Novel emerging sunscreen technologies

Because of increases in the number of skin cancers diagnosed annually, adverse effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays are being recognized, and major public education programs have been undertaken concerning photoprotection, including the use of sunscreen. In daily life, UV exposure is unavoidable; therefore sunscreen should be used regularly. Development in sunscreen manufacturing has grown tremendously in the last decade. Sunscreen active ingredients now are incorporated into cosmetics products to minimize photoaging changes. With the advances in technologies, many new UV filters have been developed recently. These have improved efficacy and safety. This article reviews these new filters, along with regulatory issues in the United States.