Some Americans Are Reaching for Sunscreens Made Outside the U.S. Here’s What Skincare Experts Say.

Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher is your best defense Blocks out the sun’s harmful rays, but is your sunscreen falling behind other options available worldwide?

Because the U.S. regulates sunscreens as pharmaceuticals, experts say consumers have limited choices compared to countries like Europe and South Korea, where sunscreens are regulated like cosmetics.

“Because sunscreen is considered a drug, it is highly regulated and requires extensive testing to be approved for sale in the United States. There is a significant reduction in the components that filter the ,” says Dr. Board Certified Dermatologist at Washington Square Dermatology in New York.

Dija Ayodel, a London-based skincare expert and author of Black Skin: The Definitive Skincare Guide, says, “There are still high-quality sunscreen ingredients in the United States. It’s just old and the technology is advancing quickly,” he said. …the FDA has not caught up. “

Food and Drug Administration Sunscreens sold as pharmaceuticals in the United States are regulated “with medicinal claims to prevent sunburn and to reduce the risk of sun-induced skin cancer and premature skin aging.” He explains that it is the body.

Although the last UV-blocking sunscreen ingredient was approved in the United States in 1999, “a number of new UV-blocking agents have been approved for use in Europe and Asia,” Jabbar said.

Why Americans Reach for European and Korean Sunscreens

Ayodel has seen first-hand how some Americans turn to international sunscreens for more innovative products.

“When my American friends come to London, they always bring a ton of sunscreen,” she says. “The Internet has made the world a very small place and clearly American consumers can see what is available outside the United States.”

Knowing how many other options are out there can make domestic options feel even more dated.

“For example, brands in the EU and Korean markets can make products that are more than just sunscreens, they can manufacture very elegant cosmetic formulas that give very high protection SPF, but at the same time they are very easy to use. It’s a dream,” says Ayodel. “Also, with the old filters we have in the state, sunscreen can be very difficult to use, especially with older formulas. And people want the best. Newer, higher performing filters.” I want to use the

Black consumers looking to prevent skin cancer, for example, want formulas that don’t leave a white residue or flake on their skin, which can be difficult to find in some products, Ayodel said. I will explain.

“We encourage black people and people of color to use sunscreen. What if the options available leave us with a very unsightly mask on our skin?” says Ayodel.

Additionally, other sunscreens may have more detailed information about their level of protection.

“Other sunscreens, especially those made in Asia, specify a level of protection against UVB rays (SPF) plus a level of protection against UVA rays by the PA system (UVA Ray Protection Grade), whereas US products Only the SPF is disclosed, which gives a ‘broad’ coverage of all UVA rays,” says Jaber.

What should I look for in a sunscreen?

If you want to stick to your home shopping, we recommend finding a broad-spectrum sunscreen that looks and feels great on your skin and has an SPF of 30 or higher.

“If you don’t like how it feels or if it leaves a white residue, don’t use it,” he says. “My favorite ingredients are physical mineral blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They protect against UVA and UVB and are very safe. And physical sunscreens sit on top of the skin.” They work by reflecting UV rays, are less irritating than chemical sunscreens, and are great for sensitive skin. “

For patients of color who want to reduce skin whitening, tanning with a combination of physical and chemical components is less likely to cause whitening compared to 100% physical sunscreens. Recommend a stop or a purely chemical sunscreen.

The bottom line? Even with more sunscreen innovation, sunscreen is better than nothing. protect yourself from skin cancer.