6/16/11 Dr. Seth Forman Talks About New Sunscreen Labeling on WFLA

TAMPA, Fla. / The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced today it will be requiring new standards for labels on sunscreens. The agency hopes the new information will help consumers better understand and find sun protection products, and reduce the risk of skin cancer and early aging and preventing sunburn.

"This regulation is long overdue," says Tampa dermatologist Dr. Seth Forman. "Everyone should use sunscreen daily. This new ruling will help people select the right product and protection level."

The Tampa dermatologist says sunscreen products will now have to pass the FDA's protection test against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays before it can be labeled "broad spectrum."

"Sunscreens labeled as both broad spectrum and SPF 15 or higher will offer the appropriate amount of protection to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer, sunburn and premature aging," says the Tampa dermatologist.

Under the FDA ruling, any product that is not broad spectrum or is broad spectrum but has an SPF between 2 to 14 will be required to have a warning stating that the product has not been shown to help prevent skin cancer or early skin aging.

The FDA is also re-examining the safety information available for active ingredients included in sunscreens. Officials say the ingredients have been used for many years, and they do not have any reason to believe these products are not safe for consumers.

The new regulations will become effective for most manufacturers in one year.


About Dr. Seth Forman: Dr. Forman has two Tampa dermatology offices; one in Carrollwood and the other in Downtown Tampa. He opened the Tampa Psoriasis Center in his Carrollwood office in 2010. The center gives psoriasis sufferers access to the latest treatment options, including topical and oral medications, as well as biological and phototherapy. Dr. Forman is one of the few Tampa dermatologists to offer narrowband light therapy, which uses pharmaceutical grade light to suppress psoriasis.

For more on Dr. Seth Forman or Tampa dermatology, please visit www.formanderm.com.

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