Sunscreens remain safe, effective form of sun protection
Created by snadmin on 06/06/2011 16:39:42

The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) reiterates the safety and effectiveness of sunscreens to protect against the damaging effects from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

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The American Academy of Dermatology has reiterated the safety and effectiveness of sunscreens to protect against the damaging effects from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. 

In an article published on the 23rd May, the Academy outlines the benefits of using sunscreen to minimise the short and long term risks of UV exposure. 

It states that unprotected sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer, adding that more than 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year, affecting 2 million people. At current rates, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in his or her lifetime. About 75 percent of skin cancer deaths are from melanoma, and the incidence of melanoma has been rising for at least 30 years.

“Scientific evidence supports the benefits of sunscreen usage to minimize short and long-term damage to the skin from UV radiation and outweighs any unproven claims of toxicity or human health hazard,” said Ronald L. Moy, MD, FAAD, president of the Academy. “To reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature aging, 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.”

In relation to nanoparticles used in sunscreens, the article states that whilst the broad-spectrum sunscreen active ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide leave a white residue on the skin following application when used in a larger particle form, when converted into nanoparticles, they appear to vanish on the skin, do not leave a residue, and retain and enhance their ability to block UVA and UVB light. 

“While widespread use of nanotechnology in medicine is currently under evaluation, one of the main benefits of nanoparticles in sunscreens is that the small molecules can provide more protection and more even coverage on the skin’s surface than larger particles,” said Dr. Moy. “Considerable research on the use of nanoparticles on healthy, undamaged skin has shown that the stratum corneum – the outermost layer of the skin – is an effective barrier to preventing the entry of nanoparticles into the deeper layers of the skin. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide have a long history of safe use in sunscreens and offer good options for broad-spectrum UV protection.” 

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