Help: Big Sunscreen Problem :( - YouLookFab Forum

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Help: Big Sunscreen Problem :(

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I am allergic to a particular ingredient(s) in sunscreen, and it's VERY hard to pin down which. I was always sensitive to it, and it's gotten soooo much worse as I get older.

I break out in a bumpy, burny, red itchy rash on my face and neck, which is where I apply the sunscreen

If I leave off the sunscreen, my face normalizes in a few days, and the rash stays away - until I apply sun screen......

I've been sunscreen-free - and rash free - for three weeks. It's astounding! My skin feels great. It is cold and grey in Seattle, so no sun anyway. Hence no problem going without, for now.

I've been to three top dermatologists over the years, and had extensive and complicated "patch testing" done too. Unfortunately, none of the specialists recommendations, or the test results were helpful.

I came across this thread on Reddit, and the comments were inspiring. I am soooo NOT alone in this:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Skinc.....every_suns

I've tried almost all the recommended ones for very sensitive skin, and nothing has worked so far.

I haven't tried baby, or some types of Asian sunscreen yet - as was recommended in the Reddit thread. That might be next.

I'm not looking forward to trying these sunscreens though. Don't want another rash.

AND, I am sun-unfriendly too. If I go out into the hot Summer sun without sunscreen, I get another type of rash. That's why I cover up in the sun!

Thank goodness, I have a few great Summer hats!

And thanks for making it this far!!!

Does anyone have a similar allergy, and sunscreen recommendations?

General

42 replies

Latest reply was from BlueJay

Dee

Veteran

I totally identity with what you’re going through. My skin is super sensitive to any makeup and I have to carefully select my cleansers and moisturizers as well. I think this was all due to a bad reaction to an antibiotic I had been prescribed many years ago that caused my face to swell. I haven’t been able to find a suitable sunscreen, even the mineral types and baby formulations, that wont cause red blotches to break out on my face afterwards. I basically try to stay out of the sun and wear hats as my main sun protection. Sadly I have no solutions to offer you.

Carol

(website)

Veteran

I work in health, beauty and vitamins at a health food store.

While I can’t speak much to individual ingredients, I can say quality seems to correlate with price. Two brands that feel very mild, that make a variety for both face and body, would be All Good and Mychelle.

Runcarla

Veteran

Because I have very sensitive skin, I’ve always gravitated towards products marketed for children or infants - including sunscreen. Over 30 years ago I was using an SPF 60 product intended for children’s bodies on my own. (It was called NO AD. Not sure if it’s still being made.) Haven’t found one I like as much, but have settled on an Aveno product recently.

Ket

Veteran

I don’t have a similar allergy but I do have sensitive skin. Do you mainly use chemical sunscreens or mineral sunscreens? That can make a huge difference. I buy all of my skincare of Art of Skincare. They offer returns on products. (I believe up to 30 days?) they’re all licensed estheticians with
extensive experience and training. I don’t typically find derms helpful for skin care and skin conditions, beyond an initial diagnosis. And I say that after suffering with horrific cystic acne for years. I would reach out to AOS and see if or what they recommend.

Do you have mast cell issues?

Anonymous

It might be the reactions of the ingredients together, not just one thing, that's making it hard to identify.

I only use sunscreen when outside for hours, not on a daily basis. I've only had a couple sunburns in my life, so use it mainly cause you all would yell at me for not

phoebe

Sensitive skin, rosacea, have tried only mineral sunscreens but have tried many.

Currently having success, no itchy eyes or puffy, red eyelids, no extreme drying with Badger Baby Mineral spf 40, slightly "diluted" with moisturizer. Very few ingredients and it's the least expensive, least "fancy" one I've tried.

I can imagine you would be reluctant to keep testing! 24 hour patch tests on the inside elbow are not reliable?

Roberta

Veteran

An online friend had very similar troubles with sunscreen and found that switching to a purely mineral sunscreen made all the difference for her. This is one of the brands she uses and loves: CoTZ SPF 50, https://www.ulta.com/p/flawles.....38;irgwc=1

She also recommends going to Ulta or Sephora and demanding samples of everything you think might work, so you're not shelling out for a $30 tube when you might not be able to wear it.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks, everyone!

I have used mineral and chemical sunscreens, and have noticed a difference.

Urghh. Dee. Sorry! You are in the same boat as me. Hope this thread helps you too.

Carol, when you have a moment - maybe you can share links of the exact products?

Ket, I looked at the site, and might very well reach out to AOS! I have nothing to loose.

Carla and Phoebe, I've ordered that baby sunscreen. I will test it next year. And Phoebe, my patch testing was a four day ordeal

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks, Roberta. The one recommended is tinted, and I don't wear tinted anything. Skin is naked now! Appreciate your chiming in.

Suntiger, it may well be! Very hard to pinpoint.

merwoman

Veteran

Angie, I posted this on Irina’s thread:

Angie and Style Fan, have you tried kids sunscreen formulation? I swear I have the most sensitive skin around ( thank you rosacea), but with the advent of grandchildren have discovered that I can wear garnier’s ombrelle for kids with no issues. I purchase a two pack container from Costco every spring.

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Hadilly

I am super sensitive to mineral sunscreen. I broke out horribly after using an all mineral sunscreen highly recommended by EWG. I stick with Laroche Posay. It would be helpful if you share which brands you have tried already.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I haven't, Merwoman! Certainly seems like a good idea

Hadlily, I've tried the Laroche Posay sunscreen that was recommended on the forum a few years ago. I had the same allergic reaction. Thanks for chiming in though!

SarahD8

Veteran

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.

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).

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.

Peri

Veteran

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.

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.

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.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

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).
https://www.amazon.com/Force-S.....B09R4HGZYW

BrieN

Veteran

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.

In the last few years I've tried about a dozen mineral sunscreens, the Elta MDs, the Isdin photo, and lots of others. And I am certain that what worked for me won't necessarily work for you - it so individual.

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. 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....

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. (Supergoop matte screen was also ok but harder to wear (and tinted). Supergoop Play was a disaster).

I haven't started the process of trying japanese sunscreens or baby formulations.

rebekahphoto

Veteran

Hi Angie,
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

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

I did buy a La Roche-Posay in Italy that seemed to be better.
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

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

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Angie, I'm so sorry you are dealing with this extremely frustrating problem. This is a great thread. i'm grateful for the brand suggestions.

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.

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.) https://www.clinique.ca/produc.....en-face-cr

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.

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) will layer the Neutrogena with the Clinique. https://www.neutrogena.ca/sun/.....ck-sunscre

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Angie, here is the Mychelle link:

https://www.mychelle.com/collections/sun-care

and here is All Good:

https://allgoodbodycare.com/product-category/sun/

I am currently using the All Good anti-aging SPF 50 facial one.

Cee

Veteran

I avoid the sun more than a recovering sunburn victim.

rachylou

Veteran

I do like Mychelle.

lyn67

Veteran

Sorry for it, Angie- but please know You are not alone.

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(?).
I have to confess, during all my years here on YLF I was always wondering how Y'all coped so well with a strict daily regimen of usually strongest sunscreens ever heard of me for your faces-.
That was never tollerable for me--but sunburned rushes also intollerable---and we all know these are NOT HEALTHLY at all.
Many years of try and error and I settled on drugstore moiturizing face creams with some included lighter SPF (15-max 30-L'Oreal, Nivea, Neutrogena)-for everyday and colder seasons- with addition of extra La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF50-60 (special facial) products for the beach and vacations. These are working somehow- not causing me bigger problems at the moment.

Jen

Hi Angie, I assume you’ve tried it, but after a bad rash experience myself I use Ultrasun. Pricey but worth it for me.

Lisa W

(website)

Yah, I am on this team, too. Finally, I found one that works very, very well for me: Eucerin Age Defense, Hyaluronic Acid, 50 SPF. Specifically the version with
Hyaluronic

Acid.

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.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

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.

cat2

Veteran

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.

Catnip

Veteran

Angie,
Like you, I have very fair skin, blue eyes and light golden blonde hair. Like you, I'm also allergic to sunscreen. I've tried many different brands and everything causes me to break out. Years ago, I gave up on sunscreen and focused on staying out of the sun. I wear sunglasses or glasses with a protective UV coating. Sometimes I wear a wide-brimmed hat. And I try to walk on the shady side of the street. Fortunately I've always hated the beach.
I'm probably one of your oldest readers. I just saw my dermatologist and he told me I have wonderful skin. Years ago he recommended Cetaphil products, which I've used ever since for cleaning my skin. I do not bother with moisturizer. I wear very little makeup, maybe just a flick of powder on my nose, mascara and lipstick, but certainly no foundation or any of those endless types of creams. My internist recently told me I look much younger than my age.
So what does this all mean? I believe that the junk many of us put on our faces is no better for us than all the junk food we eat. I believe that the "secret" to healthy looking skin is good health. 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. Also, find a way to deal with stress. But that's just my opinion.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

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!

Sorry to hear that others are battling with sunscreens too. Hopefully, this thread is of some help to you.

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

ophelia

Veteran

Ugh, so sorry! I have Mystery Rash too & drs are not much help!
I haven’t read the comments yet & 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 & 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 & may go back to it again.
Also, I used Neutrogenia something 100 SPF (not expired) & got stuck in the March sun for 30 minutes—got sunburned.

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