New Rules for Sunscreen Labels from the FDA

When you walk down the sunscreen aisle at the drug store, the variety of products can seem endless. Each brand makes different claims about its ability to block the sun, stand up to sweat and swimming, or protect you while you tan.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released new regulations for sunscreens that will set standard guidelines to measure the effectiveness of sunscreen products. These new guidelines will go into effect next year in hopes of assisting consumers with the task of choosing a sunscreen. That, in turn, will hopefully make it easier for you to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful effects.

One of the changes to be implemented will be with the manufacturers of sunscreen, and what they can and cannot claim on their labels. Sunscreen can no longer be marketed as “sunblock.” Products that protect against UVA and UVB radiation will now be labeled “broad spectrum.” Sunscreens that do not protect against both UVA and UVB rays will carry a warning.

If a product wants to claim to lower the risk of cancer, it must be SPF 15 or higher; if they are lower than SPF 15, they will carry a warning. The FDA has also proposed that no product can be labeled higher than SPF 50.

Marketing claims such as “waterproof” or “sweatproof” are now prohibited. Water resistance will now be made in terms of time – 40 minutes or 80 minutes. The FDA is also taking a closer look at sprays. You should always be careful to accurately apply spray-on sunscreen, especially when it is breezy by the pool or at the beach.

It will take one full year for the new regulations to go into effect, so don’t expect to see a total change to that row of sunscreen labels in the drugstore until next summer. To read more details about the FDA regulations, visit http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm258416.htm.

The Dark Side of Tanning

With warmer weather finally here, it’s only natural for young men and women to head to the beaches or their local swimming pools to catch a few hours of sunlight. Having tanned skin often goes hand-in-hand with feeling more attractive and confident.

However, these pool and beach ventures can pose a serious risk to your health. UV radiation exposure from indoor and outdoor tanning is the leading cause of skin cancer. Individuals who tan indoors increase their risk of melanoma by 75%. While skin cancer is a prominent side effect of tanning, other risks are likely, such as burns and injury to the skin, premature aging of the skin, and immune system suppression.

Despite the risks and potential impact that tanning indoors and/or outdoors can do to your skin and health, young women and teens continue to pursue the bronze glow. A recent study showed 86% of tanners recognize that tanning beds could lead to skin cancer.

So why do people continue to tan despite the many health risks that are associated with indoor and outdoor tanning? In a recent survey, 35% of respondents felt peer pressure to be tan. This pressure might arise more intensely when special events are approaching, such as graduation, prom, galas, and even bathing suit season.

It is important that teens understand there are healthy alternatives to tanning. Spray tans, sunless tanning lotions and gels are great alternatives to traditional tanning. These products contain the chemical DHA which acts as a safe tanning ingredient when applied externally on the skin.

Fighting the sunlight’s dangerous UV rays with healthy alternatives to tanning will provide your skin with a more youthful complexion. But most importantly, it will significantly decrease your chance of developing skin cancer.

Sun Protection Tips for Working Outdoors

On average, outdoor workers receive five to 10 times more sun exposure each year than indoor workers. For those who work outdoors more than indoors, you are at a greater risk for skin cancer.

According to SunSmart, there are five simple steps that will protect your skin and reduce your risk.

Seek shade! Limit your sun exposure by working in the shade, indoors, or when UV levels are lower, such as in the early morning or late afternoon.
Slip on sun protective work clothing.
Slap on a sun protective hat, such as a Scala or Wallaroo hat sold at Greenville Dermatology.
Slide on sunglasses, preferably ones with ultraviolet protection factor.
Slop on SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen. It’s crucial to use sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, meaning it protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

Following these small but important points will keep your skin safe and diminish your risk of skin cancer and prevent you from being another skin cancer statistic.

For more information on sun protection and to schedule a comprehensive skin cancer screening, call Greenville Dermatology at (864) 242-5872.

Save Our Skin!

Did you know that more people will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year than all other types of cancer combined? The truly disturbing fact is that skin cancer is the most preventable type of cancer.

Through education, early detection and protection, the number of skin cancer diagnoses in the future can diminish drastically. In fact, 99% of people today survive skin cancer with early detection.

The sun does not discriminate, nor are you only at risk when you have a bathing suit on. We commonly make the mistake of only applying sunscreen when we go to the beach or pool and wear a swimsuit, but no matter the color of your skin or where you are, you are at risk for sun damage.

I strongly encourage my patients to apply sunscreen as part of their morning routine. The product line I stand behind and offer at my office is Anthelios. A product of La Roche-Posay, Anthelios has an advanced formula that protects against both UVA and UVB rays while still feeling light and non-greasy on your skin.

La Roche-Posay and Anthelios didn’t stop at making trusted sunscreens. They also started a campaign to increase awareness of the dangers of being unprotected in the sun. Save our Skin, or SOS, is making strides to educate people, young and old, about skin cancer and how to lower your risk.

Join the cause by signing up and La Roche-Posay will donate to organizations such as The Skin Cancer Foundation. As if that wasn’t enough, you’ll receive a gift certificate for Anthelios products just for signing up.

To learn more about SOS and to join the cause, visit www.sossaveourskin.com.
Call (864) 242-5872 to make your appointment today for a full body examination or to speak with me about Anthelios.

Busting Myths on Acne! Myth 2 of 6

Myth 2: Tanning helps clear up skin.


BUSTED! While tanning may hide your pimples, it certainly does not help get rid of them. In fact, tanning may worsen your acne.

After a day in the sun your skin looks better because exposure to the sun helps to even complexion and dry up the surface of the skin, but the long-term damage isn't worth it. Not only are you exposing yourself to harmful UV rays that permanently damage your skin, leading to wrinkles, sun spots and skin cancer, but you are also irritating your skin when you are exposed to too much sun, which in turn aggravates acne.

Additionally, sun damage thickens your skin over time, which makes it harder to clear your pores of acne-causing bacteria. There is no evidence that sun exposure helps reduce acne, so why risk your skin's health? By wearing SPF 30 or higher every day, you are protecting your face from overexposure and the harmful effects of the sun.

If you suffer from acne, look for a sunscreen that is oil-free non-comedogenic, which means it doesn't clog your pores, or a moisturizer that doubles as a sunscreen.

It may be tempting to soak in the sun to disguise your acne, but the results are temporary at best. As I always say, sunscreen is your best ally. Not only does sunscreen protect your skin from premature aging but also prevents the sun from worsening your acne.

Schedule an appointment with me and we'll discuss sunscreen options that won't clog your pores or make you feel greasy. Call (864) 242-5872 today!

Don't forget about our Latisse® discount program going on now, just in time for the holidays! Patients who receive BOTOX® or JUVEDERM® until December 31 will be qualified to receive $100 off their purchase of Latisse®!

Not all anti-aging products are created equal

In 2008, Americans spent over $7 billion on anti-aging products. It may be tempting to buy the product that claims you'll look 10 years younger, but the product doesn't always deliver. You need to be educated on safe and effective anti-aging treatments before you go shopping. With some help from the American Academy of Dermatology, here is some advice you should follow as a consumer:

1. Do your homework. You could try a bunch of products and feel disappointed when you d0n't get the results you want and then call your dermatologist for help, or you could call and make an appointment with us today and avoid wasting your money, time, and energy. Greenville Dermatology is your best resource on anti-aging information and treatment.
2. Protect by day and repair by night. All dermatologists agree that wearing sunscreen daily is your number one anti-aging weapon. Using a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection that is SPF 30 or higher will not only protect your skin against sun damage but will also help repair damage your skin has already incurred. Moisturizers are typically the "secret ingredient" in anti-aging creams because it plumps up fine lines and improves skin's complexion.
3. Expensive doesn't always mean better. Sometimes you're just paying for the name. There are many over-the-counter products that work just as well or better than their pricey competitors.
4. No one product works for everyone. Your friend may swear by a product, but you may not experience the same results because you have different skin types or skin concerns.
5. "Clinically proven" doesn't necessarily mean effective. Oftentimes the product is given to a sample of people to try for a few weeks and then they report whether or not they saw improvement. Products tested in this way are not reviewed by the FDA.

Your dermatologist is your best ally. Schedule your appointment with me and we'll work together to find the right product for you. Call Greenville Dermatology today at (864) 242-5872 and make your appointment today!