It’s official, it’s hot and I hope you are all enjoying this fantastic British summer weather. However if you have sensitive skin the sun and sunscreen can cause irritation, rashes, hives and prickly heat. Many sun blocks contain parabens, perfume and ingredients which irritate sensitive skin and even products which claim to be hypoallergenic can be problematic for those with eczema and very sensitive skin.
It’s a question I often get ask, what sunscreen do you use? What is the best sunblock for my child with eczema? Because let’s face it, buying sunscreen is usually a fairly expensive purchase so you don’t want to find on the first application that it makes the skin itch.
My best advice is to cover up when you can, wear a wide brimmed hat and sit in the shade whenever possible but sometimes you can’t avoid getting a bit of sun. Some exposure to the sun is actually very good for you. If you can get at least 20 minutes of direct sunlight you will boost your vitamin D levels, but any more than that and you should be protecting your skin from sunburn.
So here are four products you could try. I currently have Green People which I love. I almost cried when I recently lost a tube at customs which I’d forgotten was in my rucksack. Despite offering to eat some they wouldn’t let me keep it… I used to always buy Origins SPF20 natural mineral sunlotion but they appear to have discontinued it 🙁
Green people sensitive skin sunscreen SPF50
This is my favourite sunscreen at the moment and although it’s a bit pricey at £19.95 a tube, it lasts, is easy to use and doesn’t irritate my skin. A small price to pay for healthy skin.
This is what those Green People say about their sunscreen
Soothing and suitable for sensitive skin – scent-free
Moisture retaining for a longer lasting tan
Water resistant but not pore clogging
Green People Scent Free Sun Lotion SPF25 is made without parabens, alcohol (ethyl alcohol, ethanol), lanolin, methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, phthalates, artificial perfumes, petrochemicals and colourants to bring you the purest sunscreen that nature can offer.
It is made with organic Aloe Vera, Edelweiss, Green Tea, Rosemary extract & Beeswax, is completely scent Free and is also available in 20ml ‘Try me’ size, so why not try it and see?
Aloe Up has a minimum content of 35% pure Aloe gel, more than any other known sunscreen on the world market. Aloe is the same pH as human skin and when applied as a gel it stimulates the immune system to regenerate skin cells. It is a superb, healing moisturiser.
The Aloe in Aloe Up PRO sunscreen soaks into the skin so you can’t feel it on, providing a dry, non-greasy, naturally waterproof protective barrier to shield the skin from harmful UVA and UVB sunrays whilst retaining the Aloe’s superb moisturising qualities.
Because of its high Aloe content Aloe Up can be used sparingly and you don’t have to constantly reapply it during the day – a little goes a long way.
Made from Aloe that has been organically grown without pesticides or fungicides. Biodegradable.
FREE of PARABEN, OXYBENZONE and ALCOHOL. NO added FRAGRANCE. Tested only on humans.
I have seen this product in the shops too but not tried it yet. Light non-greasy fragrance free crème protects vulnerable skin with an effective, mineral-based sunscreen that acts as a natural UVA/UVB reflective barrier. Water resistant for 40 minutes.
This sunblock helps prevent sunburn and if used as directed with other sun protection measures (see Directions), decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun.
Fancy making your own natural chemical free sunblock? If you’re sensitive even to products like the ones above, if you just can’t wear any sunscreen maybe you could make your own? Visit the Wellness Mumma’s website for DIY sunblock
Wear a huge hat and sit in the shade – another good tip, avoid sunbathing and choose a really wide brimmed hat and find shade, it’s not really healthy to sunbathe anyway.
Aloe Vera gel can be a very effective relief if you do get sunburnt so I recommend always having some in the house. It will help soothe, cool and reduce some of that burning sensation.
Remember to always take special care of sensitive skin as it can burn easily. Slip, slap, slop and enjoy the summer while it lasts.
Which is your favourite sunscreen for your sensitive skin?
Author of 'Anaphylaxis: The Essential Guide: An Action Plan For Living With Life-Threatening Allergies' and 'The Shape of Skin, both available as paperback or Kindle on Amazon. Ruth is a Writer, Blogger and Patient Expert in allergies, asthma, anaphylaxis, eczema and topical steroid withdrawal.
Comments
Nathanaelsays
The only one that I can use is badger sunscreen, hard to find but easily the best.
I remembered this post and looked it up to see the recommendations again. I was interested in the Green People but when I found it listed on Amazon, it lists cinnamic acid. This made me wonder about the coumarin in cinnamon which can be so frightful and thinking of lathering this all over the skin could be horrible to some folks. And as with all things, there are some that are just allergic to cinnamon.
I agree about cinnamon. It is classed as one of the salicylates to which I am intolerant. Also many of the other ingredient lists contain alcohols that are too harsh for my skin
The only one that I can use is badger sunscreen, hard to find but easily the best.
I’ve never heard of that one Nathanael so I’ll look out for it and might add it to the list above it is looks like a contender ;o)
This the Badger balm Nathanael was talking about http://www.badgerbalm.com/s-29-about-badger-organic-sunscreen.aspx
Huge thanks to Hannah on Twitter for mentioning this one from Laroche Posay SPG 50 sun tan lotion https://www.laroche-posay.co.uk
Oh I forgot to say Weleda sun cream is very good too.
I haven’t tried that one but I know they do some good natural products. I’ll look out for it. Thanks Nathaniel
I remembered this post and looked it up to see the recommendations again. I was interested in the Green People but when I found it listed on Amazon, it lists cinnamic acid. This made me wonder about the coumarin in cinnamon which can be so frightful and thinking of lathering this all over the skin could be horrible to some folks. And as with all things, there are some that are just allergic to cinnamon.
I agree about cinnamon. It is classed as one of the salicylates to which I am intolerant. Also many of the other ingredient lists contain alcohols that are too harsh for my skin