Sunscreen allergy?

Bathlove

Hi. I wasn't sure where to post this question, so I've posted here and on the Health and Beauty board. I'm a lurker, and I need some help. I'm pretty sure I have a bad allergy to many sunscreens. I get a rash all over my face, and my face swells a lot. Just this morning it was so bad I had to go to the doctor to get a steroid to reduce the swelling. Well, old genius over here forgot to ask the doctor what kind of sunscreens might be best for sensitive skin. I'll call Wednesday to find out, but I'm also curious if anyone else has a similar problem. If so, what sunscreen works best for you? Thanks!! I'm desperate!

JoNi2010

I react to regular sunscreen, but for some reason I do not react to baby sunscreen.  Maybe you can try that?

Bathlove

Thanks! I'll be getting some.

tokenhoser

You could try one that's a physical sunblock rather than a chemical sunscreen. Blue Lizard is one brand - you want something that is just titanium / zinc oxide for active ingredients. The one I bought for my baby (Green Beaver) just has zinc oxide... which is the active ingredient in diaper cream, so I know it's pretty non-allergenic and baby safe.

K&C2005

Don't just buy any baby sunscreen my daughter has the same reaction you describe to sunscreen. We have tried baby sunscreen and it still causes a reaction. The only one we have found that works is California Baby fragrance free version. It is expensive so I mainly use this on her face and the Aveeno mineral sunscreen on the rest of her body. I cannot use the Aveeno on her face though. Hope that helps some.

bim38106

any chemical free / physical blocker sunscreen should be fine. Some of my fave brands: Badger, Blue Lizard, Cali Baby, Neutrogena Sensitive Baby. Of those, I feel like Badger and Neutrogena are 2 that rub in pretty well and w/out much white residue.

Bathlove

tokenhoser:

You could try one that's a physical sunblock rather than a chemical sunscreen. Blue Lizard is one brand - you want something that is just titanium / zinc oxide for active ingredients. The one I bought for my baby (Green Beaver) just has zinc oxide... which is the active ingredient in diaper cream, so I know it's pretty non-allergenic and baby safe.

I want to try Blue Lizard, but I haven't seen it in any SPF higher than 50. When I spend a lot of time in the sun, I like to use something greater than 60. I wish they had a higher SPF product. 

Bathlove

bim38106:

any chemical free / physical blocker sunscreen should be fine. Some of my fave brands: Badger, Blue Lizard, Cali Baby, Neutrogena Sensitive Baby. Of those, I feel like Badger and Neutrogena are 2 that rub in pretty well and w/out much white residue.

Just tried the Neutrogena Sensitive Skin baby in SPF 60, and I'm in love. I think this should do the trick. Seems to work pretty well, and isn't irritating my skin. Thanks!

JenD1018

Bathlove:

tokenhoser:

You could try one that's a physical sunblock rather than a chemical sunscreen. Blue Lizard is one brand - you want something that is just titanium / zinc oxide for active ingredients. The one I bought for my baby (Green Beaver) just has zinc oxide... which is the active ingredient in diaper cream, so I know it's pretty non-allergenic and baby safe.

I want to try Blue Lizard, but I haven't seen it in any SPF higher than 50. When I spend a lot of time in the sun, I like to use something greater than 60. I wish they had a higher SPF product. 

There have been multiple tests out there that show that any SPF over 30 is basically useless.  The key is to just keep reapplying.  Here is an article about it from the EWG website: http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/sunscreens-exposed/whats-wrong-with-high-spf/

In response to your original post, you are probably having a reaction the the oxybenzone.  Any sunscreen on facial moisturizer I used in the past that had this ingredient, I would break out in a rash and it would burn.  Definitely try physical blockers.  I really like Blue Lizard.  I also use and really like the Devita daily moisturizer with SPF 30.

shyntrue

Panama Jack Eco-Friendly is the only stuff I can use on my face.  And it is Dolphin friendly.  I think you can only get it online.