Read Full Article HereNow FDA-approved, bemotrizinol is the first new over-the-counter sunscreen ingredient in decades
A new type of sunscreen is coming to the United States this summer. The U.S. Food and DrugAdministration approved the use of bemotrizinol in sunscreens. It’s the first new over-the-countersunscreen ingredient approved since 1999.
Bemotrizinol, commonly referred to as BEMT, has been used for decades in Europe and Australia.Previously the FDA required studies that were based in the U.S. to approve a new medical product. NewFDA practices allow studies done outside the U.S. to be considered, making BEMT eligible for approval.
BEMT is thought to be safe for ages 6 months and older and blocks both ultraviolet A and B rays.
How does BEMT compare to other sunscreen ingredients?
Sunscreen ingredients come in two types: mineral or chemical. Mineral sunscreens reflect UV rays. Theyhave zinc oxide or titanium oxide in their ingredient lists. Chemical sunscreens absorb rays before theyreach the skin. Typical ingredients are avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene and oxybenzone.Chemical ingredients are also absorbed into the skin systemically, whereas mineral ingredients are not.
BEMT is a mineral block. It does not need to be mixed with other types of blocks to provide both UVA andUVB protection. Unlike other mineral blocks, it does not leave a white tinge on the skin. That white tingehas made other mineral sunscreens less desirable, especially for people with darker skin.
“It adds more inclusive options,” said Dr. Jessica Dorsey, a dermatologist with U.S. Dermatology Partners Cedar Park.
Because it is not absorbed systemically, BEMT is thought to not irritate the skin the way chemicalingredients can.
BEMT also can be mixed with other sunscreen ingredients, Dorsey said, and can improve theirperformance, she said. It also is photostable, which means it doesn’t break down when exposed to light. Other sunscreeningredients do.
When will BEMT sunscreens be available?
BEMT will first be sold under the brand name PARSOL Shield and is expected to be in U.S. stores in August. Dorsey expects it will be more expensive than other types of sunscreens at first, but then will becomparable to other sunscreens as it becomes more widely available.
“I’m excited to try it,” Dorsey said. “It will improve sunscreen use across the board.”
What is the best sunscreen to use?
“What we currently have is adequate,” Dorsey said. “We want to just use a sunscreen that we like.”
Any tan or sun damage is a bad idea. Getting a base tan is not good for your skin and does not provideprotection against future burns. Using a tanning bed also is unhealthy.
“One sunburn can increase your lifetime risk for skin cancer,” Dorsey said, but that doesn’t mean thedamage is already done.
“UV damage builds up over time, and there can be a long delay between exposure and when we actuallysee skin cancers develop,” she said. “So yes, past sun exposure plays a role — but ongoing exposurecontinues to add to that risk.”
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer.
Dorsey offers these sunscreen tips:
- Everyone needs sunscreen. Even people with darker skin tones.
- Wear it every day, even if you are just running errands or driving the car.
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or above. The more SPF, the more coverage, though after 50 SPF the difference between higher SPFs is not as great as it is below 50. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 50 or above sunscreen for extended time outside.
- Don’t skip sunscreen use between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the ultraviolet rays are strongest in Texas.
- Apply sunscreen before you leave. If you are using a mineral sunscreen, apply it at least 10 minutes before you go outside. If it is a chemical sunscreen, apply it at least 15 to 30 minutes before.
- Give yourself a shot-glass-full of sunscreen to adequately cover your whole body. People typically use only 25% to 50% of the amount of sunscreen they need. “If you use an SPF 30, but use it incorrectly, it’s really an SPF 10 or 15,” Dorsey said.
- Give your face a nickel-size amount of sunscreen to fully cover it.
- Don’t forget ears, neck, hands, fingers, feet and toes. Get in all the crevices of the ears, and between the toes and fingers. All those small spaces are forgotten and are places where skin cancer can lurk.
- Use a cream sunscreen to start. Sprays don’t cover as well, but can be used when reapplying for easeof use. Still rub them in.
- Reapply at least every two hours even if the product says “water resistant.”
- Makeup is not adequate protection. Even if it has SPF, it’s not enough.
- Sunscreen does expire. Get a new bottle every year. Get a new bottle if it has been in a hot car. Heat breaks down the ingredients.
- Cover up with a wide-brimmed hat and clothing that has SPF protection.
