FDA Green Lights New UVA Protective Sunscreen

The US Food and Drug Administration welcome the release of a new sunscreen produced by L'Oreal, called Anthelios SX. This sunscreen contains a combination of three active ingredients. But the most active and protective of the three is an ingredient named ecamsule, that works better against UVA and UVB radiation than any other ingredients used until now in sun protective creams found in US. However, this miracle ingredient has been used in sunscreens in Canada and Europe since 1993 and is known there as Mexoryl SX.

The other two active ingredients found in the L'Oréal's Anthelios SX sunscreen - avobenzone and octocrylene - also provide protection against sun rays and solar radiation. They are generally acknowledged as safe and protective ingredients that should be included in all sunscreens.

The sunscreen has been tested in 28 studies on about 2500 people, aged between 6 months to over 65 years. The new formula proved to be effective against sun rays radiation, while side effects were rather infrequent. However, most common side effects related to sunburn, acne, eczema and other mild skin discomforts.

Besides the fact that the sunscreen released on the market by L'Oreal offers high protection against UVB radiation, the fact that it also blocks UVA sun rays and radiation is more important. UVA rays are more dangerous for our skin and health, as they are mostly responsible for melanoma and severe skin cancer. Anthelios SX's SPF (sun protection factor) is 15.

UVB and UVA act differently upon our skin and do not equally damage it. The UVB rays are mostly responsible for most cases of sunburn, as they are shorter than UVA rays and only reach the surface of the skin that is made up of the epidermis layer. The UVB radiation is absorbed by the stratum corneum on the epidermis surface. This stratum corneum is the dead cells layer - the visible layer of the skin.

The UVA damage is deeper, as the UVA rays are longer than the UVB ones and reach the inner strata of the skin. They are responsible for causing the skin to lose its elasticity and wrinkling, leading to premature aging of the skin. They also can burn the skin, but at a deeper level. Usually, melanoma skin cancer is caused by the UVA rays, as these are longer and can penetrate deeper skin layers.

Still, physicians and medical experts warn the population that no sunscreen can offer complete 100% protection against UVB and UVA, especially against higher rates of this ultraviolet radiation that are registered at midday. That is why people should stick to previous sun exposure rules in order to preserve their health - to take sunbaths only in the morning and in the evening, to avoid prolonged sun exposure, to wear sunglasses and hats etc.

"Sunscreens are an important part of total sun protection strategy as consumers arm themselves against the harmful sun rays. While this product provides protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays, FDA continues to recommend that in addition to using a sunscreen, consumers protect themselves from sun exposure by limiting time in the sun and wearing protective clothing," advised Steven Galson, Director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.