The annual sunscreen report issued by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) continues to raise unnecessary confusion and concern about the safety and efficacy of sunscreens. However, this year’s report does include two positive notes:

1. The EWG acknowledges that there are more effective UVA blocking sunscreens available today.
2. Contrary to previous EWG reports, the EWG now states that there is no scientific data showing that the nanoparticle inorganic UV filters titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are harmful.

We are concerned that their report will cause people to stop using sunscreen. Consumers should rest assured that sunscreen products are safe and effective when used as directed. Since our inception 30 years ago, The Skin Cancer Foundation has always recommended using a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher as one important part of a complete sun protection regimen which includes seeking the shade and covering up with clothing.

By JANE E. BRODY
June 1, 2009

“No,” I was pleased to be able to reply. “I just use a tinted face cream and makeup to match.”

You see, I’ve learned my lesson, sort of. I’ve had four precancers (medically, actinic keratoses) removed from my face in recent years, the consequence of decades of unprotected exposure to the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. From my teens through my 30s, I devoted hours to baking in the summer sun coated with baby oil, not sunscreen.

A rating system, for ultraviolet A (UVA) protection in sunscreens is finally on the horizon. For the first time since 1999, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed new sunscreen rules, which would include the first U.S. standards for UVA testing and labeling; the rules would also cap SPF numbers at 50+ and ban certain terms in labeling.