Sunscreens are an important component of photoprotection. A new definition of their effectiveness has been proposed, and some issues have arisen concerning their safety.

Ecamsule (terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid), the first new sunscreen agent to be approved by the FDA in 18 years, is now available in the US in a moisturizer called Anthelios SX. Ecamsule has been used in Canada and Europe for more than 10 years.

Solar ultraviolet (UV) light capable of injuring the skin is classified by wavelength into UVA I (340-400 nm), UVA II (320-340 nm) and UVB (290-320 nm). UVB is responsible for most of the erythema of sunburn. UVA has been implicated in the development of phototoxicity and photoaging. The FDA permits sunscreen manufacturers to claim broad-spectrum protection if their products block at least part of UVA II in addition to UVB.

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In 1989, Photoplex (Allergan Herbert), a combination of the dibenzoyl methane avobenzone (Parsol 1789) and the aminobenzoic acid (PABA) ester padimate O, was the first 'broad spectrum' sunscreen to become available in the USA (Medical Letter, 31:59, 1989). Now, Shade UVAGuard (Schering-Plough), a similar product, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration; it also contains avobenzone, plus the benzophenone oxybenzone and octyl methoxycinnamate.