Recommend to me a sun screen

[skywards]

that DOESN'T make me burn worse? Does such a thing exist? Seems like every one I've tried lately burns or stings or makes my face itch something awful. I am -wanting- to wear sun screen but just having a heck of a time of it the last few years!

[AbcdeDooDah]

I use Australian Gold. It's a physical sunblock rather than chemical.

[Tap]

We need more information.😎☀️

What is the skin like of the person who is wearing it? (Very white that burns easy vs skin with quite a bit of natural melanin?) Is your skin generally sensitive? 

What location are you wanting to apply it to (face? torso?)   Do you wear daily makeup and want it to go under your makeup? 

When are you wanting to apply the sunscreen and what are you wanting it to do for you? 

For example. If you are wanting to put a sunscreen on your face at 8am, and have it work for when run out the door to take kids to a soccer game at 4pm....that is not going to be easy. 

If you want a sunscreen to wear all over, when you go to the pool for 2 hours. And want to apply it before you leave the house about 30 minutes prior...that is easier. 

 

[popmom]

What are the active ingredients in the ones that irritate your skin?

I use Shunly brand on my face and neck for everyday protection. Zinc oxide is main active ingredient. It’s The only one I’ve ever tried that doesn’t leave a whitish cast. Otherwise for pool or beach days Blue Lizard sensitive skin is good.

I’ve heard good things about Elta MD products. 

Edited August 7, 2021 by popmom

[J-rap]

39 minutes ago, AbcdeDooDah said:

I use Australian Gold. It's a physical sunblock rather than chemical.

I was just coming on here to recommend the same thing!

[AbcdeDooDah]

8 minutes ago, Ordinary Shoes said:

I found this one to be super drying but I have dry skin and live in a very dry environment so I wouldn't recommend for anyone with dry skin. The tinted mineral sunscreen from Elta MD works better with my dry skin. 

If the OP's question is about facial sunscreen, there are many great options depending on what you want. I generally avoid American sunscreens for my face because I don't trust the chemicals in American sunscreens to do an adequate job protecting skin from my sun. I have ultra-pigmentation so can't risk any sun exposure. 

My favorite everyday sunscreen is the French version of LaRouche Possay Shakafluid. They sell Shakafluid in the US too but it's not the same as the European version. You can easily buy it online from companies that import from French pharmacies. 

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen is okay and I'll use it when it's not too sunny. It works very well under makeup. 

I've been meaning to try the Elta but it looks like I have to order online? Do you get it from dermstore? 

 

[prairiewindmomma]

I like Elta also, but I have gotten burned with it. I forgot to reapply after 2 hours.
 

I have very fair skin, so it doesn’t take much exposure for me. I burn through regular shirts if outside for more than 30 minutes. I have to wear sunblocking clothing on bright days. 
 

If I were you, I would try to figure out what you are reacting to. Odds are, I would guess you are reacting to all of the benzes if you are reacting to many brands. 
 

Physical sunscreens are generally best for sensitive people. You want a zinc oxide based one.

[Clarita]

3 hours ago, skywards said:

Seems like every one I've tried lately burns or stings or makes my face itch something awful.

It may be that you are allergic to chemical sunscreen. You'll want to look for physical sunscreen, zinc oxide/titanium oxide, mineral sunscreen. Basically something that'll give you that whitish cast (I've been burned in the past by ones that didn't). I use one that is tinted, that helps the whitish cast, it does make my face a little shiny a little powder takes care of that. I use Rōsilliance Mineral BB+ Cream Tinted Organic Sunscreen SPF 30 – COOLA.

[LuvToRead]

I avoid any US manufactured chemical sunscreen because I find they are irritating.   There is a Japanese sunscreen I like but I can't think of the name -- Biore Aqua Rich??  I can't remember for sure!  I am currently using the CeraVe tinted mineral.  I like it but I don't love it, but I have only used it a few times.  I do like the La-Roche Posay Anthelioss tinted  and the unscented Purito Comfy Water Sunblock - these are both mineral and available on Amazon. 

I have heard some very positive reviews of the Drmtlgy tinted mineral sunscreen and I think I may try this. 

[mmasc]

I agree that it is probably the chemical ingredients irritating your skin. Try a mineral-only sunscreen and see if that helps with the irritation. I like to go with tinted to offset the white cast and my favorite is Elta MD UV Elements. It’s not thick like some, it’s moisturizing but not greasy. It’s definitely my favorite of all the ones I’ve tried. 

[gardenmom5]

I have to have 50+.   I burn with 35.  (and yet, I will hear people telling me nothing above 35 is any stronger . . . . . . )

I like Neutrogena, and will go with block made for faces or babies.

[gardenmom5]

9 hours ago, Clarita said:

It may be that you are allergic to chemical sunscreen. You'll want to look for physical sunscreen, zinc oxide/titanium oxide, mineral sunscreen. Basically something that'll give you that whitish cast (I've been burned in the past by ones that didn't). I use one that is tinted, that helps the whitish cast, it does make my face a little shiny a little powder takes care of that. I use Rōsilliance Mineral BB+ Cream Tinted Organic Sunscreen SPF 30 – COOLA.

or rash guards.  my dd did those for awhile.  

[Pippen]

I have sensitive skin and I can use Neutrogena, but I have to reapply frequently. 

[skywards]

On 8/6/2021 at 8:47 PM, Tap said:

We need more information.😎☀️

What is the skin like of the person who is wearing it? (Very white that burns easy vs skin with quite a bit of natural melanin?) Is your skin generally sensitive? 

What location are you wanting to apply it to (face? torso?)   Do you wear daily makeup and want it to go under your makeup? 

When are you wanting to apply the sunscreen and what are you wanting it to do for you? 

For example. If you are wanting to put a sunscreen on your face at 8am, and have it work for when run out the door to take kids to a soccer game at 4pm....that is not going to be easy. 

If you want a sunscreen to wear all over, when you go to the pool for 2 hours. And want to apply it before you leave the house about 30 minutes prior...that is easier. 

 

Ehhh, its hard to describe me I guess. I'm fairly pale but tan quite easily but also burn easily? I've already got a decent tan because I'm outside a lot of the day year round. Yes my skin is definitely generally sensitive, but seems to be getting more so. I am wanting it for my face. I do not wear any makeup.  I'm wanting to apply in the morning and have it on for some protection. Basically, I don't want to look old 😂. I don't care if I have to reapply several times throughout the day.

[skywards]

On 8/6/2021 at 10:55 PM, prairiewindmomma said:

 

If I were you, I would try to figure out what you are reacting to. Odds are, I would guess you are reacting to all of the benzes if you are reacting to many brands. 
 

Physical sunscreens are generally best for sensitive people. You want a zinc oxide based one.

I would guess thats it? But I've also tried the zinc ones and they're pretty miserable too. In fact, they're almost worse? 

[prairiewindmomma]

Can u tell us what you have tried? Maybe we will find some other link…

[Clarita]

1 hour ago, skywards said:

I would guess thats it? But I've also tried the zinc ones and they're pretty miserable too. In fact, they're almost worse? 

Describe worse. Like a worse allergic reaction (burning sensation, hives, breaking out...) or worse as in doesn't work as well in terms of sun screening properties. 

I have discovered some zinc ones still put in some chemical sun screen. Even with the sunscreen I currently use I find I have to put on a layer of my moisturizer before I use it, otherwise I break out a little bit.  The bit of warning, if you do find a zinc one you are not sensitive to odds are you are going to want to apply a little powder or have it be tinted. A pure one is going to leave you with a white-cast and look a bit shiny (since this is how they work). I mean I've totally been lazy and not bothered, but it means I'm leaving the house with a pale glow.

[Moonhawk]

I'm using Obaji on my face and it's been working out for me, but ymmv. But I haven't been a red lobster after a few hours outside since I've started using it, and my skin is pale and fairly sensitive (no offense to red lobsters, of the eaten or restauranteur types).

[SoCal_Bear]

I can't do any sunscreen that is lotion based as my skin reacts in ways that you describe. I only used powder sunscreen which goes on like makeup powder. It sits on your skin. My dermatologist told me to use this when I was diagnosed with a sun allergy. 

This can be purchased from Amazon.

https://www.colorescience.com/?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google_search&utm_campaign=search&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6s2IBhCnARIsAP8RfAgk1w9Vl6uj6mqhNkl2CmY2J7TLB0ISBx9pNv4tXKOC3t0sgYWgppkaAiQjEALw_wcB

I also got Brush on Block at Costco when they were selling it. Similar to Colorescience.

https://brushonblock.com/products/brush-on-block

Most of the time, I wear a lot of hats, have a sunbrella, and sun protective clothing and sunsleeves from companies like Coolibar. I broke out in hives when I ran a few errands from just exposure on my lower legs not covered by my capris and my arms. It was just walking from the parking lot into the store. That's it. Probably totaly cumulative time was less than 15 minutes.

Edited August 11, 2021 by calbear

[skywards]

11 hours ago, Clarita said:

Describe worse. Like a worse allergic reaction (burning sensation, hives, breaking out...) or worse as in doesn't work as well in terms of sun screening properties. 

I have discovered some zinc ones still put in some chemical sun screen. Even with the sunscreen I currently use I find I have to put on a layer of my moisturizer before I use it, otherwise I break out a little bit.  The bit of warning, if you do find a zinc one you are not sensitive to odds are you are going to want to apply a little powder or have it be tinted. A pure one is going to leave you with a white-cast and look a bit shiny (since this is how they work). I mean I've totally been lazy and not bothered, but it means I'm leaving the house with a pale glow.

Like 'horrible burning' worse. It never really breaks out, it just stings and burns like all heck. 

[QueenCat]

I like Aruba Aloe. It really stays on and doesn't wash away as quickly as other brands. They have several different sunscreens, as well as after-sun products. And most of their products are Reef Safe.

[itsheresomewhere]

These are the main two out of the only three ones I can use on my face-

Suntegrity - Perfect for swimming and long outdoor activities.  

Skin Aqua ( fantastic for daily wear.  Goes on smooth, no whiteness film).  This is a Japanese brand one so it is usually easier to find on Amazon. 

[Clarita]

1 hour ago, skywards said:

Like 'horrible burning' worse. It never really breaks out, it just stings and burns like all heck. 

Sounds like allergies perhaps to the lotion part of the sun screen as opposed to just the sun screen chemicals. Not sure if a dermatologiest or a allergy specialist can help you determine what ingredient you are actually allergic to. Or you may have to go with clothing sunscreen. Like rash guards for swimming and wearing long sleeves and hats normally to keep the sun off.

[heartlikealion]

I don’t know but I usually buy Babyganics brand sold at Target. Just because the ingredients look better than several others.  

[kbutton]

We really like Blue Lizard.

My son gets lobster red if he tries to use an aerosol spray, so if you've been using one of those, that might be the problem. I assume it's something in the propellant that irritates his skin because it's not based on brand.