Summer is all about spending time outdoors at the pool, beach, and park. Since the sun's rays are so damaging, part of your daily routine should be lathering up with sunscreen. The job of sunscreen is to absorb harmful ultraviolet radiation from penetrating your skin, but not all sunscreens are created equal. In fact, many sunscreens on the market include ingredients that can cause allergic reactions in some people.
A sunscreen allergy can appear as a contact allergy or a contact photoallergy. With a contact allergy, you get a rash where the product is applied. A photoallergy is due to an interaction between sunscreen chemicals and sunlight. An allergy may appear when you first start using the sunscreen or at any time. Signs of a sunscreen allergy may include red skin, swelling, itching, and fluid-filled blisters.
If you think you are allergic to a specific chemical in your sunscreen, your doctor or allergist can perform a patch test to see what is causing the reaction. They may suggest using another form of protection to keep your skin from burning. Ultimately, the goal is to find a sunscreen without the bothersome chemical. Physical sunscreens that contain zinc and titanium dioxide are not known to cause allergic reactions and are a good option.
Brush On Block® is a mineral-based sunscreen containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It is housed in a self-dispensing brush and offers broad spectrum SPF 30, providing some of the safest sun protection available. If sunscreen allergies have got you seeing red, try Brush On Block every morning and enjoy the sunshine.
