When most people think about sunscreen, they assume the SPF number comes entirely from the active UV filters listed on the label. In reality, sunscreen formulations are much more sophisticated. Modern sunscreens often contain SPF boosters, ingredients that improve the overall performance of a sunscreen without necessarily acting as UV filters themselves. These ingredients can [...]
Patients often assume "mineral sunscreen" means one thing. In practice, a well-formulated tinted mineral sunscreen relies on two separate categories of ingredient doing two separate jobs, and understanding the distinction matters clinically, especially for patients managing melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), or other pigmentary conditions. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the UV filters Zinc oxide [...]
Two major players in the UV filter ingredient space are joining forces. DSM-Firmenich and ASTech, a specialist in UV filter manufacturing, signed a memorandum of understanding in January 2026, marking a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating innovation in the global sun protection market. What the Partnership Combines The collaboration pairs ASTech's manufacturing expertise in UV [...]
Sun Protection for Runners: A Dermatologist's Guide Why Runners Need a Different Approach to Sun Protection Running outdoors, especially for long distances, exposes the skin to a different type of UV exposure than a typical day outside. Sustained sweat can break down sunscreen protection, while constant movement means the product may be wiped away by [...]
The Case for a Good Sun Hat Why a Hat Does What Sunscreen Cannot The scalp, part line, ears, and back of the neck are some of the most commonly missed areas when applying sunscreen. They are also common places where dermatologists see sun damage and skin cancer develop later. A wide-brim hat helps address [...]
Why Sunglasses Are a Skin Care Essential Sunglasses Are Not Just an Accessory The skin around the eyes is some of the thinnest and most delicate on the body, which makes it especially vulnerable to sun damage. UV exposure in this area contributes to: Fine lines and crow's feet from years of squinting in bright [...]
Non-Sunscreen Ways to Protect Your Skin This Summer Sunscreen Is Not the Only Layer That Counts Sunscreen gets most of the attention in summer skin care conversations, but it is only one piece of a much bigger picture. UPF, or Ultraviolet Protection Factor, clothing and accessories provide a layer of protection that does not wear [...]
Sun Protection for Babies and Little Ones: A Dermatologist's Guide Why the First Few Years Matter So Much A huge share of a person's lifetime UV exposure happens before age 18, and childhood sunburns, especially blistering ones, meaningfully raise melanoma risk later in life. Baby skin is also just different: thinner, with a less developed [...]
UV Clothing: An Easy Layer to Add to Your Summer Routine How UPF Clothing Actually Works UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and it measures how much UV radiation a fabric blocks before it reaches the skin. A UPF 50+ rating means the fabric blocks about 98% of UVA and UVB rays. This level of [...]
The Regulatory Event That Changes U.S. Sunscreen Formulation On June 9, 2026, the FDA finalized approval of bemotrizinol, also known as BEMT or PARSOL Shield, as an active ingredient for over-the-counter sunscreens in the United States. This marks the first new UV filter approval in the U.S. market in over 25 years. For anyone working [...]
