Dermatologists Praise New FDA Regulations on Sunscreen Labeling

WEST DUNDEE, IL, August 24, 2012 (Press-News.org) New Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations will help consumers be better informed and better protected against skin cancer, says Dr. Paul Getz, a board-certified dermatologist near Chicago. He and his colleagues at Dundee Dermatology in West Dundee are enthusiastic about the labeling changes that are going into effect.

"In the past, the primary emphasis has been on the SPF of the product," Dr. Getz says. "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."

Now, under the new rules, a sunscreen that passes FDA tests will be labeled as "broad spectrum," followed by the SPF rating, to indicate the product's effectiveness against both types of ultraviolet rays.

The new regulations went into effect in June, but manufacturers of over-the-counter products have until Dec. 17 of this year to comply.

Dr. Tracy Campbell, one of Dr. Getz's colleagues at Dundee Dermatology, says this change will help consumers be better informed about what they are buying.

"When a product is marked 'broad spectrum,' buyers will know they are getting the best of both worlds," Dr. Campbell says. "Previously, there had been a false sense of security created by high SPF ratings. People were assuming that they were fully protected."

Dr. Morayo Adisa, another one of the doctors at Dundee Dermatology, says it's important not to assume anything about your skin care routine or the products you use.

"This is why I stress the importance of always consulting with a highly experienced, well-qualified dermatologist about any skin care concerns," Dr. Adisa says. "There are so many impressive sounding words and claims of the labels of most skin care products. It's always good to consult with a dermatologist or a skin care expert who works with a dermatologist in order to cut through the hype and know you are getting the product that is the very best for your particular skin."

As part of their full range skin care services, doctors and staff at Dundee Dermatology offer laser hair removal for Chicago area patients, as well as injectable fillers and BOTOX Cosmetic. Chicago area men and women also come to them for treatment of skin cancer, psoriasis and other serious skin conditions.

Dundee Dermatology specializes in medical, surgical and aesthetic dermatology for Chicago-area patients. Dr. Paul Getz, Dr. Tracy Campbell and Dr. Morayo Adisa are extensively trained in advanced dermatology treatments and technology, allowing them to provide the most beneficial, up-to-date approaches to your skin care needs. They work with top university medical centers throughout the nation, actively participating in FDA-approved clinical trials for the advancement of dermatology.

Website: www.dundeedermatology.com