Hello

I've discovered recently that I appear to be allergic to suncream.

The first one I used that did this was the Ambre Solaire Milk for Sensitive (:mad: go figure!) Skin 30spf+.

Then I tried the new Banana Boat Continuous Spray -Coconut flavour - spf 30+ and had the same reaction. And this time I put on the suncream, went for my swim, had a shower and washed it off so max 45mins with it on - and still had a reaction!

I have googled 'suncream allergies' and found that other people appear to be allergic to PABA. I think this must be close to right for me too as my foundation is SPF 10 and I've never had a problem so it must be a particular ingredient.

A few years ago i was using Ego Sunsense Daily Face (was a matte formula) and never had a problem, but I'm not a bit worried about trying it again just in case I have yet another reaction. :o

Has anyone had any similar problems - and know of any suncreams that might help? It's turning out to be a costly search for me (and not pleasent with the reaction - very itchy hives that I have to take an antihistamine for and am out for a whole day/night recovering!).

Any help would be great otherwise I think I might try my luck with the Ego Sunsense again...

Thanks

Hello

I've discovered recently that I appear to be allergic to suncream.

The first one I used that did this was the Ambre Solaire Milk for Sensitive (:mad: go figure!) Skin 30spf+.

Then I tried the new Banana Boat Continuous Spray -Coconut flavour - spf 30+ and had the same reaction. And this time I put on the suncream, went for my swim, had a shower and washed it off so max 45mins with it on - and still had a reaction!

I have googled 'suncream allergies' and found that other people appear to be allergic to PABA. I think this must be close to right for me too as my foundation is SPF 10 and I've never had a problem so it must be a particular ingredient.

A few years ago i was using Ego Sunsense Daily Face (was a matte formula) and never had a problem, but I'm not a bit worried about trying it again just in case I have yet another reaction. :o

Has anyone had any similar problems - and know of any suncreams that might help? It's turning out to be a costly search for me (and not pleasent with the reaction - very itchy hives that I have to take an antihistamine for and am out for a whole day/night recovering!).

Any help would be great otherwise I think I might try my luck with the Ego Sunsense again...

Thanks

Hi there,

By reading your message it does sound like you're allergic to the UV filters used in sunscreens. You're right about the PABA but there are people who are also allergic to the other UV filters. Have you tried zinc block? Do you also get the same reaction? If not then I would try to find a sunscreen that uses micronised zinc or titanium dioxide. I believe megan gale has released a clear sunscreen based on micronised zinc or titanium dioxide.
It may be a bit of trial and error but I would go and apply a small amount of sunscreen to your wrist and observe for any irritation. Ask the chemist for some samples. You need to keep a record of what you've used and read the ingredient list as you may find a trend.
Furthermore some people can acquire a allergic reaction to a product overtime.
Sorry I can't be more specific but I would need to see the ingredient listing of the products you've used to give you a more direct answer. Hope this helps.

Belusha
Skin care specialist

Thanks belusha... I'll hit the local chemist tomorrow and see what they can do for me in the way of samples.

I'll have to start keeping a list of ones I use that don't work and the ones that do - and stock up on supplies of the good ones! I don't have any at home at the moment that I'm not allergic to and managed to get rather burnt over the weekend (not happy with myself!).

Much appreciated! :hearts:

Hi Nattieb - Another one to try is by Paula's Choice - paulaschoice.com.au. You can purchase sample sizes for 50 cents. She has broad spectrum ones and also the titanium dioxide and zinc one. I use the broad spectrum one for normal/dry skin and it's wonderful. No smell, no oil, no greasiness. You can use these products on the body as well. You could also be allergic to the fragrances used in the products as well. Often suncscreens are very highly perfumed. Good luck and hope this helps.

Hi Bizilizzy,

Some people are allergic to fragrances but in this case I think the real culprits are the UV filters. But Nattieb I think you should try the titanium or the zinc based sunscreens to see if you are allergic to those too. Good point about the fragrances. I think a lot of people over look them.

Cheers,

Hey nattieb,
Definitely try Megan Gale Invisible Zinc - we've never yet had anyone return this with an allergy. It doesn't have any of the chemical UV filters that are usually the problem in sunscreen allergies. :hugs:

Hi Nattieb, I also have allergies and find the most suitable sunscreen for my skin is the Sun Sense Milk Mist SPF 30+ by Ego. It was recommended by my Pharmacist and was so inexpensive ( $ 6.20 ) that the product snob in me was sceptical. Oh, and it is Australian made.
Isn't it fab that this forum has members who are ssssoooooooo willing to share both personal experience and professional opinions!! :typing:

Thanks everyone! :encore:

I'm going to ask the chemist for some samples, and might give the SunSense another go - seeing as I didn't have problems a few years back. It's so hard - you try to be good with suncream only to have this problem!

Thank goodness for this site and all the help you can get! :worship:

Hi there,

I dont have sensitive skin but have never been able to use the Garnier/Ambre Solaire products without irritation. Same with Banana Boat. Ego is ok for me but my daughter reacted to the Ultra (red one). Hamiltons sensitive is definitely worth trying. No probs there. Make sure you take it back if you have a reaction, they will be able to refund you and pass on reaction to the company. Good luck!