Sunscreens and Indoor Tanning Update
In the latest issue Skin and Aging, in the 2009 Year in Review, by Elizabeth Kaufman McNamara, MD:
Best-Rated Sunscreens 2009
Consumer Reports studied the protection of sunscreens against ultraviolet A and B radiation as well as how long sunscreens remained on volunteers who were immersed in water for 40 minutes or longer. Consumer Reports noted that most products tested protected well against UV. However, Banana Boat Kids Tear Free SPF 50 was only fair in UVA protection, was difficult to rub in and left white debris on the skin. All products tested for UVB protection met their SPF claim with the exception of Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 70;28 although it was shown to come within 10% of its claim, this was the most expensive sunscreen tested. No sunscreens lost more than 10% of UVB protection after water immersion. Aveeno’s Continuous Protection Spray SPF 45 did not lose any in the study. Consumer Reports’ best performers were lotions and sprays, but sprays were noted to be less reliable due to the possibility of windy days.
Indoor Tanning
AAD Commends Reclassification of Tanning Beds as Carcinogenic — The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) re-categorized indoor tanning devices as carcinogenic to humans. The AAD commended the IARC on this change. This classification places indoor tanning in the highest cancer risk category afforded by the IARC, a division of the World Health Organization.
Tanning Laws — Legislation that would newly restrict the indoor tanning industry or strengthen existing laws were introduced in 21 states, adding to the 29 states that already have laws on the books regulating tanning by minors, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. In March, Arkansas and Mississippi signed a new law that restricts access for minors under the age of 14 years old to go to tanning beds. Texas legislation requires that anyone under the age of 18 present a doctor’s note to use a tanning bed, as well as have a written consent from and be accompanied by a parent. Ohio presented a proposal to prevent people under the age of 18 from using tanning facilities unless they present a prescription for UV radiation treatments from a licensed physician. This spring, Arkansas and Mississippi each passed legislation requiring that minors have signed parental consent for use of tanning facilities. Wisconsin prohibits any child under age 16 from using tanning facilities. Illinois, New Jersey and New York prohibit children under 14 from tanning.
UK Survey Supports Need to Protect Children — A recent survey taken in the UK showed that young patients were more likely to be sunburned, reaffirming the importance of sunprotective education to this population.
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