Sensitive Skin Sun Care
Keeping your skin protected in the summer is important, but for people with sensitive skin, it can be a battle. Stinging, redness and itching are just some of the side effects of poorly chosen sun care. It can seem like you are shopping blind when it comes to sensitivity-conscious products, so here are a few things to keep an eye out for during the summer months.
The Fewer the Better
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Whether it is sunscreen, lotion or deodorant, the fewer ingredients in a product, the less likely you will react to it. This is especially true for skin products that are fragranced. The chemicals that make a lotion smell nice are added for that reason alone and not optimized for use directly on skin. Some additives are known irritants for people with sensitive skin.
Particular ingredients to avoid:
- Alcohol
- Abrasive scrubs
- Menthol
- Citrus juices and oils
- Ammonia
- Arnica
- Be wary of any ingredient you have never tried before!
Oil Free, Problem Free
Oil-free sunscreens are safer for any type of problem skin because it doesn’t clog pores as easily to trap dirt or irritants and can be easily washed off. It may seem like a sunscreen contains oil because of a shiny appearance, but that is not always the case. Look for labels that say “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free.” Waterproof sunscreen is also a bad idea for sensitive skin for the same reason as oily sunscreen—it is difficult to wash off, and it will sit on the surface of the skin even after cleansing.
Patch Test
Before committing to any sun care regime, make sure you know how your skin reacts to the product. Testing on a small portion of skin either at home or with a professional will help determine what your skin reacts to. Even a product that has known ingredients can cause irritation due to the process of manufacturing or irritants it came in contact with.
Unknown chemicals or harsh irritants can be as dangerous as sun damage! Make sure to know what’s going on your skin, and shop with sensitivity in mind. Everyone’s body is different and every product is a different, so don’t be afraid to be picky. Your skin will thank you later!