Outside Magazine Talks with Dr. Green About Bemotrizinol Sun Protection

The FDA has approved bemotrizinol, the first new sunscreen active ingredient cleared for use in the United States in roughly 20 years. While it’s new to the U.S. market, it has been widely used in Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia for decades and has a strong safety record.

Dermatologists such as Dr. Green note that “Bemotrizinol is an excellent chemical filter for athletes who spend a lot of time outside,” due to its ability to effectively block both UVB rays (which cause sunburn) and UVA rays (which penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to aging and skin cancer). It is also highly photostable, meaning it doesn’t break down as quickly in sunlight as some existing sunscreen ingredients. That makes it especially appealing for runners, hikers, climbers, and anyone who spends long periods outdoors.

 “Typical U.S. sunscreens effectively block UVB rays but may underestimate the power of UVA on your skin,” says Green. “UVA rays have a significant impact on the skin, often penetrating deeper and contributing to premature aging and even cancer,” she told Outside.

It’s also less greasy than traditional sunscreens, find out this and other advantages for outdoor activities at https://www.outsideonline.com/health/wellness/fda-approves-bemotrizinol-outdoor-athletes/