What can I do about sunscreen allergies?

Question

I love to be outdoors and am definitely a summer fan, but I am allergic to all the suncreens that I have used. I recently was using titanium dioxide for a couple of years with no problem but this year I suddenly began to get hives from it! Actually, that's not such a bad thing, because I also recently found out it's a carcinogen! I don't want to limit my summer fun because of this. I am fair skinned and I freckle easily. I would appreciate any help. Thanks.

Answer 1

Copy and paste the link or search words below, it will display an organic sun block: DDF Organic Sunblock SPF 30. It is chemical free. I have no financial interest is promoting this item, but I do have allergies, etc. so maybe this will help you.

Sun blocks are important in preventing skin cancers. You might consider a wide brim hat as well. Protect your face and especially your nose and ears. Reapply as needed after being in the water.

www.4derm.com/displaysingle.asp?criteria=12874&dr_id=1127GR

Or search using 'DDF Organic Sunblock SPF 30' and you will find multible sources.

Have fun in the sun!

Answer 2

I have allergies to sunscreens...all kinds. I've tried lots of different ones, zinc, titanium, that new helioplex one from Neutrogena. I break out in a rashes, especially on my face and neck. I'd be curious to find out what works for you. I've contacted my dermatologist about it and she didn't have a prescription sunscreen for me, and just said to keep trying what works. I did however have some good success with a product by Skinceuticals. Very pricey, about $30 a tube, but no rashes. I'm very fair skinned and (yikes!) got skin cancer a few years ago at a young age, so want to be careful and sadly try to avoid the sun as much as I can and wear big hats.

Answer 3

I am not allergic to sunscreen, but it make me break out and often makes my skin burn and sting. I just wear it anyways cause its better that sunburn, cancer and wrinkles!!!
It seems like the barrier blocks are less irritating, I think I used a zinc based block on my kids and that worked ok for me. Maybe you can try looking for natural children's sunscreen, or the organic stuff ,and wear a hat and keep your skin covered with UV blocking clothing (aka Photo-protective).
I saw on the news the other day they now have sunscreen pills!!!! so this could be your answer... provided you're not allergic to whats in the pills. Right now they dont sell them as as a sun screen replacement, just as additional protection, but its just a matter of time. I am going to look into these as I often forget to put the sunblock on, cause I will only do it if I "have to", but not as my daily routine of getting ready....

Sunscreen pills that offer sole and complete protection from UV rays are not yet available to the public. However, there are sunscreen pills now on the market that are intended for use in addition to lotions and creams. These sunscreen pills offer much more protection, because the majority of sunscreen users fail to use traditional sunscreen products properly. The consequences of neglecting to apply sunscreen lotion evenly or as often as necessary are thought to be neutralized with the use of sunscreen pills.

The sunscreen pills that are currently available on the market are designed to protect the skin from sun damage from the inside out. The biggest concern for sun damage is that deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is damaged by exposure to UV rays. When DNA is damaged, cells can potentially begin to grow abnormally, resulting in skin caner. Sunscreen pills do not screen or block UV rays as lotions do, but they strengthen and prevent the skin’s DNA from sun damage at the cellular level.

Sunscreen pills are generally composed of vitamins, organic chemicals and antioxidants that are found in many foods. However, maintaining a daily diet that consists of all the ingredients available in sunscreen pills is difficult. These ingredients are conveniently concentrated in sunscreen pills and often include the vitamins A, C, D and E; selenium, which is a photoelectric chemical; para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), a type of folic acid that absorbs ultraviolet light; beta carotene; and antioxidants found in green tea, carrots, beets and pomegranate that are proven to help fight cancer. Each brand of sunscreen pills contains its own combination and concentrations of various ingredients.

Sunscreen pills are not intended to replace sunscreen lotions or creams, because their effectiveness when used alone has not been proven. Many people who have tried sunscreen pills believe that they are beneficial in preventing sun burns, which are a sign of skin damage. There is no doubt that taking sunscreen pills daily as a dietary supplement prevents at least some damage, and the ingredients that they contain are healthful for many body systems other than the skin.

There is also a similar product called BioAstin. It's a dietary supplement that purports to reduce the negative effects of the sun by neutralizing free radicals at a subcutaneous level. BioAstin is made from an algae by-product called astaxanthin (pronounced asta-zan-thin).

Answer 4

You need to see a dermatologist. He will be able to prescribe a hypoallergenic sun block for you. At least he will be able to recommend a good over the counter one for you. Now a days with all the chemicals that go into sunscreen it could be any one of them causing this reaction! You may need to stay with something organic but that may be pricey too!!

Answer 5

I agree with Jozoey: You may indeed need a prescription sunscreen. If all else fails, wear loose clothing and broad-brimmed hats.

Good luck!

Answer 6

Use zinc oxide. It works great!

Answer 7

CHECK WITH THE PHARMACY IF YOUR ALLERGIC TO SUNSCREEN'S DON'T USE IT OR CHECK WITH YOUR DR