Dermatology issues in the news

• The American Academy of Dermatology Association applauds the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for taking the first steps in more than two decades to provide more safe and effective sunscreen options to the American public.

  • The agency announced that they are proposing to add a new sunscreen ingredient to protect the public’s health.

• Unprotected exposure to UV rays is a major risk factor for skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States.

• It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime and nearly 20 Americans die from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, every day.

• Because board-certified dermatologists witness the profound impact of skin cancer every day, they recommend protecting your skin by applying sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing to protect their skin from sunburn, early skin aging, and skin cancer.

• The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends that everyone use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on skin not protected by clothing when outside.

• The FDA announcement follows longstanding and ongoing advocacy by the American Academy of Dermatology Association to ensure that U.S. consumers have more options to protect themselves from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

  • The United States lags behind many other countries that have nearly twice as many approved sunscreen ingredients.

• The American Academy of Dermatology Association is encouraged that the FDA is taking the first step toward approving an innovative sunscreen filter as an active ingredient.

• The proposed ingredient has already been approved in Europe since 2000.

• The FDA has approved 16 UV filters over the years, the last one being in 1999.

• The American Academy of Dermatology Association hopes this proposed sunscreen filter is an indicator that the FDA is poised to move forward with approvals of innovative and new sunscreen ingredients — many of which are available to consumers abroad — that will help save the lives of Americans from skin cancer, one of the most preventable cancers.

• If you have any questions about how to protect yourself from the sun and prevent skin cancer, visit aad.org/findaderm to find a board-certified dermatologist near you.

Only if asked

• The proposed new sunscreen ingredient is bemotrizinol (BEMT).

• The proposed new sunscreen ingredient is an oil-soluble organic compound, meaning it dissolves in oil, not water, and provides low-level skin absorption while offering board-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.

The Academy has developed key messages for dermatologists regarding FDA reports that found the chemical benzene in acne products containing benzoyl peroxide.

• Access the talking points

When speaking with the media about skin, hair, and nail conditions, it’s important to understand that nothing is ever truly off the record.

The recent Wall Street Journal article on dermatology as a sought-after medical specialty is a good example of how reporters can misrepresent their intentions, resulting in an inaccurate portrayal of the specialty and the vital work of board-certified dermatologists.

Even casual remarks can appear in a story, often out of context. It’s important to remember that even though reporters may seem friendly, they have a job to do. Stick to the facts and avoid topics you don’t want published. If a question feels off, redirect the conversation or suggest following up later.

The Academy is committed to advancing understanding and awareness of the impact of dermatology and we are here to help you. If you hear from a reporter – particularly those from prominent outlets and/or who are writing a trend story about the specialty – please contact the Academy’s media relations team at mediarelations@aad.org.

AAD Media Relations Resources

The American Academy of Dermatology provides online resources to help you prepare for media interviews, including key messages. These tools are designed to ensure consistent, accurate communication that reflects the Academy’s messaging and positions.

If you have questions or concerns about a specific topic, reporter, or media outlet, reach out to the Academy’s media relations team at mediarelations@aad.org. We can help you manage challenging interviews and protect your credibility as a trusted expert.

Hooking, Bridging, and Flagging

Hooking, bridging, and flagging are crucial interview techniques because they help you stay in control of the conversation, effectively communicate your key messages, and ensure your most important points resonate with the audience.

• Hooking: Guide the interview by setting up a question you want to answer.
  Example: "JAK inhibitors are a new treatment for moderate to severe alopecia areata, but there are other methods available."

• Bridging: Redirect off-topic questions to your key messages.
  Example: "Yes, the FDA regulates sunscreen ingredients. The most important thing to remember is that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. and it’s also one of the most preventable cancers. You can reduce your risk of skin cancer by seeking shade when appropriate, especially when the sun’s rays are the strongest, wearing sun-protective clothing, and applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

• Flagging: Highlight essential takeaways for the audience.
  Example: "The key point to remember is…"

AAD Social Media Resources

Social media can be a powerful tool for positioning the specialty, promoting your practice, and connecting with colleagues. However, just as nothing is off the record with the media, nothing is truly private on social media. Anything posted online may be shared widely and out of context, so it is important to use discretion in all communication. Never post anything you wouldn’t want a patient to see and remember that even deleted content may not be gone forever.

The Academy’s Social Media Best Practices outline tips for maintaining a professional presence online. If you would like to learn more about the dos and don’ts of social media, please join us for our session, “Combatting Misinformation and Positioning the Specialty on Social Media,” being held at the 2025 Annual Meeting.

The Academy has developed the following key messages for dermatologists regarding sunscreen myths, misconceptions, and facts.

Myth: As long as you don’t get a sunburn, you’re safe.

Sun damage is cumulative, so a tan or sunburn you get today can have lasting effects. The more damage you do to your skin over time, the more you increase your risk for skin cancer.

Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. To protect your skin from the sun, seek shade, wear protective clothing and apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin that clothing won’t cover.

Myth: Sun exposure is beneficial for you.

There is no fully studied safe amount of unprotected sun exposure. When sunlight hits your skin, it damages healthy cells. Without sun protection, this damage can build up. In time, you see signs of sun damage like freckles, age spots, and wrinkles. Some people develop precancerous skin growths, skin cancer, or both. To protect your skin from the sun, it is important to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to uncovered skin.

Myth: Sun exposure doesn’t cause skin cancer.

The sun has two types of harmful ultraviolet rays, ultraviolet A rays and ultraviolet B rays, both of which can cause skin cancer. UVA rays can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots. UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn.

The sun’s UV rays damage the DNA in your skin cells, and that damage can add up over time. Every time DNA repairs itself, there’s a chance it develops a mutation that turns into cancer.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization's International Agency of Research on Cancer panel have declared that ultraviolet radiation from the sun is a carcinogen (causes cancer). According to the International Journal of Cancer, the majority of cases of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, are attributable to UV exposure.

Myth: Only people with lighter skin can sunburn.

Everyone can get sunburned. Every time your skin is sunburned, your skin is damaged. As this damage builds, you speed up the aging of your skin and increase your risk for all types of skin cancer.

Myth: You don’t need to use sun protection if you have dark skin.

Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin color. Skin cancer in patients with darker skin tones is often diagnosed in later stages, when it’s more difficult to treat, according to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Research has shown that patients with darker skin tones are less likely than patients with lighter skin tones to survive melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Additionally, a comprehensive sun protection plan will protect against other issues that impact those with darker skin tones, including conditions such as melasma, which causes brown patches on the skin, and hyperpigmentation, a condition in which dark spots appear on the skin as it heals from damage or trauma. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you seek shade, wear sun-protective clothing and apply sunscreen on all skin not covered by clothing.

Myth: You can protect yourself from the sun by building up a “base layer” or “base tan” by spending time in the sun without sunscreen for longer periods of time each day.

There is no safe way to tan. Every time you tan, you damage your skin. As this damage builds, you speed up the aging of your skin and increase your risk for all types of skin cancer.

Myth: Your body needs vitamin D to be healthy, and sunscreen will prevent you from getting it.

It only takes a small amount of sun exposure to produce all the vitamin D your body needs. Even if you apply sunscreen, you’ll still get that minimum amount of sun exposure, as most people do not apply the recommended amount of sunscreen, which is typically enough to fill a shot glass. When applying sunscreen to your face, use at least 1 teaspoon (about the amount needed to cover the length of your index and middle fingers).

You can still protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays and get vitamin D. Board-certified dermatologists see the effects of skin cancer every day, and UV exposure is the most preventable skin cancer risk factor. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that healthy adults should obtain an adequate amount of Vitamin D from a diet that includes foods naturally rich in vitamin D and/or foods/beverages fortified with vitamin D.

To protect against skin cancer, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends a comprehensive sun protection plan that includes seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing.

Myth: You don’t need to protect yourself from the sun when the UV index is low.

The sun emits harmful UV rays year-round, even when it’s cold or cloudy. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), on a cloudy day, up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can pass through clouds. That’s why it’s important to protect your skin year-round by seeking shade, wearing sun-protective clothing, and applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin that clothing won’t cover, according to the International Journal of Cancer.

Myth: You can protect yourself from the sun by just wearing a hat.

A hat alone will not properly protect your whole body from the sun. A comprehensive sun protection plan includes seeking shade when appropriate, especially when the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; wearing sun-protective clothing, such as a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection; and using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Myth: The antioxidant supplement astaxanthin will protect you from UV and act like an “internal sunscreen.”

The FDA has not approved the use of antioxidant supplements to protect people against the damaging effects of the sun’s harmful rays. That’s why the American Academy of Dermatology advises everyone to use a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher, which these pills do not provide.

Myth: The chemicals in sunscreen can cause cancer.

This is false. The FDA has regulations on sunscreens to keep the public safe. One of the FDA’s responsibilities is to review the safety, effectiveness, and quality of sunscreens. The FDA’s recommendations are based on current scientific evidence, and the science doesn’t show that any sunscreen ingredients currently available in the U.S. are harmful to human health. The FDA continues to encourage the public to use sunscreen as part of a comprehensive sun protection program.

Myth: Mineral-based sunscreens are safer than chemical sunscreens.

The primary difference between these sunscreens is the active ingredients they contain. If the active ingredient in your sunscreen is titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or both, you have a physical sunscreen. Dermatologists recommend physical sunscreens, also called mineral sunscreens, for people with sensitive skin.

If your sunscreen doesn’t contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, you have a chemical sunscreen.

Some sunscreens are called hybrids because they contain one or more active ingredients found in chemical and physical sunscreens. To see what active ingredients your sunscreen has, look at the section on the container labeled “Active Ingredients.”

Whether you have a chemical, physical, or hybrid sunscreen, they all form a protective layer on your skin that absorbs the sun’s rays. In addition to absorbing the sun’s rays, physical sunscreens reflect the sun’s rays. Any of these sunscreens can effectively protect you from the sun if you select one that is broad spectrum, water resistant, and has an SPF 30 or higher.

Myth: People are becoming immune to the effects of the sun.

No one is immune to the sun, and everyone is at risk for developing skin cancer. At least one in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Myth: Most people won’t get skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. It is estimated that approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day.

Myth: Skin cancer is not a serious disease.

The three most common forms of skin cancer are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is highly treatable when detected early, but advanced melanoma can spread to the lymph nodes and internal organs, which can result in death. It is estimated that 8,430 people will die from melanoma in 2025 in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society

For most people, basal cell carcinoma is not life-threatening. Even so, treatment is important. Over time, basal cell carcinoma can grow wide and deep. It can spread deeply into the skin, wrap around nerves and blood vessels, and invade muscles and bone. When the cancer grows deep, it can be disfiguring. Squamous cell carcinoma is usually not life-threatening, but it can be disfiguring or kill you if not treated early. While this skin cancer tends to grow slowly, without treatment, it can grow deep. When the cancer grows deep, it can injure nerves, blood vessels, and anything else in its path. It can also spread to other parts of the body, which can be deadly. If you have a compromised immune system, this skin cancer can grow more quickly and be more aggressive. Finding this skin cancer early can prevent it from growing deep into the skin.

Fact: Social media influencers are leading the trend of sun-effect denialism.

Social media influencers are certainly contributing misinformation about the usefulness of sunscreen and the dangers of unprotected sun exposure, frequently sharing ideas that are not rooted in scientific information, and because they lack a deep understanding of dermatology and the science behind UV radiation and skin protection. This activity could absolutely be contributing to erosion in concerns about sun damage. The American Academy of Dermatology encourages people to carefully consider the training and expertise of “experts” providing advice online. When it comes to skin, hair, and nail health, board-certified dermatologists are the experts, and you can easily identify us with the designation FAAD.

Fact: The ozone layer is thinner now, which means I'm exposed to more UVA/B rays.

The ozone layer serves as a shield, absorbing most of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, it has been damaged.

The good news is that scientists have identified the main causes of the ozone layer’s depletion, and nations throughout the world came together in 1987 to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances. As a result, the ozone layer is improving.

Although the ozone layer will take years to recover, our understanding of the impact of the sun’s rays on our skin — including raising the risk of skin cancer and other harms – has increased and the science around sunscreens has advanced, providing better protection when used correctly. To effectively protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that people seek shade when appropriate, wear sun-protective clothing, including a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing.

Melanoma Monday^®, the first Monday each May, launches the AAD’s month-long, national Skin Cancer Awareness Campaign in May. Every year, the AAD advances this public education effort to position you as the experts in diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer and educate the public about skin cancer prevention and detection.

• Learn more about our media relations and social media efforts.

• Learn more about our key messages on skin cancer prevention and detection.

• Share the Academy’s Practice Safe Sun webpage where the public can learn more about sun protection and skin cancer prevention

1. What does the deemed final order for OTC sunscreen products mean for sunscreens currently on the market?

• Essentially, the deemed final order — established by the CARES Act in March 2020 — is the current “rulebook” for sunscreen manufacturers for developing and marketing over-the-counter sunscreen products.

• Under this “rulebook”, manufacturers have to continue to meet rigorous labeling and testing requirements to ensure the safety of their sunscreen products for consumers.

• The FDA considers the 16 active sunscreen ingredients currently available in the U.S. to be compliant with the deemed final order (aka the existing “rulebook”) — which means that the FDA considers sunscreen to be generally safe and effective.

• There are two types of sunscreens available — chemical and physical. Both protect you from the sun, but in different ways.

• Chemical sunscreens work like a sponge, absorbing the sun’s rays. They contain one or more of the following active ingredients: avobenzone, ensulizole, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene or oxybenzone.

• Physical sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, act like a shield. They sit on the surface of the skin, primarily deflecting the sun’s rays. They include the active ingredients titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide and are recommended for people with sensitive skin.

• The AAD recommends that everyone choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, as this will help protect your skin from sunburn, early skin aging and skin cancer — the most common cancer in the U.S.

• However, sunscreen alone cannot fully protect you. In addition to applying sunscreen to all skin not covered by clothing, it’s important to seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection, whenever outdoors.

2. What does the proposed order for OTC sunscreen products mean for the future of sunscreen?

• The proposed order for OTC sunscreen products is essentially a “rulebook” for over-the-counter sunscreen products in the future. It further builds upon the labeling and testing requirements in the current “rulebook” that sunscreen manufacturers will have to meet in the future.

• This is a good thing! It means that the FDA is taking steps to ensure the continued safety and efficacy of sunscreen and working to clear up confusion around sunscreen labels.

• Some examples of the labeling and testing requirements proposed for sunscreen manufacturers in the future “rulebook” include setting a limit on maximum SPF values; making “broad-spectrum” testing mandatory for all sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher; and requiring sunscreens in the form of sprays and powders to undergo additional testing and labeling requirements.

3. ANSWER ONLY IF ASKED: The proposed order for OTC sunscreen products proposes “not GRASE” status for several sunscreen ingredients — including octinoxate, octocrylene, oxybenzone, and avobenzone — because additional data is needed to show that these sunscreens are GRASE. Should we stay away from these ingredients? Why are they still on the market?

• The FDA regulates sunscreen products as over-the-counter drugs. This means that the FDA’s regulations for OTC sunscreen products are very high to ensure patient safety.

• The FDA’s recommendations are based on current scientific evidence, and the science doesn’t show that any sunscreen ingredients currently available in the U.S. are harmful to human health.

• However, we know that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and unprotected exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays is a major risk factor for skin cancer.

• To reduce your risk, the AAD recommends that everyone seek shade, wear protective clothing — including a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection — and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing.

• These recommendations are based on current scientific evidence — which shows that sunscreen is an effective way to reduce skin cancer risk — and current FDA regulations.

4. When will the proposed order for OTC sunscreen products go into effect?

• As implied by the name, the proposed order for OTC sunscreen products is a proposal and won’t “take effect” until it’s finalized.

• Before it is finalized, the public will have the opportunity to weigh in on the proposed rule, and then the FDA needs time to review and consider the public’s comments.

• It’s important to emphasize that as the proposed order is finalized, the AAD encourages the public to continue protecting itself from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.

5. Is sunscreen safe?

• The FDA regulates sunscreen products as over-the-counter drugs. This means that the FDA’s standards for OTC sunscreen products are very high to ensure patient safety.

• The FDA’s recommendations are based on current scientific evidence, and the science doesn’t show that any sunscreen ingredients currently available in the U.S. are harmful to human health.

• However, we know that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and unprotected exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays is a major risk factor for skin cancer.

• Both the Academy and the FDA advise consumers to continue to use sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun’s dangerous UV rays and decrease their risk of skin cancer.

• To reduce your risk, the AAD recommends that everyone seek shade, wear protective clothing — including a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection — and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing.

• These recommendations are based on current scientific evidence — which shows that sunscreen is an effective way to reduce skin cancer risk — and current FDA regulations.

• Some spray sunscreens have been recalled by manufacturers due to a production or supply chain issue — as benzene isn’t an ingredient for sunscreen.

• Dermatologists appreciate this effort to reassure the public about the safety of sunscreen. I want to emphasize the importance of using sun protection outdoors to prevent skin cancer, the most common cancer in the U.S.

• As a dermatologist, I see the impact of overexposure to the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet rays every day in my office. It’s the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form.

• The best way to reduce your risk of skin cancer is to protect yourself from the sun by seeking shade, wearing sun-protective clothing, and/or applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to exposed skin.

• I tell my patients who are concerned about using spray sunscreens in the wake of this recall to opt for creams, lotions and sticks instead and continue to seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing when possible.

• The FDA has said it will continue to monitor sunscreen manufacturing and marketing to help ensure the availability of safe sunscreens for U.S. consumers. The FDA has also reminded manufacturers that they are responsible for their product quality and has urged for adequate testing for harmful contamination.

In response to the recent report by Valisure, who detected high levels of the industrial chemical benzene in 27% of the sunscreen and after-sun care products that they tested, the Academy has created talking points to assist members in responding to patient questions and media inquiries.

• Access the talking points

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology examines the current research regarding the potential environmental impact of chemical sunscreen ingredients. The materials below can help you answer media questions and address patient concerns on this topic.

• "Say Yes to Sun Protection" infographic 

The American Academy of Dermatology Association has been working with the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, state dermatologic societies, and the Personal Care Products Council to advance legislation that would allow students to use sunscreen and sun-protective clothing during the school day without physician authorization. Twenty-five states now have laws allowing for kids to bring sunscreen to school without a doctor’s note. Learn more about these efforts and prepare to discuss the issue with patients and the media by reviewing the resources below.

• AADA Position Statement

The Academy is doggedly fighting nonphysician efforts to expand their scope of practice. In the last three years alone, the Academy positively influenced scope of practice legislation in more than 20 states.

In addition, the Academy has a firm position on truth in advertising and we are aggressively fighting for the implementation of direct and concise regulations and enforcement against fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading advertising. We are also pushing for regulations that require transparency and disclosure of a provider’s degree, field of study, board certification, and state licensure.

If you have a scope of practice or truth in advertising concern, the Academy can help you address it. Fill out this form, and the Academy will work with you to resolve this issue.

The Academy's SkinSerious campaign aims to raise awareness of the breadth of serious skin diseases that affect patients, as well as the critical role dermatologists play in an era of team-based health care. Launched in conjunction with the 2017 AAD Annual Meeting, the campaign is supported by data from the Academy's 2016 Burden of Skin Disease report. Learn more about the campaign via the resources below.

• SkinSerious website

• Burden of Skin Disease website

• JAAD article

• JAAD commentary