Otto Mills

Comparative Skin Irritation of High and Low Spf Sunscreen Products

AbstractThe Food and Drug Administration has recently held public meetings to discuss specific recommendations pertaining to over-the-counter products. Among the more controversial issues in these discussions is the question of the need for sunscreen products with sunscreen protection factors (SPF) greater than 15.Proponents of very high SPF products argue that current SPF 15 sunscreen products are not truly “sunblocks,” and that increasing the SPF level further will offer a significant improvement in protection from the adverse effects of sunlight. Those opposed to products with SPF values exceeding 15 suggest that the dermatologic hazard from the increased levels of ultraviolet radiation (W)-absorbing ingredients in these products may outweigh the benefits of marginally improving the level of sunscreen protection.The purpose of this paper was to examine the irritation potential of several commercially available sunscreens, and to determine if dermal irritation potential does increase as a function of SP...

Assessing Acnegenic and Acne-Aggravating Potential

AbstractSome individuals with acne-prone skin appear to react negatively to certain external factors. Past observations have pointed to a variety of such factors including friction, utraviolet light, and certain cosmetics and medications. Having tests in place to screen potential new products on this skin type is of importance to the dermatologic, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical communities.Based on current knowledge in this area, we have set out to design tests intended to help detect potential problems. This paper will detail human assays recently used to assess comedogenicity, pustulogenicity, and other phenomena that could possibly create or worsen acne. These tests combine clinical and noninvasive laboratory evaluations. Methods and data from assays conducted on both the back and face will be presented.

Evaluating the pharmacology of antimicrobial agents in acne therapy

Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2003) 73, P4–P4; doi: