Wearing sunscreen is a crucial step in the skin care routine. But are all sunscreens safe? Sunscreen side effects have been a cause for concern for a while now. Chemical sunscreens with tetracyclines, phenothiazines, and sulfa drugs may do more harm than good. Therefore, it is important to know what goes into your sunscreen and how it affects you. Read this article to know more. Scroll down.
Related: How To Choose Sunscreen
How to Use Sunscreen:
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- Apply sunscreen all over the exposed skin.
- You must do this 30 minutes before going out in the sun.
- It is advised to re-apply with the sunscreen after swimming, sweating, etc.
- Even if you are indoors, keep re-applying sunscreen after every 4 hours.
In This Article
Side Effects of Sunscreen
Here are some of the side effects of sunscreen:
1. Allergic Reactions
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Sunscreens include some chemicals that can cause skin irritation such as redness, swelling, irritation, and itching. Some people develop severe allergic reactions with rashes and intense itching. This allergic reaction can be the result of chemicals found in sunscreens like fragrances and preservatives. PABAi XAn organic compound that is used to generate vitamin B9 (folic acid) and treat certain autoimmune diseases. is ideally used in many commercial sunscreens that can cause a high rate of allergic reactions. Hence, this is getting removed from many popular sunscreens of reputed brands(1), (2).
You can even buy sunscreens with the label ‘hypoallergenic’. Sunscreens that don’t contain PABA are often labeled, but some other chemicals can lead to an allergic problem (3). If you are not sure about the allergic reaction that may be caused by a sunscreen product, get a patch test done by a dermatologist. You can use sunscreens that contain zinc oxide, as they are less allergic.
Related: 14 Best Home Remedies For Skin Allergies | Causes And Symptoms
2. Sunscreens Can Make Acne Worse
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If you have acne-prone skin, some chemicals in the sunscreen product can worsen your problem. To get rid of this side effect of sunscreen, you can choose non-comedogenici XThe property of a skin product that doesn’t clog your pores or lead to breakouts while allowing the skin to breathe. and non-oily sunscreens. It is suggested to use a sunscreen best suited for your skin type. Avoid using body sunscreens on the face, as these are too heavy (4).
Stylecraze SaysIf you have acne-prone skin, you may also choose a day cream with SPF instead of layering with two different products.Related: 13 Tips And Remedies To Prevent Acne And Pimples Naturally
3. Eye Irritation
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Getting sunscreen into the eye can cause pain and irritation. This can also lead to burning and temporary sensitivity to light. Some claim that chemical sunscreens can also cause blindness. If the sunscreen gets into the eyes, rinse them thoroughly with cool water or see your doctor (5).
Stylecraze SaysYou may also use artificial tears to flush out the sunscreen. If you feel uncomfortable, place a wet or cool cloth on your eyes for some relief.
4. Increases The Risk Of Breast Cancer
Sunscreen includes ingredients that can have estrogenic effectsi XThe effect of the hormone estrogen, which can act as a catalyst in the cancerous mutation of healthy cells and help them multiply and spread. on breast cancer cells. Some sunscreens can have effects on blood estrogens levels. Avoid using chemical sunscreens on your children, as their skin tends to absorb the chemicals instantly (6).
5. Pain in Hairy Areas
There are varieties of sunscreen that can be confusing to choose from. They are also available in many forms like gels, lotions, sprays, ointments, creams, and wax sticks. It is your personal choice to choose the type of sunscreen. Gels are best for hairy areas like the scalp or the male chest. Some sunscreens can lead to tightening or drying of the skin and can cause pain in hairy areas.
6. Pus in the Hair Follicles
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This is a rare side effect that occurs. However, it is not usually due to sunscreen. You need to consult a dermatologist immediately if you are experiencing any pain or discomfort.
Tips To Avoid The Side Effects Caused By Sunscreen:
- Wash off and stop using the sunscreen if it causes redness or irritation.
- Talk to your doctor or seek the pharmacist’s advice about using a new sunscreen.
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours if you are outside for long periods.
- If you are using the lip balm form of sunscreen, apply it on the lip area only.
- Choose Sunscreen for your children very wisely.
- Avoid using sunscreen on kids younger than 6 months.
- Choose oil-free and non-comedogenic sunscreen if you have oily skin.
Infographic: Possible Side Effects of Using Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an essential part of your daily beauty routine that no one should ignore. Protecting your skin from UV damage is necessary. The question now is whether all of the sunscreens on the market are safe to use. Today, a lot of specialists discuss the potential adverse effects of sunscreen. Some of the compounds they contain can be much more harmful than beneficial.
To learn about the drawbacks of sunscreens, scroll down and read the infographic below.
Sunscreen is an integral part of your skin care routine. However, not all sunscreens may be good for your skin. Some may cause serious side effects due to the ingredients used to make them. Sunscreens may cause allergic reactions, worsen acne, affect blood-estrogen levels, tighten your skin, and cause pus-filled blisters. You may have to follow the tips mentioned above to get rid of sunscreen’s side effects. It is always best to use chemical-free sunscreens to avoid allergic reactions. Always do a patch test before using any new product.
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