Sunscreen products containing Mexoryl SX or ecamsule, an ingredient designed to block the sun's harmful UVA rays, have been sold in Canada and Europe for over ten years, but have not been available here. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved the over-the-counter sale of L'Oreal Anthelios SX sunscreen product containing ecamsule to consumers in the US.
While UVB rays are known to cause sunburn, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are associated with an increased risk for basal and squamous cell cancers and melanoma skin cancer. Anthelios SX is made by the French cosmetics company L'Oreal. Mexoryl SX is owned by L'Oreal, and is only available in L'Oreal products.
Sunscreens might provide some protection from the harmful rays of the sun, and should be used when going out in the sun. Still your best bet is to shade yourself when spending any length of time in the sun and staying out of the sun during the peak hours of 10 AM to 4 PM when sun can cause the most skin damage.
1. It is great news that the Food and Drug Administration approved Mexoryl SX. However, they have a long way to go still. The new sunscreen which will be available January 2007, will only be rated SPF 15. Dermatologists accross the US as well as L'Oreal representatives recommend an SPF of at least SPF 30 to obtain adequate protection against skin cancer. To get the best coverage, total block, opt for an SPF 60.
You are correct when you say that most sunscreens available in the United States protect only against long-wave UVA and both forms of ultraviolet B light.
However, ecamsule (or Mexoryl), which has been available in Europe and Canada for over 10 years, is only effective when the concentration exceeds 3%, this is not the case for the new Mexoryl SX.
Mexoryl SX, in addition to containing Ecamsule (Mexoryl) contains Parsol and Titanium Dioxide, two standard sunscreen chemicals that have long been approved.
To get proper sunscreen coverage, look for an SPF of at least SPF 30:
http://www.feelbest.com/Pages/mexoryl.aspx
Sharon
Posted at 11:23AM on Sep 22nd 2006 by Sharon