No good deed goes unpunished, as they say. For instance, when you responsibly apply sunscreen to your exposed skin, it sometimes stings.
“Complaints of sunscreen stinging are not uncommon,” says Dr Aditi Senthilnathan, board certified dermatologist at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. “We also hear about sunscreen causing burning or stinging around the eyes after sweating.”
You might wonder if it’s worth being so sun smart. But this is not a reason to give up on SPF, experts warn. Here’s what you need to know about why sunscreen can cause discomfort.
Why does sunscreen sting sometimes?
While most people tolerate a variety of formulas well, some experience burning or stinging with certain products, said Dr Sungat Grewal, double board-certified dermatologist and co-director of the UCSF Dermatology Laser & Cosmetic Center.
“Not all sunscreens are formulated the same,” Grewal said. “Two products with the same SPF can feel very different on the skin.”
Sometimes, the stinging is related to the sunscreen itself. Formulas that are alcohol-based, or include certain UV filters and/or preservatives can be irritating for some people, especially if they have sensitive skin, said Dr Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, double board-certified dermatologist and founder of Houshmand Dermatology & Wellness in Dallas, Texas.
Some manufacturers add non-active ingredients to create a certain consistency or scent, said Dr Joyce Teng, professor of dermatology at Stanford University. “Those things can potentially involve skin irritation,” she said.
Certain groups are likely to be more sensitive to sunscreen formulations, said Houshmand, including those with rosacea or eczema-prone skin, those who are undergoing acne treatments, or those using active skincare ingredients such as retinoids, exfoliating acids or benzoyl peroxide. Overcleansing or using too many active ingredients can disrupt the skin barrier, which in turn makes the skin more sensitive and less able to tolerate certain products.
What should you do if your sunscreen stings?
There are two types of sunscreen: chemical and physical (or mineral). Chemical sunscreens are made with, well, chemicals, such as oxybenzone and avobenzone. They protect the skin by absorbing the sun’s rays and preventing them from reaching the skin. Physical sunscreens, on the other hand, are made with minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide, and protect the skin by reflecting ultraviolet light from the sun and away from the skin.
Those experiencing burning or stinging from sunscreen may benefit from switching from a chemical sunscreen to a fragrance-free, alcohol-free physical sunscreen, said Senthilnathan. “Zinc oxide and/or titanium oxide are less likely to cause stinging and irritation,” she said.
She also recommends using a water-resistant sunscreen to prevent the product from dripping into your eyes and stinging when you sweat. If sunscreen does drip into your eyes, rinse them out with water.
Applying a gentle moisturizer to your skin beforehand can also help serve as a skin barrier and improve comfort, said Grewal.
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But if your skin has an extreme reaction, it’s time to call in the professionals. “If sunscreen causes a rash, swelling, itching or persistent burning, that may suggest irritation or contact dermatitis, and the patient should see a board-certified dermatologist,” said Houshmand.
How do you make sure sunscreen actually works?
Whether it’s chemical or physical, experts agree that the best sunscreen is the one you will use every day – ideally, multiple times a day.
There are certain requirements it should meet. Experts recommend finding a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, meaning it protects from both UVA and UVB rays; and has an SPF of at least 30, which blocks roughly 97% of UV rays.
When it comes to application, Houshmand said that for the face and neck, “most adults need two finger lengths of sunscreen”. For the body, aim for a shot glass amount.
Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before sun exposure, Houshmand said, and reapplied every two hours, or sooner after swimming, sweating or towel drying.
“Sunscreen is only one part of sunscreen protection,” she adds. “I also recommend seeking shade, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and UPF clothing.”
