https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:40:29 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem/page/2#post-2347342 Thu, 14 Dec 2023 19:06:09 +0000 BlueJay 2347342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Oh no, Angie! </b>That's frustrating! Are you now reacting to the Vanicream sunscreen? I'm thinking yes. <b>Darn!&nbsp;</b></p> <p>FWIW, I also use the Ombrelle Kids sunscreen that <b>Merwoman</b> suggests. It doesn't seem to react with my skin like the other sunscreens.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem/page/2#post-2347337 Thu, 14 Dec 2023 18:56:11 +0000 Angie 2347337@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks so much for your thoughts!&nbsp;</p> <p>Those who are recommending Japanese and Korean sunscreens, I'd love you to provide links to the products you've had success with - when you have a moment :)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem/page/2#post-2347328 Thu, 14 Dec 2023 17:44:17 +0000 Tina 2347328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I FINALLY found a face sunscreen I can and will wear every day. It's from Hero. It says acne-prone skin, but my sensitive skin adores it. I usually put it on after moisturizer. It kept my fair skin untanned all summer, even if I didn't wear a hat.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>All the other barrier sunscreens feel gross and heavy, so I don't put them on every day. Anything with chemical sunscreens is absolutely out for my face. And no fragrance!<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the info: Force<br /> Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 from Hero Cosmetics - Everyday SPF<br /> 30 for Acne-Prone Skin with Zinc Oxide, Green Surge, and Extremolytes,<br /> Fragrance Free and Reef Safe (50 ml) <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem/page/2#post-2347324 Thu, 14 Dec 2023 16:50:27 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 2347324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the Japanese watery liquid sunscreens from Biore. They don’t feel occlusive at all. You absolutely have to get the ones made in Japan as they have ingredients not available in US.— I came across the Biore when reading this article in NYT:</p> <p><div>U.S. Sunscreen Is Stuck in the ’90s. Is This a Job for Congress?</div> <p>For years, American consumers have had to look abroad if they want the latest in sunscreen innovations. Some, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, think it’s time to revisit F.D.A. approval procedures.</p> <div> <p>After months of prompting, I have finally managed to help my husband form a daily sunscreen habit. Whenever I see traces of paper white cream in his dark beard, I think, <em>We’re halfway there.</em></p> </div><div> <p>Hoping to avoid the white cast, heaviness and greasiness common in many sunscreen products available in U.S. drugstores, some Americans, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, have taken matters into their own hands, opting for sunscreens manufactured abroad. In a recent interview, the congresswoman said she toggled between Bioré in the summer and Beauty of Joseon in the winter — two Asian brands that employ active ingredients not approved for use in the United States.</p> </div><div> <p>“The technology is very sophisticated,” Ms. Ocasio-Cortez said. “You don’t feel like you have a layer of sunscreen on, and it kind of just feels like you’re putting on a moisturizer in that sense, which makes it easier to use.”</p> </div><div> <p>While sunscreen is regulated as a cosmetic in major skin-care hubs like South Korea, Japan and the European Union, in the United States, it falls under the purview of the Food and Drug Administration. Any drug product marketed to American consumers must be approved by the F.D.A., and because sunscreen <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun">“makes a drug claim”</a>&nbsp;— namely, that it can prevent sunburn, decrease the risk of skin cancer and mitigate early skin aging — the agency regulates it as an over-the-counter drug.</p> </div><div></div></p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem/page/2#post-2347248 Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:09:23 +0000 Angie 2347248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks very much, everyone! :)</p> <p>One way or another, I’m going to figure this out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem/page/2#post-2347136 Wed, 13 Dec 2023 13:24:06 +0000 Janet 2347136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have no helpful info for you but hoping you get a solution soon! That sounds so frustrating and uncomfortable! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem/page/2#post-2347131 Wed, 13 Dec 2023 13:15:11 +0000 Helena 2347131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm the same Angie ... It's so frustrating :(</p> <p>Curious about the Korean sunscreens as I have heard great things. I find mineral sunscreens do the job when I am doing really sunny things (like swimming) but they look terrible ... Baby sunscreen is my best bet otherwise. But none are perfect unfortunately ... I just end up living with some redness during sunny months. I don't use sunscreen day to day for this reason and rely on hats a lot in summer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem/page/2#post-2347098 Wed, 13 Dec 2023 01:32:50 +0000 bj1111 2347098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Swear by Korean sunscreen. Most Japanese sunscreens have too much alcohol or are too greasy for my preference </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem/page/2#post-2347093 Wed, 13 Dec 2023 01:08:14 +0000 Style Fan 2347093@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have sensitive skin, too.&nbsp; Every sunscreen I have tried, mineral and chemical, causes some reaction.&nbsp; Right now, my skin is flaking because of a sunscreen I tried.&nbsp; I prefer untinted, but I am desperate.&nbsp; I walk outside a lot.<br />Greenie, I have heard good things about Australian Gold.&nbsp; Maybe I will give that one a try. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem/page/2#post-2347082 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 22:29:19 +0000 greenie 2347082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I’m sorry, and I can relate! My go-to that doesn’t cause me to react is this:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YZQTKDJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&amp;th=1">https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod.....&#038;th=1</a></p> <p>It doesn’t have whatever chemicals in super goop and EltaMD that cause my skin to burn! And it works- I used it while in Hawaii for a week, and miraculously did not burn. It’s also creamy and moisturizing, a win for my 60 year old dry skin. Good luck on your quest! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem/page/2#post-2347075 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 22:12:31 +0000 Chiara 2347075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also have very sensitive skin, with rosacea, and live in a very sunny climate. And I like going to the beach!<br /> So I have different sunblock regimes for different situations, but the fundamental rule is apply moisturiser first, then apply a dedicated mineral sunblock. I find I’m more likely to react if I don’t have some sort of moisturiser buffering the sunscreen.<br /> Everyday, I use Ocosmedics mineral tinted on my face and untinted on my neck. The tint is a reasonable but not perfect match to my skin tone, so I then apply Jane iredale mineral powder on top- matches my skin tone, and a bit of extra protection, but not reliable on its own.<br /> At the beach, I use moisturiser, then a zinc base (Grahams sunblock for eczema prone skin), then surf mud. This is not elegant- I look like I’ve had bad fake tan applied- but effective against sun, salt and wind.<br /> A friend of mine who also has very sensitive, fair skin eventually found that she could use max factor panstick foundation as an effective block. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem/page/2#post-2347066 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 21:31:48 +0000 BrieN 2347066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You might try looking at the Website my dad the chemist. She is good at breaking down and giving information on ingredients </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem/page/2#post-2347061 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 20:46:57 +0000 Inge 2347061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so sorry you are having such a hard time finding something that will work for you, Angie. It's very tricky for sure. I'm trying to think of suggestions that haven't been mentioned yet, but am coming up empty... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem#post-2347052 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 18:46:48 +0000 ophelia 2347052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ugh, so sorry! I have Mystery Rash too &amp; drs are not much help!<br /> I haven’t read the comments yet &amp; know you will have dozens of recs, but when my skin was really having probs, my derm said to use Coppertone Baby 50SPF. It felt heavy &amp; moist, so may be good if your skin is dry. I’ve been trying the rounds for something lighter that doesn’t turn me bright red &amp; may go back to it again.<br /> Also, I used Neutrogenia something 100 SPF (not expired) &amp; got stuck in the March sun for 30 minutes—got sunburned. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem#post-2347051 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 18:39:28 +0000 Angie 2347051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all VERY much for your kind and empathetic comments. Also for sharing your stories, experiences, points of view, and recommendations. It is all MUCH appreciated!&nbsp;</p> <p>Sorry to hear that others are battling with sunscreens too. Hopefully, this thread is of some help to you.&nbsp;</p> <p>My apologies for not getting back to you individually, since I have to run. I am on a very tight schedule. Know that I am reading, processing, and considering EVERY nugget of wisdom on this thread. It can only help :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem#post-2347046 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 18:04:29 +0000 Catnip 2347046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie,<br />Like you, I have very fair skin, blue eyes and light golden blonde hair.&nbsp; Like you, I'm also allergic to sunscreen.&nbsp; I've tried many different brands and everything causes me to break out.&nbsp; Years ago, I gave up on sunscreen and focused on staying out of the sun.&nbsp; I wear sunglasses or glasses with a protective UV coating.&nbsp; Sometimes I wear a wide-brimmed hat.&nbsp; And I try to walk on the shady side of the street.&nbsp; Fortunately I've always hated the beach.<br />I'm probably one of your oldest readers.&nbsp; I just saw my dermatologist and he told me I have wonderful skin.&nbsp; Years ago he recommended Cetaphil products, which I've used ever since for cleaning my skin.&nbsp; I do not bother with moisturizer.&nbsp; I wear very little makeup, maybe just a flick of powder on my nose, mascara and lipstick,&nbsp; but certainly no foundation or any of those endless types of creams.&nbsp; My internist recently told me I look much younger than my age.<br />So what does this all mean?&nbsp; I believe that the junk many of us put on our faces is no better for us than all the junk food we eat.&nbsp; I believe that the "secret" to healthy looking skin is good health.&nbsp; No smoking, little or no alcohol and only once in a while, a healthy diet with little or no sugar and meat, lots of fruits and vegetables, and lots of sleep.&nbsp; Also, find a way to deal with stress.&nbsp; But that's just my opinion.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem#post-2347045 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 18:03:10 +0000 cat2 2347045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Trial and error on your face is the worst. I found keeping track of the ingredients in what I try helps. There are 2 different mineral sunscreen ingredients, several different chemical sunscreens, and then all the other ingredients that differ from lotion to lotion. I figured out I do better with minerals only, and then looked for versions without the long list of other ingredients my skin doesn’t like. For my body I use Banana Boat baby mineral sunscreen, as it has the fewest ingredients. For my face I am in another trial and error period, as my skin has gotten drier. My current best contender is Elta MD UV Clear Face; it’s baby safe. I survived a sample and about to try a whole bottle. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem#post-2347041 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 17:13:04 +0000 Laura 2347041@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have nothing to add in terms of suggestions but wanted to express my sympathies. Sunscreens are expensive and to purchase one only to find out you have an adverse reaction is so frustrating! Hope you can find a good solution. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem#post-2347038 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 15:43:04 +0000 Lisa W 2347038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Yah, I am on this team, too.&nbsp; Finally, I found one that works very, very well for me:&nbsp; Eucerin Age Defense, Hyaluronic Acid, 50 SPF. Specifically the version with<br /> Hyaluronic </p> <p>Acid.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Bonus that it is affordable in that I need to use this one only on my face, neck. I can use other more cost effective ones on arms and legs.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem#post-2347028 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 13:12:55 +0000 Jen 2347028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Angie, I assume you’ve tried it, but after a bad rash experience myself I use Ultrasun. Pricey but worth it for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem#post-2347019 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 12:15:17 +0000 lyn67 2347019@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry for it, Angie- but please know You are not alone.&nbsp;</p> <p> You certainly considered that your recent sensitivity can be also linked to changes in your diet, lack of vitamines or on the contrary the excess usage of certain supplements(?).<br />I have to confess, during all my years here on YLF&nbsp; I was always wondering&nbsp; how Y'all&nbsp; coped so well with a strict daily&nbsp; regimen of usually strongest&nbsp; sunscreens ever heard of me for your faces-.<br />That was never&nbsp; tollerable&nbsp; for me--but sunburned rushes also intollerable---and we all know these are NOT HEALTHLY at all. <br />Many years of try and error and I settled on&nbsp; drugstore moiturizing face creams with some included lighter&nbsp; SPF (15-max 30-L'Oreal, Nivea, Neutrogena)-for everyday and colder seasons- with&nbsp; addition of extra&nbsp; <b>La&nbsp;Roche Posay Anthelios SPF50-60</b>&nbsp;(<i><b>special facial)</b></i> products for the beach and vacations. These are working somehow- not causing me bigger problems at the moment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem#post-2347004 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 08:03:43 +0000 rachylou 2347004@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do like Mychelle. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem#post-2347000 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 07:22:50 +0000 Cee 2347000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I avoid the sun more than a recovering sunburn victim. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem#post-2346997 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 05:19:46 +0000 Carol 2346997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, here is&nbsp; the Mychelle link:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.mychelle.com/collections/sun-care">https://www.mychelle.com/collections/sun-care</a></p> <p>and here is All Good:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://allgoodbodycare.com/product-category/sun/">https://allgoodbodycare.com/product-category/sun/</a></p> <p>I am currently using the All Good anti-aging SPF 50 facial one.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem#post-2346996 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 04:28:18 +0000 Suz 2346996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie,</b> I'm so sorry you are dealing with this extremely frustrating problem. This is a great thread. i'm grateful for the brand suggestions.&nbsp;</p> <p>My own sunscreen issue is not quite as extreme but it is similar -- I hate facial sunscreens, because they hurt. I can wear sunscreen on my body successfully if I wash it off as soon as I come inside, assuming I am careful about the brand, formulation, etc. But wearing it on my face is awful. Pain, weepy eyes, itchy eyelids, etc. Sometimes, breakouts. No rash, per se, but my skin becomes unhappy.&nbsp;</p> <p>My "solutions" -- such as they are -- Clinique makes a facial sunscreen cream that works for me, sort of, if and only if I apply it extremely carefully, avoiding the eye area, and also if wash it off religiously at end of day, and do not touch my eye are after touching any skin that is covered in it. (Not. Easy.)&nbsp;&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.clinique.ca/product/1661/5854/sun/sun-protection/broad-spectrum-spf-50-sunscreen-face-cream?size=1.7_oz.%2F50_ml&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAg9urBhB_EiwAgw88mdjs8eo284OCUstOZj6zLDNaaesTMkpMC6B04ezA0kHf6OPXSGBwaxoC3d0QAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds">https://www.clinique.ca/produc.....en-face-cr</a></p> <p>When I say it works, I mean that in relative terms. It does sting. I know when I am wearing it. But it doesn't bother me the way that most do. And on the positive side, it is hydrating, rather than drying (which many seem to be, for me). And it does guard against the sun. It really works and does not need to be reapplied constantly.&nbsp;</p> <p>I try only to wear it in the summer or other times when I am going to be in the sun a fair amount. And at other times, I simply go without or "spot" sunscreen. I apply a Neutrogena stick on my nose, cheekbones, ears, back and front of neck. Sometimes if I'll really be in a sunny place (e.g. a sunnier climate than ours) or if I will be out in the sun a lot here (biking days)&nbsp; will layer the Neutrogena with the Clinique.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.neutrogena.ca/sun/face-protection/neutrogena-mineral-ultra-sheer-face-body-stick-sunscreen-spf-50">https://www.neutrogena.ca/sun/.....ck-sunscre</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem#post-2346992 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 03:53:58 +0000 rebekahphoto 2346992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Angie,<br />sorry to hear of your rash! I can empathize as my skin is super sensitive to the chemicals and the sun and I get all sorts of rashes&nbsp;</p> <p>I have also been looking for something I can tolerate better. I tried the Nivea Japanese one you recommended a while back, and while in Italy I had a horrible heat/sunscreen rash? while using it. hard to say what was the cause, as it was near 100 degrees and so sweaty</p> <p>I did buy a La Roche-Posay in Italy that seemed to be better.&nbsp;<br />It is the Athelios UVmune 400 50+ Fluide invisible sans parfum. I couldnt find the exact one on amazon, but maybe it is available online&nbsp;</p> <p>I'll be following along here to see if there are any other options. When Im teaching in the summer its so hot but I have to be outside and covered. The baby options or mineral ones seem good to try</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem#post-2346985 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 02:23:22 +0000 BrieN 2346985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm sorry to hear of your troubles with this Angie. For me it's been a slow, discouraging and expensive trial and error over the years.</p> <p>In the last few years I've tried about a dozen mineral sunscreens, the Elta MDs, the Isdin photo, and lots of others.&nbsp; And I am certain that what worked for me won't necessarily work for you - it so individual.</p> <p>I have rosacea so my face does like zinc/mineral sunscreens in general as long as they don't also include some of my triggers.&nbsp;I understand your dislike of tinted sunscreen, but I have yet to find an untinted mineral sunscreen that doesn't leave a white cast. People swear theirs doesn't leave a white cast, and then I buy it and I get a white cast....</p> <p>Oddly, considering it's a chemical sunscreen, I have recently had good luck with Supergoop unseen sunscreen and trader joe's dupe for it. Very surprised that this worked for me - and it wears nicely.&nbsp; (Supergoop matte screen was also ok but harder to wear (and tinted). Supergoop Play was a disaster).&nbsp;</p> <p>I haven't started the process of trying&nbsp; japanese sunscreens or baby formulations.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem#post-2346984 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 02:22:38 +0000 Jaime 2346984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a frustrating problem! In your sunny apartment you really need a reliable daily sunscreen even in winter. I have tried a lot of mineral sunscreens and have a hunch this is one of the least irritating (I am prone to psoriasis).&nbsp;<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Force-Shield-Superlight-Sunscreen-Cosmetics/dp/B09R4HGZYW">https://www.amazon.com/Force-S.....B09R4HGZYW</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem#post-2346983 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 02:15:37 +0000 Peri 2346983@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had the patch testing, with 4 results, and although it's hard to avoid the things I do much better when I can. I still suspect something else because I still have periodic trouble, so I know how hard it is to track down what is causing reactions. And with one of mine, it can outgas, so if I go in a room that's been painted within the last month or so, or go somewhere that certain cleaning products have been used, I can react from just what's in the air.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do have a sunscreen that works for me, but that's of doubtful help since we may react to completely different things. But I use Paula's Choice Skin Restoring Moisturizer in the Resist line, SPF 50.</p> <p>I've been through a stretch of time that started almost a year ago where 7 of my staple products got discontinued. It was ridiculous, one after another...hair products, face wash, sunscreen, etc. I'm still trying to replace some of them. It's a long and tedious search. Much empathy, sorry you are dealing with this.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-big-sunscreen-problem#post-2346981 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 00:44:40 +0000 SarahD8 2346981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My sister is the same way. It's a real thing and not an easy problem to solve. She has tried *everything*! You have my sympathies.</p> <p>I am sensitive to sunscreens too, to a lesser degree. I'm currently not wearing a daily sunscreen for this reason (I have been waiting for a patch of flaky eyelid skin due to a previous round of experimentation to resolve but... it's not).</p> <p>I believe I am sensitive to physical/mineral sunscreens. Recently I've sussed out that titanium dioxide seems to be a bigger problem than zinc oxide. I did ok with Burt's bees SPF 30 calming day lotion BUT I *must* wash it off at the end of the day. </p>