Can You Be Allergic To Sunscreen?
Sunscreen is meant to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays, but some people can be allergic to the ingredients in it, like fragrances and oxybenzone (via Healthline). If you find that you are allergic to sunscreen, there are a few things that you can do in order to still enjoy the benefits of sunscreen without experiencing an allergic reaction. First, you can try using a mineral-based sunscreen instead of one that contains chemicals. Mineral-based sunscreens work by reflecting the sun's rays away from your skin, rather than absorbing them like chemical sunscreens do. You can also look for sunscreens that are labeled "hypoallergenic" or "non-comedogenic," as these are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Finally, be sure to test any new sunscreen on a small area of your skin before applying it all over, as this will help you to identify if you are indeed allergic to it.
If you do experience an allergic reaction to sunscreen, the best thing to do is to immediately remove the sunscreen and wash the affected area with soap and water. You should then contact your doctor or a dermatologist for further treatment.
Why is it important to wear sunscreen?
No matter what time of year it is, it is important to remember to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. One of the best ways to do this is by wearing sunscreen. Sunscreen protects your skin from UVB and UVA rays, which can cause skin cancer, premature aging, and other skin problems (via Johns Hopkins Medicine). Most people know that they should wear sunscreen when they are going to be outside for a long period of time, but many people don't realize that they should also wear sunscreen every day, no matter how short of a time they will be outside. Even if you are only going to be outside for a few minutes, you can still get burned.
Sunscreen is not just for summertime either. You should wear sunscreen in the winter too, since the sun's rays can still harm your skin. In fact, snow can reflect the sun's UV rays, which can cause a sunburn even on a cloudy day. Sunscreen can help protect you from some of the most common forms of cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and it can be caused by exposure to UV radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. So make sure you wear sunscreen every day, no matter what time of year it is.