put people’s health at risk. After this was discovered, the FDA sent warning letters to companies illegally marketing drug products and dietary supplements that do not meet safety and effectiveness standards and have not been proven to protect consumers from sun-related harm.

Advanced Skin Brightening Formula, Sunsafe Rx, Solaricare and Sunergetic are cosmetic products that make claims such as “blocks sunlight,” “reduces premature skin aging caused by the sun” or “prevents skin cancer.” As such, they create a false sense of security and put people’s health at risk. Interestingly, Sunsafe Rx, Solaricare and Sunergetic are not creams, but supplements taken as oral capsules that claim to be made entirely from natural ingredients. The cream called Advanced Skin Brightening Formula is marketed with claims of preventing skin aging, presenting it as doing something different from what it actually does. These companies were instructed to address all omissions and inaccuracies concerning their products and to review their product websites and labeling... Consumers should be cautious about companies making unproven claims.

New Steps Are Being Taken to Develop Safe and Effective Innovations for Sun Protection

Research is being conducted on safe new active ingredients for sunscreens. There have also been important changes in how sunscreens are used, including recommendations for their use. When sunscreens first appeared on the market, they were used only occasionally at the beach. Now people are more aware and use them, and are encouraged to use them, whenever they go outside in sunny weather. Sunscreens have thus begun to be used much more against the sun’s harmful UV rays. At the same time, interest in how the active ingredients in sunscreens may be absorbed into the skin has increased. When sunscreens first entered the United States market, sunscreen ingredients were thought not to penetrate the skin. We now have evidence that some sunscreen ingredients can be absorbed by the skin.

The FDA issued guidance on the effectiveness and safety of the active ingredients contained in sunscreens. A key element of this guidance is whether these active ingredients are absorbed by the skin. It should be checked whether these active ingredients are harmful when they enter the body, and if they are harmful, their use must be prohibited. Such guidance will establish oversight of sunscreens, and consequently alternatives should be sought if cream formulations contain harmful ingredients that are readily absorbed.

Ultimately, although sunscreens have certain health effects, they are over-the-counter products, so informed consumers need to acquire some basic knowledge about them.

To Summarize Our Recommendations About Sunscreens:

• “Water-resistant” does not mean “waterproof.” No sunscreen is waterproof or “sweatproof.” Manufacturers should not make such claims. If the front label of a product says waterproof, it must state that its effect lasts 40 minutes or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating.
• Products cannot promise more than they deliver. Sunscreens cannot promise immediate protection or protection lasting more than 2 hours without reapplication. They cannot use the term “Sun Protection.”
• Use broad-spectrum sunscreens with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. Make sure to apply your sunscreen every 2 hours, after swimming and sweating (also, creams with an SPF above 30 have not been proven to provide greater protection. For these reasons, SPF 30 appears sufficient).
• Cover up. If you are not sunbathing, wear something, put on a wide-brimmed hat and protect your skin as much as possible. You can protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that block at least 99% of UV rays.
• Sit in the shade. Do not sunbathe between 10:00 in the morning and 16:00 in the afternoon, when sunlight is strongest. Limit your direct exposure to sunlight to the periods specified by experts.
• Avoid tanning beds. They can contribute to skin cancer and cause long-term damage to your skin.

FURTHER READING: What Are UVA and UVB Rays?

To understand sunscreens, it is necessary to know a little about UVA and UVB rays. Both are ultraviolet (UV) rays and damage the skin.

• UVA rays penetrate the thick lower layers of the skin (the dermis and hypodermis) in long waves. UVA is a cause of premature skin aging, sunspots and skin cancers .
• UVB rays have shorter wavelengths and are the main cause of sunburn; they also play an important role in the development of skin cancer.

• Vitamin B3 Nicotinamide May Reduce Skin Cancer Risk