Sunscreen and Skin Cancer- Protecting the Skin Just Got Easier

On 7/24/04 the FDA approved a new over-the-counter sunscreen, Anthelios SX, developed by L'Oreal.

A sunscreen that now goes farther than ever before to protect against sun damage and skin cancer. The news world is abuzz with the newest FDA approval of Anthelios SX, a long lasting OTC sunscreen with a new ingredient to the USA market, ecamsule.

It seems like the Fountain of Youth just got a little closer to discovery...

The FDA news release, #P06-103, states "Anthelios SX is a sunscreen product that contains a combination of three active ingredients. One of the ingredients is a new molecular entity (NME), ecamsule. Ecamsule has not been marketed in the United States, but has been marketed in Europe and Canada as Mexoryl SX since 1993. The other two active ingredients, avobenzone and octocrylene, are generally recognized as safe and effective under the current OTC monograph for sunscreens."

ABC News reporter Joy Victory addresses the sunscreen and skin cancer protection by explaining, "For the first time since 1988, the Food and Drug Administration today approved a new type of sunscreen compound that protects skin from shortwave ultraviolet A light and doesn't break down as easily as other products.

Most sunscreens available in the United States protect only against long-wave UVA and both forms of ultraviolet B light. But the new compound, known as ecamsule, has long been available in Europe and Canada. It is made by the L'Oreal cosmetics company.

The new product is considered a superior sunscreen chemical because of its ability to block UVA light -- a harmful, wrinkle-causing form of sunlight -- and because it lasts longer in the sun. The product, Mexoryl SX, contains two standard sunscreen chemicals as well as ecamsule and will be sold as a daily moisturizer cream. It should be on pharmacy shelves sometime this fall, but it's not known how much it will cost. It will be sold under the name Anthelios SX."

Victory wrapped up her report with an interview comment from Dr. Vincent DeLeo, chairman of the dermatology department at Columbia University, reporting that Dr. DeLeo stated that "... the European equivalent was sorely needed in the United States. It produces a product which gives us almost perfect protection against sunshine." Other news organizations are reporting that Anthelios SX will play a very important role in offering additional protection against skin cancer and aging skin care issues caused by sun damage.

Sunscreen and skin cancer protection, a very exciting combination, especially for those concerned about the sun and aging skin care issues. Just think about it, anti-aging skin care just advanced lightyears!

About the Author

Sue Dolan is a researcher and instructor on Anti-Aging Skin Care for The Skin Care e-Learning and Resource Center provides education on anti-aging skin care while focusing on skin rejuvenation strategies, techniques, treatment options and resources for aging skin care issues.

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