Chicago dermatologists approve FDA’s new sunscreen labelling rules

The US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) final regulations on sunscreen labelling have been approved by Chicago based dermatologists, who have stated that new process will create better awareness in consumers about protection.

The proposals were made in June 2011, while the final regulations became effective from 18 June 2012.

It will demonstrate a standard test for over-the-counter sunscreen products that help to analyse which products can be allowed for labelling as broad spectrum products, reported cosmeticsdesign.com.

But, the the FDA extended the compliance dates for testing and labeling until 17 December 2012 for most over-the-counter sunscreen products to avoid a shortage of sunscreen in the upcoming months.

The new FDA guideline will inform consumers that a particular sunscreen has passed the FDA tests and is labeled as ‘broad spectrum’ followed by the SPF rating, which indicates the product’s effectiveness against both types of ultraviolet rays.

Dundee Dermatology dermatologist Dr Paul Getz said earlier the major stress was primarily on the SPF of the product.

"SPF indicates how effective the product is at blocking UVB rays, the ones that cause sunburn. It doesn’t address UVA rays, which cause skin cancer and premature aging, " added Getz.

According to the another dermatologist Tracy Campbell, the product when rated as broad spectrum will let buyers know they are getting the best of both worlds.

Campbell said earlier a false sense of security had been created by high SPF ratings, as people were assuming that they were fully protected.