Dermatologists had hoped an active sunscreen ingredient popular in Europe would be available in the U.S. by summer — but the FDA still hasn't approved it.

Why it matters: U.S. sunscreens lack some of the advanced UVA protection found in international brands, due to outdated FDA regulations, experts say.

The big picture: The FDA, which regulates sunscreen as an over-the-counter drug, hasn't approved a new sunscreen filter in over 20 years.

• One filter called bemotrizinol seemed close to FDA approval last summer, but the agency hasn't shared further details since. They didn't respond to our request for comment for this story.

What we're hearing: Bemotrizinol — which has been available in sunscreens in other parts of the world for years — is photostable (it doesn't break down once exposed to sunlight) and better at protecting against UVA rays than U.S. filters, dermatologist Henry Lim tells us.

Between the lines: International sunscreens sold in the U.S. — like Korean brands — are often modified or reformulated to meet U.S. regulations.

• That can change their ingredients and textures, said Nazanin Saedi, a dermatologist and associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University.

What's next: "The soonest a decision will be made is 2026," Saedi tells us. "So do not delay in stocking up on your sunscreen for this summer!"

What's new with tinted mineral sunscreens

UV rays are at their worst in Louisiana at high noon in the summer.

Why it matters: That's when it's especially important to limit time in the sun and cover up.

• UV radiation causes sunburn and is a risk factor for skin cancer.

By the numbers: Our average UV index is 10.8 in New Orleans from June through August.

• At noon Wednesday, it was 12, according to the EPA.
• A UV index of 6-7 is the "high" range, 8-10 is "very high," and 11 and up is "extreme."
• Check today's UV index.

Between the lines: Altitude, latitude, cloud cover, ozone level, time of day and seasons all factor into the UV index.

It's a myth that you can't get a sunburn when it's cloudy — and that you need to feel the sun's hot rays to get a sunburn.

• In reality, 80% of solar UV radiation can penetrate light cloud cover — and infrared heat is different from UV radiation (which you can't feel), according to the EPA.

A simple way to estimate your UV exposure: Look at your shadow.

• If it's shorter than you are (around midday), UV levels are higher and more likely to cause sunburn.

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🐯 LSU will fight for the College World Series title for the second time in three seasons after a stunning 6-5 win over Arkansas on Wednesday night. The Tigers will play Coastal Carolina in a best-of-three series starting tomorrow at 6pm on ESPN. (Recap)

🚗 The City Council won't be taking a security consultant's recommendation to ban all vehicle traffic on Bourbon Street. Members are asking for a traffic study and still considering lengthy daily and special event closures. (Gambit)

Tyler Perry, the New Orleans-born Hollywood hitmaker, is accused in a new civil lawsuit of sexual assault and harassment. The star's attorney denies the claim. (CBS)

⚽️ UNO is launching a nearly $2 million youth program to expand sports, mentorship and workforce opportunities for local students. (Press release)

✍️ City Council added to an ordinance banning the city and its contractors from asking about criminal records in job applications. (Gambit)

Getting sun helps you get vitamin D, but too much sun is bad for your skin — and wearing sunscreen could reduce vitamin D absorption.

Why it matters: It feels like a conundrum.

Reality check: Regular sunscreen use likely won't cause vitamin D deficiency, according to dermatologists.

What they're saying: Your body needs very little UVB sunlight to start making vitamin D, dermatologist Henry Lim tells us.

• And since sunscreen is often not applied to all exposed skin evenly, "chances are, you are still getting a fair amount of vitamin D," dermatologist Nazanin Saedi tells us.

Yes, but: If you're mostly indoors or fully covered when outside, experts recommend taking a vitamin D supplement. Lim suggests one multivitamin daily.

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High Society Hour: An evening of live Jazz and Burlesque at The AllWays Lounge & Theatre on June 27: Your perfect New Orleans experience awaits at the Allways Lounge and Cabaret, the Pearl of the Marigny. Let's spark something. $28.52.

Hosting an event? Email [email protected].

Melanoma cases are rising in younger people, particularly in women under 50, a National Cancer Institute study has found.

Why it matters: Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and melanoma is the deadliest type.

Between the lines: Many cases are preventable.

• Exposure to UV light from the sun or indoor tanning beds causes most melanoma cases, per NCI data.
• Young women are still most likely to indoor-tan, even though their tanning rates declined after 2010, per the most recent data available.

Yes, but: Overdiagnosis could be contributing to the melanoma rate increase, according to the report.

• A New England Journal of Medicine study found that routine skin exams have increased and pathologists now more often classify ambiguous lesions as melanoma.

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