[Inconsistency in sun protection factor (SPF) index in Mexico. The case of sunscreens for oily skin].
BACKGROUND
In Mexico, information regardiing sunscreen protection is not widely accessible from sources other than manufacturers.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 12, over the counter sunscreens for oily or acne-prone skin available in the Mexican market.


METHODS
Dermatology Department. Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí, Mexico.


METHODS
Twenty healthy volunteers ofskin type III and IV were tested. Sunscreen SPFs were measured using solar simulated radiation according to FDA final monograph.


RESULTS
SPFs ranged between 7.8 and 26.9. Overall SPFs determined by solar simulator showed values between 22% to 74% less than the one advertised in their labels.


CONCLUSIONS
We warn about the potenital risk of SPF overestimation as many of'the sunscreens tested did not comply with their offered protection. A proper regulation is needed because sunscreens are considered cosmetic products and do not require clinical tests to verify their efficacy before marketing.
Castanedo-Cazares
Juan Pablo
JP
Departamento de Dermatología. Hospital Central "Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto". Av. Venustiano Carranza 2395, Zona Universitaria. 78210. San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Tel. +52(444) 8662922 correo electr6nico: castanju@yahoo.com
Torres-Alvarez
Bertha
B
Briones-Estevis
Selene
S
Moncada
Benjamín
B
D000328:Adult; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D012880:Skin Pigmentation; D013471:Sunburn / Q000517:prevention & control; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*
D013473:Sunscreening Agents