What To Do If You Are Allergic To Sunscreen

If you can't wear sunscreen due to an allergy, you can always opt for UPF clothing and swimwear instead! Read all about what to do if you're allergic to sunscreen on our blog today.

Rhonda Sparks

February 21, 2023

Did you know if you can't wear sunscreen due to an allergy that you can wear UPF 50+ swimwear and clothing instead?

Daily application of sunscreen is just one the most effective way to prevent skin cancer, and if you can't apply it due to a skin allergy, you're in luck. UPF clothing can help! Today, we go over what to do if you're allergic to sunscreen.

What Causes a Sunscreen Allergy?

An allergy can either be triggered by a combination of the sunscreen and UV exposure, called phototoxic reaction, or one of the ingredients in your sunscreen, called contact dermatitis. The latter is easier to fix, while the former may need professional assistance.

Sunscreen and Itchy Skin

Which Ingredients In Sunscreen Are Most Likely to Cause an Allergy?

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, the most common cause of allergic reactions from sunscreen are due to:

Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3)
Dibenzoylmethane
Cinnamates (UVB absorbers)
Benzophenones (scatters and absorbs the sun's UV rays)

Some other ingredients including PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid), octocrylene, salicylates, and fragrances have been shown to cause allergic reactions as well.

How to Make Sure You Aren't Allergic to Sunscreen

You can check for a sunscreen allergy by doing a patch test at home by applying sunscreen to a small area of your skin and making sure you do not develop a reaction. If you already know which ingredients you are allergic to, you can select sunscreens that don’t contain those ingredients. You can check our other blog for tips on how to read a sunscreen label.

Allergy-Free Sunscreen

CōTZ® sensitive SPF 40 mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide protects and soothes sensitive or easily irritated skin, making it a great allergy-free sunscreen choice. It's gentle and leaves a soft, sheer finish. It is dermatologist recommended for even the most sensitive skin.

How to Protect Your Skin if You Can't Wear Sunscreen

Here are some tips on how to protect your skin if you can't wear sunscreen due to an allergic reaction:

Avoid the sun as much as possible, especially between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM.
Cover-up with sun-protective clothing that is certified UPF 50+.
Wear a sun hat that has a wide brim.
Wear sunglasses with UV protection.
Be sure to use a UPF 50+ cover-up, such as a sun shawl when outside.

How UPF Clothing Can Help if You're Allergic to Sunscreen

If you find yourself unable to use sunscreen due to an allergy, you don't have to worry about sun damage thanks to UPF 50+ swimwear and clothing. At UV Skinz, we are proud to share that all our UPF clothing is third-party tested, so you know it's rated a UPF 50+, the best UPF rating you can find.

Shop our collection of UPF clothing for the entire family online today.