10/07/2025
Key takeaways from the JAAD article on sunscreen safety.📰. (From J Am Acad Dermatol 2025;92:689–98).
🔆 Regulation & FDA Updates:
▫️Sunscreens are regulated as OTC drugs in the U.S.
▫️Only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are classified as GRASE by the FDA.
▫️Organic filters like oxybenzone and avobenzone need more safety data (Category III).
▫️CARES Act modernized the sunscreen monograph process for easier updates.
🔆 Human Safety:
▫️Organic filters are systemically absorbed, but no proven harm in humans.
▫️Main adverse effect: contact dermatitis (commonly due to oxybenzone).
▫️No strong link between sunscreen use and vitamin D deficiency or frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA).
▫️2021: Benzene contamination led to recalls of certain spray and gel sunscreens.
🔆 Environmental Impact:
▫️Climate change is the main cause of coral bleaching.
▫️Lab studies suggest organic UV filters may contribute as secondary factors.
▫️Inorganic filters (ZnO, TiO₂), especially when coated, have minimal environmental impact.
🔆 Counseling & Recommendations:
▫️Sunscreens remain safe and essential for preventing skin cancer.
▫️Patients with concerns can use physical/mineral sunscreens (ZnO, TiO₂).
▫️Avoiding sunscreen poses more risk than using it.
đź”¶ WHO, CDC, and AAD all recommend continued sunscreen use.
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