When choosing a day cream, patients may not realize that many products do not provide adequate protection against long-range UV-A1 rays, something pharmacy education can help remedy. A new study of 29 popular facial moisturizers finds that, although labeling suggests broad-spectrum UV coverage, only 23 products contained active ingredients with UV-A1 protection, some in low concentrations (Arch Dermatol. Epub January 17, 2011).
Based on sales volume, researchers estimated UV-A protection based on the concentration and types of filters in the products. Adequate UV-A1 protection was defined as the combination of avobenzone (>2%)and octocrylene (>3.6%), with or without ecamsule (2%), and/orthe presence of zinc oxide (>5%).
They found that only seven creams contained zinc oxide, only three in concentrations >5%. Of the 16 products that containedavobenzone, but only three also contained the adequateconcentration of octocrylene (>3.6%), seven had too low of a concentration of octocrylene (mean concentration, 1.7%), and six contained octinoxate.Six products contained no active ingredients against UV-A1 rays.
Because many Americans, especially women, use day creams as their sole source of sun protection, the lack of clear labeling can leave many improperly protected, noted the researchers who called for more patient and public health education.