Commentary on 'UVB-SPF': the SPF labels of sunscreen products convey more than just UVB protection

Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine
Robert M SayreE Marlowe

Abstract

The FDA recently published a proposed amendment of the Final Monograph for OTC Sunscreen Products. Among the proposals, FDA revised solar simulator performance specifications and additional labeling for sunscreen products. The maximum allowable labeled sun protection factor (SPF) was increased to SPF 50 while simultaneously requiring it to be called 'UVB-SPF'. UVB accounts for 80-91% of the erythemic effectiveness of the UV solar simulator specified in the amendment. Analysis of the specified solar simulator spectrum used to determine SPF indicates that if 100% of the UVB is blocked, it is mathematically impossible to achieve an SPF in excess of approximately 11 without also blocking at least some UVA. Consequently significant UVA protection must be provided for sunscreen products to achieve SPFs of 15 and higher. At the maximum allowed SPF 50, where only 2% or less of the effective UV risk remains, the minimum reduction of UVA erythemal effectiveness must by definition be 78-90%. While mandating UVA protection criteria is doubtless important, especially as it relates to sunscreen photostability, there is no utility in, or basis for, the proposed 'UVB-SPF' descriptor as existing high SPF labeling indicates both UVB and UVA prot...Continue Reading

References

Jan 1, 1979·Archives of Dermatology·R M SayreE W Rosenberg
Mar 1, 1979·Photochemistry and Photobiology·R M SayreE Marlowe
Jul 20, 2001·Photochemistry and Photobiology·B L Diffey

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Sep 3, 2010·American Journal of Clinical Dermatology·Donathan G Beasley, Thomas A Meyer
Jun 4, 2014·Dermatologic Clinics·Silvia E ManceboSteven Q Wang
Apr 26, 2011·Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology·Khin Lay MawZhen Huang
Apr 16, 2014·Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine·Uli OsterwalderBernd Herzog
Jun 21, 2019·Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery·Heidi LiJennifer Beecker
Sep 26, 2014·Reviews on Environmental Health·Silvia E Mancebo, Steven Q Wang

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.