1978: "Annie Hall" won best picture, Sony's Walkman was born, and the FDA began developing regulations for sunscreens. Over 30 years later, the Food and Drug Administration still hasn't issued it's final guidelines and regulations.



Why does it matter? Because without FDA regulations, manufacturers of sun protection products aren't as accountable for what they claim their products can do. In many cases claims like "waterproof" or even "SPF 75" are not required to be proven to legally appear on product labels.



According to an article in the Washington Post, "since the [FDA] began working on the regulations in 1978, the FDA has received two requests from seven U.S. senators, a petition from one state attorney general and a congressional mandate to finish the job." The FDA did issue sunscreen regulations in 1999, but they never took effect, since some organizations like the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association had concerns about some of the guidelines. Also, the FDA decided not to enforce the 1999 guidelines because they felt the rules may not be comprehensive enough, given that they didn't take into account all types of potentially damaging rays.



The FDA does plan to issue new regulations for sunscreens in October of this year, which will probably take at least a year to be put into effect.



What does this mean for you? As a consumer, it's important to keep in mind that you are ultimately responsible for your safety. Many sunscreen manufacturers DO follow guidelines to ensure their products are effective and safe, so just make sure you are well informed and do some research if you feel you need to. If you have questions about sun protection products, consult your local dermatologist for information and recommendations.

Could the famous wrinkle-fighter BOTOX be used by terrorists as a weapon? A report in this month's Scientific American notes that botulinum toxin is a lethal poison and could be used as a potential biological weapons agent. The article discusses the possibility that illegal manufacturers could sell the toxin to terrorists or could be subversive themselves.



Consumer demand for counterfeit products containing botulinum neurotoxin may be increasing the number of illicit toxin producers. Companies producing "knock-off" or imitation BOTOX might be considered the most suspicious when it comes to supplying terrorists with the toxin, since they are already doing something illegal.



But BOTOX producer Allergan has spoken out against the rumors of BOTOX's risks; Allergan says the toxin couldn’t possibly pose a threat in the hands of terrorists. Allergan also dismisses the possibility that imitation or diluted BOTOX could be considered a biological weapon, and that the makers of such counterfeit products could be dangerous themselves. According to an article by the Orange County Register, Caroline Van Hove, Allergan’s vice president for corporate communications said that counterfeiting is uncommon, and that "We [Allergan representatives] collaborate closely with governments when a potential issue does arise," making the possibility of dangerous counterfeiting companies selling the toxin to terrorists unlikely.



To learn more about BOTOX , click here, and check back with this blog for additional updates on this controversy.

June is the most popular month for weddings, and who doesn't want to look their best on their wedding day? With all eyes on the bride, there's a lot of pressure to maintain that 'bridal glow' from the bachelorette party to Mr. and Mrs.



There are a multitude of things brides can do to perfect their look on their big day. Here are some of the top cosmetic procedures:



1) Weight loss treatments. Enrolling in bridal boot-camp? Enhance your weight-loss results by incorporating a cosmetic procedure to address your problem areas. Wedding preparations in 2008 included $274 million spent on weight-loss services, according to Wedding Report Inc., which monitors the industry. Procedures like SmartLipo and other laser liposuction treatments specialize in contouring specific body areas with minimal invasion and recovery time required. Fitting into your dream dress has never been easier!



2) Dermal Filler Injections. Wrinkles and crow's feet aren't on the guest list! Blushing brides can avoid fine lines and wrinkles by choosing popular dermal fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, or Radiesse. It's a good idea to start having injections a few months before the wedding to be sure you are happy with the results--and this way, you'll look amazing for your bridal shower and bachelorette party, too!



3) Sunless tanning. A great tan will make that white dress stand out even more! But even the June bride might need a little help when it comes to achieving an even, deep glow (without tan lines!). Don't risk you skin's health in an effort to look good, though--there are a ton of sunless tanning options available to help you achieve the look you want without the risks and side effects. Lotions, sunscreens, and even specially-formulated moisturizers can contain bronzing agents, and there's always the spray-tan option--include your bridesmaid's and throw a tanning party the week before the wedding!

Everyone wants to look younger, and while Acne may make you look like a hormonal teenager again, that's probably not the kind of youth you're interested in. Acne can be an aggravating condition for both teens and adults, and seeking treatment options for acne can seem almost as frustrating as suffering from it. While topical creams and even antibiotics seem like logical solutions (acne can be caused by bacteria on the skin, after all), one remedy frequently recommended by dermatologists to female patients is a low-dose hormonal birth control pill.



But why? Why would taking a pill that prevents pregnancy prevent zits? Well, as it turns out, acne can be caused by a few, or a combination of, different factors. An abundance of oil on the skin's surface is often a cause of teenage acne, but hormones can definitely play a part as well--don't most kids get acne when they hit puberty? The same goes for adults; female hormones fluctuate throughout the month, and certain spikes can cause breakouts.



Birth control pills regulate hormones, and have been found to help women control their acne breakouts. But you shouldn't start taking the pill unless you intend to use it for birth control and are comfortable with the risks involved. There are many alternative ways to manage acne, including photodynamic therapy and chemical peels. Contact a specialist today for more information!

Physicians and Skin Care Specialists!!! If your facility provides cosmetic vein treatments, be sure to check out the latest issue of VEIN Magazine for the latest industry news.



This issue's cover story discusses the idea of vein treatment specialists adding laser liposuction and other laser procedures to their practice. Other articles, previews of conferences, new technology, clinical studies, and more are covered in this one-of-a-kind publication. VEIN Magazine is issued quarterly, and contains both high-quality editorial and relevant advertisments from companies and vendors in the venous or cosmetic industries.



To view the newset issue of the magazine, click here. Subscription is free for physicians, and the subscription form is accessible via the magazine homepage, http://www.veindirectory.org/magazine/.