5 Side Effects of Using Sunscreen and Tips To Use Sunscreen Correctly

Nobody wants to skip applying sunscreen, which is a crucial step in your regular skincare routine. Protecting your skin from UV damage is essential.

Is it safe to use all of the sunscreens that are currently on the market? The potential side effects of your sunscreen have recently been highlighted by various studies.

Many sunscreens, such as those that contain sulfa medications or tetracyclines, can do much more harm than benefit.

To reduce the possibility of harmful side effects, it is imperative that you test the best sunscreen for your face. You can use sunscreen creams to protect your skin against skin cancer and sunburn.

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Why Sunscreen Cause Side-Effects?

The harmful impact that sunscreens have, can be related to their chemical components. These chemicals are used to cover the skin with a barrier that will block UV rays.

These side effects are very common in those with sensitive skin types. The ideal way to apply sunscreen to reduce the risk is as follows:

How to Use Sunscreen:

Apply Sunscreen all over the skin.

This must be done 30 minutes before spending time in the sun.

Reapplying sunscreen is recommended after swimming, sweating, etc.

Apply sunscreen again every four hours even if you are indoors.

Side Effects of Using Sunscreen

Since sunscreen cream is designed for external use, there may be some initial side effects, especially if you use a product that isn’t right for your skin. Common side effects include:

1. Allergic Reactions

The sunscreen contains several chemicals that can make your skin bloated, red, itchy, and irritated. This can lead to a variety of allergic reactions, including strong itching and severe redness.

Preservatives and certain fragrances are frequently to responsible for this redness and other skin conditions. For instance, PABA, a key ingredient in many sunscreens, is the main factor behind several allergic reactions.

This is the reason why many sunscreen formulations remove this ingredient.

2. Sunscreens Can Make Acne Worse

Some of the chemicals in sunscreen products can make your acne worse if you have skin that is prone to it. You can choose non-comedogenic and non-oily sunscreens to avoid this negative effect of sunscreen.

Use the sunscreen that is most suitable for your skin type, experts advise. Because they are extremely heavy, body sunscreens shouldn’t be applied to the face.

3. Eye Irritation

When sunscreen gets in the eyes, it can cause pain and irritate them. Additionally, burning and temporary light sensitivity may result from this.

Some people claim that chemical sunscreens can lead to blindness as well. If sunscreen gets in your eyes, thoroughly rinse them out with cool water or visit a doctor.

4. Increases The Risk Of Breast Cancer

In some cases, it has been seen that the ingredients of sunscreen can alter oestrogen levels and affect breast cancer cells.

Therefore, take extra care while applying chemical sunscreen to children’s skin because their skin is a great absorber of harmful chemicals.

5. Pain in some Areas of the skin

There are currently many different sunscreens available on the market, making it difficult to choose the one that is best for you.

Additionally, there are many different forms in which these sunscreens could be purchased, including creams, gels, lotions, ointments, sprays, and wax sticks.

So, according on your skin type, you can choose any. Gels are the best product to use on places like the male chest or the scalp.

The hairy areas of your body may experience excruciating pain from the various side effects of these sunscreens, such as tightening or drying up your skin.

How To Get Away With The Side Effects?

If applying the sunscreen leads in redness or irritation, wash it off and stop using it.

Talk to your doctor or the pharmacist for guidance before using a new sunscreen.

If you plan on spending a lot of time outside, reapply sunscreen every two hours.

Apply sunscreen exclusively to the lip area only, if you’re using the lip balm type.

Make very smart sunscreen selections for your kids.

Sunscreen shouldn’t be applied to children under the age of six.

If you have oily skin, pick a non-comedogenic, oil-free sunscreen.

Sunscreen for Oily Skin

The best sunscreen for each skin type differs, just like other skin care products.

Finding the best sunscreen cream for oily skin can be challenging, especially if you already have oily skin, as it exacerbates skin problems and leaves behind an oily, sticky residue. However, this does not mean that you should never use sunscreen.

Find out what works best for you by putting it to the test. The best sunscreen frequently has UVA and UVB protection. For the best and safest results, use sunscreen with an SPF of 50.

Conclusion

Your skin care routine must include sunscreen. Not all sunscreens may be healthy for your skin. Because of the chemicals used to produce them, some could have negative side effects.

Sunscreens can worsen acne, worsen allergic reactions, change blood oestrogen levels, tighten skin, and result in pus-filled blisters. To remove the negative impacts of sunscreen, you might need to stick to the above recommendations.

To prevent allergic reactions, it is always better to use chemical-free sunscreens. Never use a new product without first performing a trial run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Sunscreen Make Your Skin Darker?

Maybe. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some substances, such zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, may temporarily darken your skin.

Is SPF Harmful to the Skin?

There is no evidence that sunscreen use would be harmful. The body can absorb some chemicals from different sunscreens, according to a 2020 FDA study, but no harmful health effects have been proven.