WASHINGTON The American Academy of Dermatology will soon start giving its official imprimatur to sunscreen products that it deems worthy, outgoing AAD President Stephen Stone said at the academy's annual meeting.
Two sunscreens, both made by Johnson & Johnson's consumer products division, will bear the AAD logo, with the words "Seal of Recognition" underneath, Dr. Stone said in his plenary address.
According to a company spokeswoman, the products are Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion, SPF 55, and Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion, SPF 55.
Johnson & Johnson and other manufacturers that meet the AAD's selection criteria also will be allowed to use one of two statements. The first is "The American Academy of Dermatology recognizes this product for its sun-protection benefit."
The second statement is somewhat longer: "The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recognizes that proper and regular use of sunscreens with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15 or higher and broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) protection, along with wearing sun-protective clothing and seeking shade, will help protect against sunburn and may reduce long-term damage to the skin caused by sun exposure."
To receive both the seal and the statement of support, sunscreen makers will pay the AAD a $10,000 application fee and a $10,000 annual fee. The sunscreens must offer broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) protection and a sun protection factor of 15 or higher. They also have to provide evidence of water and sweat resistance and phototoxicity/stability.
The AAD Web site will include a list of products that have received the seal of recognition. Sunscreen makers can link their product's Web page to the AAD page that gives all the details on the program.
Dr. Stone said the program "will help consumers make educated choices when purchasing sunscreen products and help maintain the public perception of dermatologists as the leading experts in skin cancer prevention."
The seal of recognition program came into being after surveys showed that 86% of AAD members believe it would help consumers make better choices, said an AAD spokeswoman.
It was approved by the AAD board at its summer meeting in July.
Any funds left over after administration of the program will be applied to the academy's Skin Cancer Reduction: Intervention Plan for Tomorrow (SCRIPT) program, said Dr. Stone. That program aims to markedly reduce skin cancer incidence and mortality over the next 1030 years.