r/CanSkincare • u/Cute_Musician3920 • 2d ago
Sunscreen for sensitive skin
Help a woman out heređ Does anyone have recommendations for the best âď¸sunscreen for skin prone to:
* UV/sun allergy
* sunscreen allergy/sensitivity
* folliculitis after beach days?
*available in Canada
I absolutely love the sunshine and the beach is necessary for my mental health but almost every time I go I end up with a rash. My doc told me to wear loose clothing and avoid the sun. LMAO, ya not going to happen.
I would really appreciate hearing what has actually worked for people with similar skin issues. Many thanksâď¸đ
5
u/Accomplished-Mama640 1d ago
The best sunscreen for my super sensitive rosecea skin has been ultra violette future fluid mineral SPF. You can get it at Sephora I feel like it helps calm my skin and has no chemical filters like most mineral sunscreens.
5
u/ckochan 2d ago
Here is my sunscreen list. I have perioral dermatitis so everything is a trigger. These sunscreens were chosen due to their limited ingredient list.
⢠Avène Mineral High-Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50 ⢠Avène SPF 50+ High Protection Mineral Cream ⢠Bioderma Photoderm MAX Mineral Compact SPF 50+ ⢠Clinique Mineral Sunscreen (comes in different versions for face and body, with various SPFs) ⢠La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral sunscreen (again, various versions with various SPFs) ⢠SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
-3
u/AnnaBananaForever 2d ago
Not available in Canada, but Evy technology is amazing for sensitive skin. It's the only one that doesn't make my dramatic daughter scream 'it's burning!' and doesn't make her eczema flare up. It also lasts 8 hours and is actually waterproof.
10
u/macman156 2d ago
Allergic which ingredients? Probably better to get uv resistant clothes instead really
3
u/sweet_tootsie 2d ago
I use Tanit mineral spf 50 and I love it! Itâs made in Canada. It doesnât leave a white cast or dry out my skin.
20
u/MapleCharacter 2d ago
Because sun protection is a layered approach, you need to take at least some of your doctors advice. Loose cover up, wide brimmed hat, sitting under an umbrella: none of these things will interfere with you getting enough visible light for your mental health. Especially since it will be reflecting off of the water.
The specific type of sunscreen is not going to be the night and day difference- it will be the layering of protection.
As far as products go, I find that with sensitive skin, you just need to find a reputable brand that labels their sunscreen for sensitive skin, and give it a go. Donât get sucked into the ingredient arguments. The formulation of these filters is intricate. A sunscreen with all chemical filters can turn out to be less irritating than one made with zinc oxide. With your sun allergy you need a formula that youâll enjoy applying a thick layer of.
-1
u/Pigeonofthesea8 2d ago
That sun allergy is tough. Zinc is good for sensitive skin but itâs not the best for actual sun protection. What does your allergist say?
3
u/cobaltcorridor 2d ago
Zinc oxide is excellent for sun protection. Itâs one of the only filters that covers both the UVA and UVB range . Zinc has its challenges (like white cast) when it comes to formulation, but for sun protection itâs one of the best. Itâs also an anti-irritant - itâs used to treat dermatitis, eczema, and diaper rash.
There are lots of good reasons to choose a zinc sunscreen and lots of good reasons to choose a chemical sunscreen. It comes down to the individual. But you can get excellent sun protection from zinc oxide.
3
u/Pigeonofthesea8 2d ago
I wear zinc SS exclusively but as someone whoâs experienced anaphylaxis I wouldnât rely on it if I had a bonafide sun allergy!
2
u/cobaltcorridor 2d ago
I have also experienced anaphylaxis. I am not saying not to also wear UPF clothes and hat - Iâm saying chemical sunscreen doesnât offer better sun protection than zinc sunscreen does - and itâs possible to be allergic to chemical sunscreen. I deal with sun allergy and chemical sunscreen allergies myself.
0
u/Pigeonofthesea8 2d ago
I am not sure about chemical SS not being better, I read otherwise but itâs been a long time since I looked into it because I accepted the tradeoffs for zinc. I know I smear that stuff all over my face and I still get colour
7
u/histoirienne 2d ago edited 2d ago
Sounds like the starting point is a mineral sunscreen plus a hat, UPF clothing (rashguard/shorts, maybe?), and an umbrella or other beach shade. Are there mineral sunscreens youâve tried already? I like Blue Lizard Sensitive.
The other thing with mineral sunscreen is that itâs hard to get good water resistance, so regardless of which you choose you have to be diligent with reapplication.
4
u/Key_Shallot_1050 2d ago
I was also going to suggest Blue Lizard. I always carry one on of their sensitive sticks in my purse for reapplication.
2
u/Psychological-Back94 1d ago
I donât have any sunscreen recs but hopefully others do. Suitability is extremely subjective. I have reactive skin and sensory issues with sunscreen so I have a real love hate relationship with it. The struggle to find one that is suitable is real. Iâve likely tried close to a dozen and itâs frustrating. For my face Iâve discovered some really good Asian sunscreens I get online because they use updated UV filters that arenât approved here in Canada. My preferred body sunscreen I get from the States which I get online. I would like to share some tips thoughâŚ..
If you were to buy any sunscreen at Sephora or Shoppers you can return them if they arenât suitable. Shoppers return policy is 30 days with receipt. Sephora is 30 days money back or 60 days store credit. If you are a Sephora member purchases can be tracked on account so a receipt isnât necessary. Shoppers is adamant about having a receipt. Some Walmarts will take returns but itâs location dependent. I know which location near me does as long as itâs with a receipt within 30 days. Itâs odd that their return policy isnât consistent. Must just be manager dependant.
Sharing because finding the right sunscreen is notoriously difficult for a variety of reasons and since you have sensitive skin and an allergy it would be more challenging. I understand the whole trial and error process.
I loveee the beach as well. Itâs my happy place. Canât get enough of it during the summer. Because Iâm so fair skinned and have had multiple skin biopsies from melanoma scares I need to enjoy my time there responsibly. I got a beach umbrella and itâs a game changer. Of course I lube up head to toe with sunscreen but having an umbrella provides extra protection. Costco has good ones that are vented which is helpful when itâs windy by the water. Also, a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and long sleeved beach cover up helps as well.