![]() ![]() Once you’ve selected a possible sunscreen, the next step is to apply a patch test before using the sunscreen more extensively on the rest of your body. The active blocking ingredients should feature zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, as opposed to alternative non-organic chemical compounds excluded by the Seal criteria. If you have experienced topical irritation due to the alcohol content, consider trying an alcohol-free mineral sunscreen with NEA’s Seal of Acceptance. How do you choose a sunscreen if you have eczema?įor someone living with eczema, finding the right sunscreen may involve some trial and error. ![]() These doctors are members of the American Contact Dermatitis Society.” To find a member of the American Contact Dermatitis Society in your area, go to. “Testing products used on the skin such as sunscreen is almost exclusively done by dermatologists with an interest in patch testing and allergic contact dermatitis. Yu recommends speaking with a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in this area. One ingredient that has been found to cause photoallergic contact dermatitis is octocrylene,³ especially in adults who use lotions with the drug ketoprofen octocrylene has also been found to trigger a contact allergy in children.³ Consider avoiding all products that contain octocrylene, as this ingredient is not allowed in any Seal of Acceptance products.įor those who would like to determine whether their reaction to sunscreen is due to an irritant or allergic reaction, Dr. Yu also advised people with eczema to be aware of a rare allergic reaction called photoallergic contact dermatitis.”² This occurs when ingredients in the sunscreen remain inert and harmless on your skin until the UV rays activate them and cause flaring in your skin. Certain sunscreens include these chemicals to absorb the sun’s rays 1, as opposed to mineral sunscreens that use ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to deflect the sun. He said that chemical filters such as oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), avobenzone and benzophenone-4 can sometimes lead to a delayed allergic reaction. Yu also noted that some people do have allergic reactions to the active ingredients in sunscreen, too, though this is less common. With a skin test or blood test, an allergist can help identify the specific ingredients to avoid in the future. In the event of an allergic reaction, you may need to consult with an allergist. The reaction is usually characterized by itching.” ![]() “The most common allergens are usually the inactive ingredients such as fragrances and preservatives. “Allergic reactions to sunscreen are rare and typically occur within a few hours or days,” said Dr. The flaring is typically caused by an ingredient that takes longer for the skin to absorb. In the case of an allergic reaction to sunscreen, the symptoms may appear more slowly. The NEA Seal of Acceptance TM Product Directory does not allow any sunscreens with alcohol and can help inform your individual search. Yu recommended using “thicker sunscreen balms such as sticks,” and looking for sunscreens labeled “sensitive skin.” The best course of action would be to find a sunscreen without any alcohol at all. “There is little to no regulation for this labeling.” Dr. “The amount of alcohol in a sunscreen is difficult to suss out just by reading the ingredients alone,” Dr. Looking for a sunscreen without alcohol, or a minimal amount of alcohol in it, can be challenging. “They’re often characterized by stinging and burning.” This is usually caused by a high alcohol content in the sunscreen. “Irritant reactions occur immediately,” he said. Yu explained that irritant reactions to sunscreen are the most common. ![]()
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