4 | CFHN centralfloridahealthnews.com PUBLISHER Nelson Kirkland MANAGING EDITOR Jessica McDonald DIGITAL SPECIALIST Alexander Gilde CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Erika Aldrich, Dr. Alison Young-Tan, Jennifer Goodson, LMHC, Ryan Milejczak, Julie Gmitter, Shaylynn Marks, Brad Buck CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS Ritu Aparajita, MD, Daniela Fernandez, O.D. CONTRIBUTING ARTIST Dawn Lewandowski DELIVERY DLS Distribution Published by Central Florida Media Group in cooperation with the Polk County Medical Association Copyright © 2026 Central Florida Media Group. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This issue of Central Florida Health News is a trademark of Central Florida Media Group. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents of this magazine without written permis- sion is prohibited. Central Florida Health News makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of content published. In the event of an error found herein however, neither the publishers or advertisers will be held responsible, nor do the publishers accept any liability for the accuracy of statements made by advertisers in advertising and promotional materials. Furthermore, the opinions and claims expressed in advertisements and promotional materials do not necessarily reflect those of the Polk County Medical Association or Central Florida Media Group and do not imply an endorsement. 56 Fourth Street Northwest, Suite 100 Winter Haven, Florida PHONE 863.248.7537 PUBLISHER’S NOTE www.CentralFloridaHealthNews.com PUBLISHER’S NOTE New Kid on the (Sun) Block NELSON KIRKLAND, PUBLISHER [email protected] READ THE DIGITAL EDITION! Want to access this edition on the go? Check out our newly updated digital flipbook at http://centralfloridahealthnews. com/magazines or scan the QR code at left. W hen you head out into the sun, you have countless options for products to use to protect your skin. From sprays and creams to sticks and gels, it’s safe to say you can find sunscreen in just about any form. While you have plenty of choices, there haven’t been any new advancements in sunscreen ingredients since the late 1990s. That’s about to change this August. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved a new ingredient for use in sunscreens sold in the U.S. SAY HELLO TO BEMOTRIZINOL Health experts welcome the addition of bemotrizinol, a chemical UV filter, to the arsenal of ingredients for a couple of reasons. • Longer lasting: Current chemical sunscreens on the market in the U.S. rely heavily on the ingredients avobenzone and oxybenzone to fight off UVA rays. But these break down faster when exposed to sunlight. (Ironic, no?) Bemotrizinol, on the other hand, is photostable, so it breaks down more slowly, meaning you don’t need to reapply it as often. • Better safety profile: One possibility that leaves many fearful of using sunscreen is the chance of it passing through the skin and getting into the bloodstream. Bemotrizinol, however, is a larger molecule, making it less likely to get into your bloodstream. • Transparent: Unlike other sunscreens that can leave a white cast on your skin, bemotrizinol is clear. It’s worth noting that bemotrizinol has been used in Europe and Asia for decades. That’s because sunscreens overseas are classified as cosmetics, whereas the U.S. classifies them as over-the-counter drugs, which means they undergo FDA scrutiny. So, when can you get your hands on it? The FDA’s approval goes into effect August 9, meaning—theoretically—sunscreens containing the ingredient could be available as soon as late summer. No matter what you wear, the key is to commit to wearing it. As someone previously diagnosed with skin cancer, I can definitively say Florida’s sun isn’t playing around, and neither should you. HN John Scheck - The Scheck, Lewis, McKown Group Managing Director – Wealth Management Branch Manager 250 NW 3rd Street, Suite 100 Winter Haven, FL 33881 863-401-9449 [email protected] advisor.morganstanley.com/the-scheck-lewis-mckown-group 1278830 © 2022 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC 3938502 01/22
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