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Are US Sunscreens Really Less Effective? Here’s What Experts Say About Protecting Yourself from UV Radiation
As a potentially record-breaking heat wave impacts numerous states, many are turning to sunscreen for protection. However, some dermatologists and experts suggest sunscreens in the U.S. may not be as potent as those available internationally in shielding against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is known to cause skin cancer and premature aging. This concern persists despite ongoing research and development.
Concerns Over UVA Protection
While American sunscreens generally excel at blocking UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburn, there are growing concerns regarding their efficacy against UVA rays. Experts and studies indicate that sunscreens in regions like Europe and South Korea often provide superior UVA protection.
Regulatory Differences
This discrepancy is primarily attributed to differing regulatory frameworks. In the U.S., sunscreen is classified as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug, necessitating each active ingredient to undergo a rigorous and often lengthy approval process with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These ingredients are subject to stringent safety requirements and animal testing.
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- The FDA has not approved a new UV filter for sunscreen in over two decades.
- This regulatory delay limits the availability of advanced sunscreen formulations in the U.S. market.
Expert Opinions on Sunscreen Effectiveness
Dermatologists emphasize the importance of broad-spectrum coverage. The ideal sunscreen equally protects against UVA as well as UVB radiation to guarantee comprehensive protection.
“The issue for me isn’t the safety of the sunscreens we have,” a dermatologist stated. “It’s that some of the chemical sunscreens aren’t as broad spectrum as they could be, meaning they do not block UVA as well. This could be alleviated by the FDA allowing new ingredients.”
Global Comparison of UV Filters
In contrast to the U.S., countries like France, South Korea, the UK, and Japan have approved a broader array of UV-filtering ingredients, allowing for the development of more advanced sunscreens.
One such ingredient is bemotrizinol, widely regarded as a safe and effective chemical on the global market. Despite its prevalence elsewhere, it remains unapproved by the FDA, although Swiss company DSM-Firmenich is seeking its approval.
FDA’s Perspective
The FDA maintains that many sunscreens currently available in the U.S. offer excellent broad-spectrum coverage and are effective in preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of skin cancer when used correctly alongside other sun protection measures.
“The fact that sunscreen ingredients are available in other countries does not mean that the important safety questions about these ingredients are well understood, or that they provide greater efficacy or safety than sunscreens lawfully sold in the US,” an FDA spokesperson stated.
Legislative Efforts for Modernization
Recognizing the disparities, a bipartisan bill has been introduced in Congress aimed at modernizing sunscreen regulations and allowing non-animal testing alternatives for regulatory approval. This initiative seeks to bridge the gap between U.S. sunscreens and those available in other countries.
Key Sunscreen Recommendations
Regardless of the regulatory landscape, dermatologists universally advocate for consistent sunscreen use. Key recommendations include:
- Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, every day.
- Choosing physical or mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for potentially safer options.
- Applying generously and reapplying every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
While debates over regulatory approvals continue, the prevailing advice remains: prioritize sun protection through available means, including sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to protect yourself from harmful UV rays and reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature aging.