The Sunscreen Upgrade America Has Been Waiting For

If you've ever envied those lightweight, non-greasy European sunscreens, good news — America

is finally catching up.

The FDA just approved bemotrizinol (BEMT) for use in over-the-counter sunscreens, making it the first new sunscreen ingredient approved in the U.S. since the 1990s. It's been used safely across Europe and Asia since 1999, so while it's new to our drugstore shelves, the rest of the world has known about it for a long time. U.S. News & World Report 

So... why does this matter?

Most U.S. sunscreens are actually pretty good at blocking UVB rays, the ones behind sunburns. But UVA rays? That's where things get tricky. UVA rays are the sneaky ones that cause premature aging, suppress your immune system, and are the biggest driver of skin cancer. In fact, research shows most U.S. sunscreens only provide about one-quarter of the UVA protection their SPF label implies. Yikes.

What makes bemotrizinol different?

It tackles both UVA and UVB rays, and it's highly photostable, meaning it actually stays effective in the sun instead of breaking down on your skin like some older chemical filters do. It can even be combined with zinc oxide for strong broad-spectrum protection without that heavy white cast. U.S. News & World ReportCNN

The FDA also noted it has low skin absorption and rarely causes irritation, which is always a plus when you're slathering something on every day. MSU

When can you actually buy it?

Manufacturers can start including it in products as soon as August 9th. It's approved for adults and kids 6 months and older. So keep an eye on ingredient labels later this summer! MedscapeDermatology Times

Bottom line: 

Better UVA protection, a lighter feel, and decades of safe use around the world. Bemotrizinol is a long-overdue win for your skin, and we're excited to see it finally arrive in the U.S.

As always, if you have questions about which sunscreen is right for your skin type, our team at Beautiful You Dermatology Clinic in Big Lake is here to help. Give us a call or stop in!