Sunscreen and breakouts

Q. I have not been able to use sunscreen because it breaks me out. What do you suggest?

A. As I mentioned in last week’s column, I am often asked about how to navigate the summer and protect your skin. I am devoting several weeks of the column to these types of questions. One question I do get asked frequently is the question about skin that reacts to sunscreen. Many people have sensitivity to popular sun protection products. The most common allergic reaction to sunscreens is a reaction to papra-aminobenzoic acid or PABA. This is an active ingredient in many products. Fortunately, with the increased awareness of the dangers of over exposure to the sun the market place has responded and many choices of PABA free sunscreens are available. Preservatives, perfumes and alcohol can also provide problems for some people. The choices are not as vast when you are looking for preservative free products or fragrance free products but they are out there. You will most likely have to pay a little extra for these products but the benefit is worth the price. If you can’t find a product that works for you over the counter, ask your dermatologist to prescribe a sun protection cream for you. There are many options available. Wearing protective clothing and avoiding the worst times of day, 10am to 4pm are additional ways you can protect your skin. It’s worth repeating some of the tips I gave about sunscreens in last week’s column. Adults should use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, with 30 being more preferable. If you have dry skin, opt for a cream or lotion. If you have oily skin, try a gel product or an oil free lotion. If you are going to have long exposure time in the sun or are out during the most dangerous times of day then consider using a complete sun block like zinc oxide. It will stop all sunlight from reaching your skin. Think about the white sun block you see on the nose and shoulders of lifeguards. Apply all your sun protection 30 mins. prior to going in the sun and reapply every 2 hours. If you are perspiring or are in the water, reapply more often. Children under the age of 6 months should not use sunscreens without the advice of their doctor. These young children need to be covered and kept out of the direct sun. Next week I am going to deal with a question about protecting children from the sun so look for this information then. Summer time is about having fun in the great outdoors. Take the time to protect yourself and your family and enjoy.