CINCINNATI, April 1, 2004 -- Consumers expect sunscreen products to protect them from the harmful effects of sunlight, but new research conducted by Procter & Gamble Beauty scientists is suggesting two leading reasons why some of today's sunscreens may fail to provide the protection that they promise. The research, presented at the 2004 American Academy of Dermatology meeting, found that many sunscreens have a "gap" in UVA coverage -- and that most people apply sunscreen incorrectly, therefore, receiving inadequate protection.

P&G scientists analyzed 188 currently marketed sunscreen products for protection against the broad spectrum of UV light and found that the level of UVA protection in many products is inconsistent. While 82 percent of currently marketed products claim UVA protection, only 56 percent have long wavelength UVA-I filters.

"Our technology is better today than it was when sunscreens first came out thirty years ago. We know now that reducing all wavelengths of solar UV is vital to protecting the skin from damage," says J F. Nash, PhD, Principle Scientist at P&G and a photo-biologist and toxicologist. "We think it is important for consumers to know that sunscreen labels can be misleading so that they can take steps to better protect themselves from UV-induced skin damage-for instance, applying sunscreen products correctly and making sure they contain FDA-recognized long-wavelength UVA sunscreens, such as avobenzone or zinc oxide."

New Test Finds Coverage You Can't Count On

Research conducted by P&G shows that the majority of sunscreens on the market fail to completely protect against the full spectrum of UVA/UVB radiation in sunlight. Sun Protection Factor (SPF), the current standard for measurement of sunscreen efficacy, calculates sunscreen protection primarily against short wavelengths of UV between 290-340 nanometers. However, solar radiation is a combination of shorter and longer wavelengths of UV including UVA-I wavebands greater than 340 nm.

"To provide maximum efficacy, sunscreens must offer protection against the full breadth of the UV spectrum from 290-400 nanometers. But because there isn't a standardized test to measure sunscreens against the full spectrum, consumers think they are protected, but unknowingly experiencing sun damage," said Nash.

Nash and other P&G scientists have proposed standards for sunscreen testing to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In addition to the current SPF measurement, they are advocating for the Critical Wavelength to become the standard measure for all sunscreens, as well as for consistent and accurate label identification of sunscreens that qualify as broad-spectrum.

Darrel S. Rigel, MD, Clinical Professor of Dermatology, New York University Medical Center has conducted studies about sunscreen use and skin cancer and agrees that standardization would help consumers better understand how to use sunscreens more effectively.

"When consumers purchase a sunscreen, most do not distinguish between UVB and UVA protection and assume that they are shielded from sunlight, not just one aspect of it," said Dr. Rigel. "I believe the Critical Wavelength method, in addition to SPF, is the best way we have today of evaluating sunscreen coverage."

Getting the Most Protection Out of Your Sunscreen Now

Misconceptions regarding the measurement of UV protection, as well as poor consumer compliance, increase risk for unwanted sun exposure. A national survey conducted by P&G Beauty showed that 3 out of 4 dermatologists surveyed believe patient compliance is the most important factor in achieving sunscreen effectiveness.

"Correct application of a sunscreen product is as important as the sun protection factor," said Rigel. "You must use enough product and ensure an even film is coating the skin to avoid burning-and you should reapply every 2-3 hours, especially if you've been swimming or sweating."

However, many consumers under-apply higher SPF sunscreens, assuming that SPF 30 has twice the effectiveness of SPF 15, which is not always the case. In reality, SPF 15 may sometimes be even more efficacious because the lighter formulation tends to lead to using the right amount of product and daily application, as opposed to the heavy, sticky feel of many higher SPF lotions.

"P&G has put a lot of research into creating daily wear sunscreen formulations that feel good, and because of that, people usually use the correct amount-they don't have to keep reapplying to get even protection," said Nash. "But when it comes to recreational products, like for outside activities with my young daughters, I apply two layers one after another just to make sure they get the right coverage."