Which sunscreens are suitable for sensitive skin?
March 6, 2022 | 35,00 EUR | answered by Nina Endres
Dear Dermatologist,
I am reaching out to you because I have been having issues with my sensitive skin for some time now and I am unsure which sunscreen would be best suited for me. My skin often reacts sensitively to various substances and tends to get red and irritated, especially when exposed to the sun. I have tried various sunscreens already, but they often cause a burning or itching sensation on my skin.
I am very concerned because I know how important a good sunscreen is to protect my skin from damage caused by UV rays. Especially now in the summer, I want to make sure that I am using a suitable sunscreen to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage.
Could you please recommend which sunscreens are specifically suitable for sensitive skin? Are there specific ingredients I should look out for or avoid? What level of sun protection factor do you recommend for my skin?
I would be very grateful for your expertise and advice to protect my skin as best as possible. Thank you in advance for your help.
Kind regards,
Selma Bittner
Dear Ms. Bittner,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the correct sunscreen for sensitive skin. It is understandable that you are concerned about your skin and want to ensure that you protect yourself from the harmful effects of sun exposure.
For sensitive skin types, I typically recommend sunscreens that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin. These products often do not contain irritating or allergenic ingredients and are therefore gentler on the skin. Make sure that the sunscreen is free of fragrances, parabens, mineral oils, and other potentially irritating substances. Instead, you can look for products with soothing ingredients such as panthenol, aloe vera, or chamomile, which can calm the skin and reduce irritation.
Another important point is the sun protection factor (SPF) of the sunscreen. For sensitive skin types, I usually recommend a higher SPF, at least SPF 30. This provides better protection against UV rays and reduces the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Remember that it is important to reapply the sunscreen regularly every few hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
It is also advisable to use broad-spectrum sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can lead to premature skin aging and skin cancer, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburn. A good sunscreen should be able to ward off both types of rays.
It may also be helpful to perform a patch test to determine which specific ingredients your skin reacts to. This way, you can avoid products that could irritate your skin.
I hope that this information helps you in selecting the right sunscreen for your sensitive skin. If you have any further questions or need additional advice, I am happy to help. Thank you for reaching out to me.
Best regards,
Nina Endres
