

It’s no secret that the sun (in moderate doses) provides all sorts of health benefits, including helping our bodies manufacture vital vitamin D.


And since sunscreens don’t tend to stain, it’s best to stick to any sunscreens with artificial fragrances - and avoid using them. Many products are designated as safe for the face and body if a brand says this on a product label, then continue using it from head to toe.Īny shopper with sensitive skin knows that two of the most common ingredients to avoid in skincare are artificial fragrances and dyes. With all that in mind, however, you can tackle the opposite: Why not use a face-specific sunscreen on your entire body? That way, you’re only using the most sensitive choices on your entire outer shell. That’s because the face is much more sensitive than the body, and it needs formulas that honor its fragile nature. So if you prefer a chemical, mild product, just avoid those two ingredients.įor the same reason, you shouldn’t use shower gel as a cleanser, you should avoid using a full body sunscreen on your face. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), these two chemicals are most likely to cause an allergic reaction. So when buying one, keep an eye on reviews for a real, legitimate one that is “free” (as they will all claim to be).įinally, in terms of chemical options – as some can wear nice and others can cause irritation – it is especially wise to avoid oxybenzone and benzophenone-3. Second, some of them leave a white cast on their skin (and the darker the person’s skin tone, the more pronounced this contrast is). However, it should also be added that mineral sunscreens tend to be “heavy” on the skin than chemical sunscreens. (The latter is particularly gentle on the skin.) Usually, in terms of sun protection, it’s safer to prefer zinc oxide, but a ZO-balanced formula with titanium dioxide can be good for sensitive skin. These two important mineral ingredients are also gentler on the skin. Mineral sunscreens sit on top of your skin rather than absorbing them (like chemical sunscreens) where they will deflect UV rays instead of absorbing them. The safest thing to do is to blanket all chemical sunscreens and buy mineral-based shields instead (those that use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide). If you’re using a chemical-based sunscreen, it’s possible any of its active ingredients can cause irritation. How to choose the best sunscreen for sensitive skin If that’s what you’ve heard, our condolences – and here’s our guide to sunscreens for guys with sensitive skin.

This is only good for preventing sunburn – but can lead to a week of bad skin. But too often, when a beach day comes, it flies out the window and they use whatever sunscreen is available at the drug store. They know how to exfoliate, avoid perfume, and find the right cleanser for their skin. They know that including a little bit of an irritating ingredient can lead to a rash, itching, pain, or breakouts. It’s easy to overlook the best sunscreen for sensitive skin, which is funny, since people with easily irritated skin are often the most ingredient-conscious shoppers.
