Omeed Memar, M.D., Ph.D., Leading Chicago Dermatologist Offers Insight into FDA's Recent Approval of Mexoryl

Says mexoryl offers best protection against sun damage which can lead to skin cancer and aging.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) July 27, 2006 -- For years, Americans have been buying sunscreen with mexoryl via the Internet or while traveling overseas. Sunscreens with this ingredient in them are sold on the Internet and shipped from Asia, Latin America, Canada and Europe; where it's been around since the early 80s.

But soon, mexoryl will be available at the local drug store. Yesterday the FDA approved the first new sunscreen ingredient in nearly two decades. Leading Chicago dermatologist Omeed Memar, M.D., Ph.D. says his patients are impatient.

"It started this morning," said Dr. Memar. "People are calling and saying 'What do I think of it?' How can I get it."    

Mexoryl offers better protection from the sun than other sunscreens and sunblock. "It produces a product which gives us almost perfect protection against sunshine," says Dr. Memar.

"Ultraviolet A light ages your skin. And the reason it does that, it's a longer wavelength, so it can penetrate deeper into the skin, and instead of attacking the upper layers of the skin where skin cancer often forms, it attacks the layers that give your skin its tone, its elasticity, as we call it. ... You get the lines, the wrinkles, all the things associated from aging," he explained. Mexoryl "blocks harmful ultraviolet A rays and really provides anti-aging protection."    

"A lot of my patients when they go abroad will bring back boxes of it," said Dr. Memar. "Not only for themselves, but for their relatives and for their friends because they know it's a very effective agent at blocking the UVA radiation."

The publicly traded L'Oreal, issued a statement saying people can expect to see it in the United States some time this fall. No word on pricing, but it will be sold as a daily moisturizing cream called Anthelios SX, with a relatively low sun protection factor of 15. But, with skin cancer approaching what some dermatologists call epidemic proportions, every little bit, they say, helps.

"It's a step forward," said Dr. Memar. "I don't say it's a giant step, but it's a small step forward in our armamentarium to protect us from the rays of the sun. I think the most effective anti-aging product that you can use is the daily use of sunscreen."

About Dr. Memar
Dr. Memar will be at Northalsted Market Days offering free sun cancer detection screenings.

Dr. Memar, is an active Clinical Assistant Professor at Northwestern University, and medical director of Academic Dermatology & Skin Cancer Institute. He is certified by the American Board of Dermatology. He is a fellow of the American Society for Mohs Surgery, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. He is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. For more information visit www. chicagoskinexpert.com.    

For more information, press only:
Andrew Hayes, 773-506-8042

For more information on Dr. Memar & the Academic Dermatology & Skin Cancer Institute:
Omeed M. Memar, M.D.
Academic Dermatology & Skin Cancer Institute
30 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60603
312.230.0180

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