For the first time, starting this upcoming school year, South Carolina families will be able to send their kids to school with sunscreen without also needing a doctor’s note.
The Neutrogena ultra mist spray is really good. It goes on clear, isn’t greasy and the high SPF ones work exceptionally well. I’ve bought it in the US at a CVS before and didn’t have to get it over the counter…but maybe that’s only a thing in some states?
Over the counter doesn’t actually always refer literally to over the counter. I’d consider a non prescribed medical item purchased from a cvs as over the counter, even if you don’t have to ask a pharmacist for it
From your name, I’m gonna assume you’re American as well.
The reason why it sucks both in my opinion (as well as clinically) is because the only “safe” broad spectrum sunscreens in the US that don’t rapidly degrade are titanium dioxide/zinc oxide. Those chemicals in chemical based sunscreens that make them have that distinct smell are more than 20 years old and are highly unstable chemicals that rapidly degrade as soon as they exposed to sunlight. The protection you get rapidly deteriorates, so reapplication is extra important and even then it’s not likely with those chemicals you get a full broad spectrum coverage. There’s two main wavelengths of UV that sunscreen has to target, UVB (rays that burn you) and UVA (rays that age you), both contribute to skin cancer. American chemical sunscreens only protect against so much UVA. The most effective sunscreen in the US right now is mineral based or mineral chemical mixed.
The sunscreen agents around the world, especially in Japan and Korea and Europe are the most effective and feel like light lotion with lower rates of irritation and higher UV protection. Australian and Kiwi sunscreens are the most heavy duty in the world with the highest regulation. But you can’t legally sell these sunscreens in the US, as they contain chemicals that have been stuck in the over the counter drug approval limbo for decades. You can technically import them, but it’s not really legal to and American stores aside from specific stores that import from Europe or Asia don’t sell them. People with extreme photosensitive conditions that live near Canada often go to Canada and buy tons of sunscreen just to ship it back to themselves.
It’s a mess. The bureaucratic hell isn’t moving either. As someone who’s not only at high risk of skin cancer but living with a photosensitive medical condition, it’s deeply infuriating.
Got to wonder who’s making enough money off of shitty sunscreen sales to ensure no competition get approved (can’t think of any other reason this is the case for you Americans, other than corruption)…
I don’t even think it’s corruption, it’s likely just a ton of bureaucracy completely fucking shit up. The FDA is completely busted in the way how the approve and manage things.
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The Neutrogena ultra mist spray is really good. It goes on clear, isn’t greasy and the high SPF ones work exceptionally well. I’ve bought it in the US at a CVS before and didn’t have to get it over the counter…but maybe that’s only a thing in some states?
Over the counter doesn’t actually always refer literally to over the counter. I’d consider a non prescribed medical item purchased from a cvs as over the counter, even if you don’t have to ask a pharmacist for it
I find it ironic that you mentioned cvs for your example.
A surf store, or a clothing store works be better examples.
OTC is weird term. It means over the counter but there is no counter anymore. It just means you don’t need a prescription
I find skin cancer icky and gross.
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It sucks because it’s greasy and sticky lol. You can find some that are mattifying and quite comfortable but they’re more expensive
I was gonna suggest looking into importing asian or european sunscreens, but you might get just more pissed when you realize how much better they are
I’ve used them too
From your name, I’m gonna assume you’re American as well.
The reason why it sucks both in my opinion (as well as clinically) is because the only “safe” broad spectrum sunscreens in the US that don’t rapidly degrade are titanium dioxide/zinc oxide. Those chemicals in chemical based sunscreens that make them have that distinct smell are more than 20 years old and are highly unstable chemicals that rapidly degrade as soon as they exposed to sunlight. The protection you get rapidly deteriorates, so reapplication is extra important and even then it’s not likely with those chemicals you get a full broad spectrum coverage. There’s two main wavelengths of UV that sunscreen has to target, UVB (rays that burn you) and UVA (rays that age you), both contribute to skin cancer. American chemical sunscreens only protect against so much UVA. The most effective sunscreen in the US right now is mineral based or mineral chemical mixed.
The sunscreen agents around the world, especially in Japan and Korea and Europe are the most effective and feel like light lotion with lower rates of irritation and higher UV protection. Australian and Kiwi sunscreens are the most heavy duty in the world with the highest regulation. But you can’t legally sell these sunscreens in the US, as they contain chemicals that have been stuck in the over the counter drug approval limbo for decades. You can technically import them, but it’s not really legal to and American stores aside from specific stores that import from Europe or Asia don’t sell them. People with extreme photosensitive conditions that live near Canada often go to Canada and buy tons of sunscreen just to ship it back to themselves.
It’s a mess. The bureaucratic hell isn’t moving either. As someone who’s not only at high risk of skin cancer but living with a photosensitive medical condition, it’s deeply infuriating.
For a list of sunscreen agents that clearly separate US and the worlds, check here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunscreen
Got to wonder who’s making enough money off of shitty sunscreen sales to ensure no competition get approved (can’t think of any other reason this is the case for you Americans, other than corruption)…
I don’t even think it’s corruption, it’s likely just a ton of bureaucracy completely fucking shit up. The FDA is completely busted in the way how the approve and manage things.
I agree with you. I didn’t realize there were alternatives.
I can’t stand sunscreen. So I wear long sleeve, pants, etc when I’ll be out in the sun and don’t want exposure.
Way to miss the point.
“Why do you complain because you can’t afford to eat three meals a day? Food makes me fat.”
What point did I miss? He thinks they suck. So do I. I was. Curious his reason
I see what you mean now. I think the parent poster is referring to the effectiveness of the American made sunscreen.
I find out American sun screens to be oily and sticky. I rarely use them as you have to apply them constantly.
I just cover up to avoid the sun if I’m worried about it. I don’t fret over it to much. I need the vitamin d
They aren’t as cosmetically elegant as other formulas that other countries have as well.