Frequently Asked Questions

The broad-spectrum test measures a product’s ultraviolet A (UVA) protection relative to its ultraviolet B (UVB) protection. Sunscreens that pass this test may be labeled as “Broad-Spectrum SPF (value)” on the front of their label. For broad-spectrum sunscreens, SPF values also indicate the amount or magnitude of overall protection. Broad-Spectrum SPF products with SPF valued higher than 15 provide greater protection and may claim additional uses. Only broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF value of 15 or higher can claim to reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging if used as directed with other sun protection measures. Non-broad-spectrum sunscreens and broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF value between 2 and 14 can only claim to help prevent sunburn.

SPF or sunburn protection factor indicates the UVB/sunburn protection provided by sunscreen. The SPF value indicates the level of sunburn protection provided by the sunscreen product. All sunscreens must be tested according to an SPF test procedure. The test measures the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure it takes to cause sunburn when a person is using a sunscreen in comparison to how much UV exposure it takes to cause sunburn when they do not use a sunscreen. The product is then labeled with the appropriate SPF value indicating the amount of sunburn protection provided by the product. Higher SPF values provide greater sunburn protection. Because SPF values are determined from a test that measures protection against sunburn caused by ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, SPF values only indicate a sunscreen’s UVB protection. However, sunscreens that pass the new broad-spectrum test will have demonstrated that they also provide ultraviolet A (UVA) protection that is proportional to their UVB protection.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/questions-and-answers-fda-announces-new-requirements-over-counter-otc-sunscreen-products-marketed-us

Every EltaMD sunscreen is PA+++ rated.

PA measurement is how the Japanese convert a standard UVA score from a PPD test into their version of UVA measurement for sunscreens. Japan is one of five countries that has a UVA measurement rating system. For the Japanese rating system the PPD score corresponds to a PA designation:

If PPD = 2-4, then PA = PA+
If PPD = 4-8, then PA = PA++
IF PPD = 8 and higher, then PA = PA+++

PPD ratings are the ratings used to assess UVA protection for sun screens. There are currently only five countries that employ some form of UVA testing: Australia (NZ), Japan, United Kingdom, Germany and the US. All but Germany and the US use PPD testing.

PPD is by itself not used as an indicator of UVA protection, but is converted into a score used by a country or region. For example in Japan they use a conversion system wherein the PPD score is converted to a “Protection of UVA” score or PA. Sunscreens are assigned one, two or three plus symbols (+) depending upon the PPD score derived from UVA testing. This designation would be required to be placed on the label of a product.

Learn what makes a sunscreen water-resistant here.

https://eltamd.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/What-Makes-a-Sunscreen-Water-Resistant.pdf

High temperature may cause the ingredients to separate or appear “unblended”. However, the sun protection properties are not affected by temperatures up to 122 degrees F (50 degrees C), the maximum at which the product is tested. Exposure to higher temperatures is a misuse of the product.

EltaMD does not test any of its products or any of its ingredients on animals, anywhere in the world nor does EltaMD delegate this task to others. The only possible exception is if regulatory authorities required it for safety or regulatory purposes.

All EltaMD lotion and cream sunscreens and UV Aero spray sunscreen have earned the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation as effective UV protectants.

Yes. All EltaMD sunscreens are classified as Broad-Spectrum. According to the FDA, when used regularly and with other sun protection measures1, Broad-Spectrum sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher decrease the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging.

1Additional Sun Protection Measures defined by the FDA:
· limit time in the sun, especially from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
· wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses”
For sunscreen drug products that are not water-resistant:
“· reapply at least every 2 hours
· use a water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating”
For sunscreen drug products that are water-resistant:
· after [‘40 minutes of’ or ‘80 minutes of’] swimming or sweating
· immediately after towel drying
· at least every 2 hours”

Source: FDA
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Guidances/ucm330694.htm

The EPA SunWise Program
https://eltamd.com/faqs/epa-sunwise-program/

EltaMD Skin Care provides a simple approach to daily skin care that is safe for even the most sensitive skin. Learn about EltaMD regimens for every skin type and lifestyle. Consult your physician to recommend the EltaMD products that are right for you.


https://eltamd.com/regimens/

Based on a Sept. 2014 study published in JAMA, the National Safety Council concluded that pilots and cabin crew have about twice the incidence of melanoma – the most serious type of skin cancer – compared to the general population. THe NSC said the study found “that spending 56 minutes behind the controls at 30,000 feet is the equivalent of 20 minutes laid out on an average strength sunbed.”


http://archderm.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1899248

http://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/11070-airline-crews-twice-as-likely-to-develop-melanoma-study

Zinc oxide is a natural mineral that is safe even on the most sensitive skin, including post-procedure skin and even that of children 6 months or older. Zinc oxide blocks UVB (burning) and UVA (aging) rays that have been linked to photoaging and skin cancer.

The nanoparticles used in sunscreens are too large to pass through the skin and into any body system including the bloodstream.

No. EltaMD products do not contain oxybenzone or avobenzone.

The FDA changed how sunscreens are marketed in the United States as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to ensure that sunscreens meet modern-day standards for safety and effectiveness.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm258940.htm

Spending time in the sun increases a person’s risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. To reduce these risks, consumers should regularly use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF value of 15 or higher in combination with protective measures such as:

Limiting time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
Wearing clothing to cover skin exposed to the sun (long-sleeved shirts, pants, sunglasses, broad-brimmed hats) when possible.
Using a water resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.
Reapplying sunscreen, even if it is labeled as water-resistant, at least every 2 hours. (Water-resistant sunscreens should be reapplied more often after swimming or sweating, according to the directions on the label.)
Consumers should also be aware that no sunscreens are “waterproof” because all sunscreens eventually wash off. Sunscreens can only be labeled as “water-resistant” if they are tested according to the required SPF test procedure. Sunscreens labeled “water-resistant” successfully will also be required to state whether the sunscreen remains effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes when swimming or sweating, and all sunscreens will be required to provide directions on when to reapply.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/UnderstandingOver-the-CounterMedicines/ucm258468.htm

Since the FDA’s Final Rule went into effect, manufacturers cannot label sunscreens as “waterproof” or “sweatproof”, or identify their products as “sunblocks,” because these claims overstate their effectiveness.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/UnderstandingOver-the-CounterMedicines/ucm258468.htm

To the best of our knowledge, the vitamin E in EltaMD sunscreens is gluten-free.

EltaMD Skin Care provides a simple approach to daily skin care that is safe for even the most sensitive skin. Learn about EltaMD regimens for every skin type and lifestyle. Consult your physician to recommend the EltaMD products that are right for you.

EltaMD does not test any of its products or any of its ingredients on animals, anywhere in the world nor does EltaMD delegate this task to others. The only possible exception is if regulatory authorities required it for safety or regulatory purposes.

Yes we have two innovative, oil-free moisturizers. EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer and EltaMD PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer are oil-free moisturizers.

Our experience is rooted in formulating products that address critical skin care problems. It is our medical heritage that differentiates EltaMD skin care products. For more than two decades, our company has formulated moisturization products for wound and skin treatment in hospitals, burn centers and acute care facilities.

It works in three significant ways.

EltaMD Renew Eye Gel diminishes fine lines and wrinkles. Renew Eye Gel uses a very high concentration of the breakthrough peptide acetyl hexapeptide-3.This fast-acting peptide relaxes the eye area muscles that create expression lines and wrinkles by interrupting the chemical signal that causes the contractions.

EltaMD Renew Eye Gel eases under-eye puffiness. Renew is formulated with S.Cerevisiae Extract (SCE), a yeast derived peptide that functions to stimulate microcirculation in the under-eye area. The increased circulation causes fluid to disperse, helping to eliminate unwanted puffiness.

EltaMD Renew Eye Gel diminishes dark circles. A common cause of dark circles is blood that pool under the eyes when tiny veins or capillaries break and leak blood. Renew Eye Gel contains a special compound of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) that strengthen the skin matrix. The GAG compound helps develop better blood vessel support and thicker, strong skin under the eyes.

It is essential to protect the skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen before and after procedures.

On June 14, 2011 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced new requirements for sunscreens currently sold over-the-counter (OTC) (i.e. non-prescription). These requirements support the Agency’s ongoing efforts to ensure that sunscreens meet modern-day standards for safety and effectiveness. Download this article for a brief overview of the regulatory actions.

https://www.fda.gov/

https://eltamd.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/88-321-FDA-Monograph-6-11.pdf

Shining Light on Ultraviolet Radiation.Understanding UVA and UVB.

Characterizing Nanoparticles in Sunscreen Samples.


http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/uva-and-uvb/understanding-uva-and-uvb

http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/TechnologyDevelopment/Nanotechnology/upload/ICEMN-june-2120114.pdf

Alabama Dermatology Society

American Academy of Dermatology

American College of Aesthetic and Cosmetic Physicians

American College of Mohs Surgery

American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

American Society for Dermatologic Surgery

American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

American Society of Plastic Surgeons

American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery

Controversies & Conversations in Laser & Cosmetic Surgery

Masters of Aesthetics

Maui Derm

National Academy of Dermatology Nurse Practitioners

National Cancer Institute - Skin Cancer Information

Orlando Derm Aesthetic & Clinical Conference

Skin Cancer Foundation

South Carolina Academy of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery

Texas Dermatological Society

The Cosmetic Bootcamp

Vegas Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetic Dermatology



http://alabamaderm.org/

https://www.aad.org/

http://www.medicalaestheticsociety.org/links.htm

https://www.mohscollege.org/

https://www.surgery.org/

https://www.asds.net/

https://www.asoprs.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3504

http://www.plasticsurgery.org/

http://www.aslms.org/

http://www.skincarecontroversies.com/

http://www.moasandiego.org/

https://mauiderm.com/

http://www.nadnp.net/

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/skin

https://orlandoderm.org/

http://www.skincancer.org/

https://scda-assn.org/

https://www.texasdermatology.org/amsimis/

http://cosmeticbootcamp.com/

http://vegascosmeticsurgery.info/

ELTAMD 60-DAY SATISFACTION GUARANTEE

At EltaMD, Inc. (“EltaMD”), we stand behind our products and quality controls.  If for any reason you are not satisfied with an EltaMD product you purchased from our website or one of our authorized sellers, you may request a replacement product or refund.  Please note that because we are unable to control the quality of our products sold by unauthorized sellers, unless otherwise prohibited by law, the EltaMD 60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee (“Guarantee”) is not available for products purchased from unauthorized sellers, including unauthorized Internet websites and unauthorized storefronts on online marketplaces.  The Guarantee is also limited to the original, end-user purchaser.

How To Claim The Guarantee

If you are unable to return your product to the authorized seller from whom the product was purchased, please call one of our experts at 1 (800) 588-5561, Ext 4 and have information available regarding where and when you purchased your product.  If your request is approved, you will then need to mail your EltaMD product, a proof of purchase, and any other supporting information.

You must submit your Guarantee request within sixty (60) days of the date of purchase.  Please note that you are responsible for costs incurred in mailing your product and proof of purchase.

Guarantee Guidelines

EltaMD reserves the right to verify information, require a valid proof of purchase, and to deny Guarantee requests in its discretion in cases of suspected fraud or if customer has abused the EltaMD 60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee.

If you have any questions regarding whether a seller is an authorized EltaMD reseller, please go to https://eltamd.com/pages/authorized-reseller.