TAKE ONE LOOK at our healthcare system, and it’s clear the US is still behind other developed nations in many ways. While affordable options, non-apocalyptic wait times, or the ability to easily speak to a human being on the phone when making an appointment are as fantastical in this country as Voldemort's horcruxes or the idea of the New York Jets ever winning the Super Bowl, this year brought a glimmer of progress toward the rest of the world. At least when it comes to sunscreen.
After the FDA approved bemotrizinol (BEMT for short) in June—a popular active in sunscreens used in Asia, Europe, and Australia since the late 90s—brands are finally now able to release products featuring it in the States. One of the first—and the best so far—is La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense Sunscreen SPF 50 with BEMT, which was released early this week. I was lucky enough to get an early look at the stuff and have been using it every day for over a month.
Does it feel different than other SPFs? Is it effectively protective against UV rays? Will the Jets ever field a decent quarterback?
Two of those questions I’ll answer below (and hey, who knows, maybe Arch Manning can save the New York somehow still faithful). Obviously, the big inclusion here is BEMT, the first newly approved sunscreen filter since 1999. BEMT is a chemical UV filter, meaning it absorbs UV rays rather than blocking them as mineral sunscreen filters do.
Okay, rad, but that’s nothing new. According to this writer, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch SPF 60 is the best sunscreen for men—it’s also chemical-based and nearly half the price. So why all the fuss about BEMT?
Unlike many other products, BEMT absorbs both UVA rays (the ones that cause early signs of aging and can be a major contributor to skin cancer) and UVB rays (the ones that lead to surface-level damage and sunburn). BEMT can also absorb faster than other chemical actives, with a more lightweight application. Plus, it’s highly photostable, meaning it won’t break down and protect less effectively after being exposed to sunlight (a common issue with many SPF products).
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