Which sunscreens are best for sensitive skin?
July 6, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Bernd Schlosser
Dear Dermatologist,
My name is Felix Eder and I have been suffering from sensitive skin for years, which reacts very sensitively to sunlight. Every time I expose myself to the sun, I quickly get sunburned, which is not only painful but can also damage my skin in the long run. I have tried various sunscreens, but so far none of them have really helped.
My skin tends to react quickly and become irritated, especially by chemical ingredients in sunscreens. Therefore, I am looking for a sunscreen that is specifically suitable for sensitive skin and at the same time provides effective protection against harmful UV rays. I am concerned about the health of my skin and would like to know which sunscreens you can recommend to me.
Can you please recommend some sunscreens that are suitable for sensitive skin and provide high protection against UV rays? Are there specific ingredients I should look for or certain products that are particularly well tolerated? I want to protect my skin as best as possible and am willing to invest in high-quality sunscreens that are good for my skin.
Thank you in advance for your help and recommendations. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Felix Eder
Dear Mr. Eder,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding a suitable sunscreen for sensitive skin. It is understandable that you are concerned about the health of your skin and are looking for a solution that provides effective protection against UV rays and is also well tolerated.
Sensitive skin prone to sunburn requires a particularly high sun protection factor to ward off harmful UV rays. It is important to look for sunscreens with a high sun protection factor (SPF), ideally SPF 30 or higher. Additionally, you should ensure that the sunscreen is broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against both UVB and UVA rays.
When choosing a sunscreen for sensitive skin, it is advisable to pay attention to certain ingredients to avoid allergic reactions. Recommended ingredients include zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as they act as physical filters and reflect UV rays instead of absorbing them. These minerals are often better tolerated by sensitive skin compared to chemical filters that may be present in some sunscreens.
Some brands specifically formulated for sensitive skin and offering good tolerance include Eucerin, La Roche-Posay, Avène, or Bioderma. These brands have special sunscreen products suitable for sensitive skin that provide high protection against UV rays. Before using a new sunscreen, however, I recommend conducting a patch test to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction to certain ingredients.
It is important to apply sunscreen regularly and generously, especially before outdoor activities and after swimming or sweating. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours and make sure to not neglect sensitive areas like ears, neck, and lips.
I hope this information helps you find the right sunscreen for your sensitive skin. If you have any further questions or require individual advice, I am happy to assist.
Best regards,
Bernd Schlosser
