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Some research is, of course, required to understand which ingredients can irritate and which dont.
Photo: Courtesy of Ingu Chen and Fujio Emura
And, of course, they dont leave a white cast that might wash you out.
Mineral Unseen Sunscreen
Supergoop!
The experts are in agreement that if you have sensitive skin, you should stick with mineral sunscreen.
Mineral sunscreen contains no chemicals that frequently cause irritation and allergic reactions in the skin, explains Dr. Greenfield.
What to look for in a sunscreen for sensitive skin
Chemical vs.
Mineral
For sensitive skin, King generally recommends mineral sunscreens as well.
Key Ingredients
Protection doesnt mean you have to compromise on hydration.
Breakouts can result from any ingredient in the product, not just the active sunscreen components.
Other emollients, fragrances, preservatives, or additional ingredients can also cause breakouts.
Look for non-comedogenic on the label.
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are both non-comedogenic.
King also warns to be wary of expiration dates.
Lotions, creams, and gels are preferred over sprays, which can result in skipped areas.
Should I wear sunscreen if I have sensitive skin?
I recommend facial sunscreen every single day, rain or shine.
Is SPF 50 too much for sensitive skin?
Products with higher percentages of chemical actives can be more aggressive and lead to irritation.
A quality broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 blocks 95-97% of UV rays.
What sunscreen should you use if youre allergic to the sun?
When thats not feasible, UPF clothing, hats, and umbrellas are always recommended.
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