SPF and facial skin irritation

[#1]

I may be wrong, but I've noticed a connection between using products with SPF and irritation on my face. When I use products with SPF, I get an irritation on my face, along with whiteheads, and a tingly sensation on my skin. (I try to use oil-free facial products for sensitive skin, btw) This also happens when I use one of my favorite cosmetic lines, Bare Escentuals. I love their products, but I will have to stop using the ones with SPF because I believe it may be the cause of my irritation. I am going to switch to foundation and concealer without SPF, and I've had to stop using facial moisturizers with SPF also. I just cover my skin up as much as possible when in the sun, or I use an umbrella to keep the sun off.

What do you think? Has anyone else experienced facial irritation from SPF?

[#2]

I am suffering with the same issue. I am trying desperately to find a SPF 30 for face that doesn't break me out.

I just purchased the NARS Proprime SPF 30 and over the last 4 days it's done horrible things to my skin so that is out.

I don't know which way to turn next. I'm tempted to try the Lavanilla SPF for face, but it's a 45 which may end up a bit think and sticky for face. The reviews seem mixed. Does anyone have additional suggestions?

[#3]

I have sensitive combo skin and have been using Shiseido's Ultimate Sun Protection SPF55 for a little over a year now with no problems.  It's light-weight and doesn't make me sticky, which is an awful feeling esp. in the summer months.  It also doesn't strip my nail polish like some sunscreens do (ex. PTR Uber DRY).  It can look kind of white if you don't rub it in well, which is most of the time for me since I am always in a hurry in the morning.  My remedy for the "casper" problem is mixing two drops of foundation into the sunscreen, rub btwn y palms, then rub all over my face.

I have also used the Clarins Mineral Sun Protection (the untinted one and I think it's SPF 45??).  It is even more lightweight than the Shideido, so my skin smooth to the touch after application.  After a few minutes, it feels like you have absolutly nothing on your face.  This was 2 years ago, and I have read in the reviews that Clarins changed their formula and it irritated a few people, which is a  shame.  This was the reason I didn't repurchase; I was afraid that it was going to irritate my skin and went with my tried and true Shiseido.

Shiseido also makes a SPF 60 that is even lighter than the 55.  It is in a liquidy form, like the Clarins. 

I have also heard very good things about the Aveeno sunblocks for sensitive skin.  I have not tried them personally, but I have a friend with psoriasis who swears by it.

Oh, and don't forget your ears! 

[#4]

You're definitely not alone! Some people can get irritated by chemical sunscreens, such as the ingredients avobenzone or oxybenzone. Try looking for sunscreens with a physical sunscreen, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Do a patch test before using it all over, but physical sunscreens typically are less irritating than chemical sunscreens. If you still get irritation, ask your doctor!

[#5 · Accepted solution]

Hi Adhayes84,

I think that this is definitely a possibility.  I have heard of some clients experiencing sensitivity to products that contain a sunscreen. I would recommend to stop using your products that contain an SPF and consult your dermatologist immediately. I hope that this suggestion is helpful.

[#6]

Yes, it had happened to me, especially whenevert it comes to foundations (normally certain moistuizers I can deal with the sunscreen in).  As for Bare Minerals, I had to bring it back immediently.  I broke out really bad from it.  As suggested above, I would see a dermatologist and see if they can help you out.  Hope it goes well!

[#7]

Yes.  In my case it depends on the type of sunscreen. The ones that start with oxy (oxybenzone especially) tend to cause little red bumps under my eyes and along the cheek area.  In short, you are not alone on this.

However, I've been able to tolerate ones with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in them. If you cannot even stand those, the best thing is to cover up.  I've even seen people go as far as wearing lightweight gloves to cover their arms.  There have been some cute hats at most stores lately so it should not be too difficult to find one.  Plus if there are sales on resort wear, it is a good place to look for sunhats.