Side Effects of Using Sunscreen You Should Be Aware Of
Applying sunscreen is one of the healthiest ways to protect your skin from the sun. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, a good sunscreen with strong UVA and UVB protection can protect you from sunburn, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other age-related symptoms, and lower your risk of skin cancer (FDA).
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, there are more than five million new cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) diagnosed in the United States each year.
Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater, says the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). For everyday use, physicians recommend a mineral sunscreen containing zinc and titanium.
According to Piedmont Healthcare, mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, shield the skin from the sun’s rays and are less irritating and hydrating than chemical sunscreens, which operate by absorbing the rays and converting them to heat in the body.
To protect yourself from the harmful side effects of using sunscreen, you need to apply it properly, and we’ll teach you how to do that.
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How to Apply Sunscreen Properly
- Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin areas.
- This must be done 30 minutes prior to going outside in the sun.
- After swimming, sweating, or other activities, it is recommended that you reapply sunscreen.
- Even if you’re inside, you should reapply sunscreen every four hours.
Side Effects of Using Sunscreen
- Risk of Breast Cancer Increases Manifolds
Some of the ingredients in sunscreen may have estrogenic effects on breast cancer cells. Some sunscreens may have an influence on estrogen levels in the blood. Chemical sunscreens should not be used on youngsters since their skin absorbs the chemicals quickly.
- Acne Flares Up
If you already have acne-prone skin, some chemicals in sunscreen may aggravate your condition. You can avoid this sunscreen side effect by using non-comedogenic and non-oily sunscreens. It is recommended that you wear sunscreen that is appropriate for your skin type. Body sunscreens should not be used on the face since they are too heavy.
- Hair Follicles Develop Pus
Sunscreens can cause itchiness on the skin, which can turn into bumpy red rashes. Around the hair follicles, they can potentially evolve into pus-filled blisters. So the experts recommend being careful using sunscreen.
- Irritates Eyes
Sunscreen in the eyes can cause discomfort and inflammation. Burning and a transient sensitivity to light are also possible side effects. Chemical sunscreens, according to some, can also cause blindness. If the sunscreen gets into your eyes, immediately rinse them with cool water or consult your doctor.
- It Pains Hairy Areas
It might be difficult to find the right sunscreen because there are so many options. Gels, lotions, sprays, ointments, creams, and wax sticks are just some of the options. The type of sunscreen you use is entirely up to you. Gels are ideal for places with a lot of hair, such as the scalp or the male chest. Some sunscreens can cause skin tightening or dryness, as well as pain in hairy areas.
- Triggers an Allergic Reaction
Sunscreens contain chemicals that can irritate the skin, causing redness, swelling, irritation, and itching. Some patients experience severe allergic responses, including rashes and itching.
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Chemicals in sunscreens, such as perfumes and preservatives, can cause an allergic reaction. Many commercial sunscreens contain PABA, which can induce a high rate of allergic reactions. As a result, several well-known sunscreens from well-known manufacturers are being phased out.
Sunscreens labelled as “hypoallergenic” are also available. Sunscreens that don’t include PABA are usually labelled as such, however other compounds can cause allergic reactions. If you’re not sure if a sunscreen product is causing an allergic response, have a dermatologist do a patch test. You can use zinc oxide sunscreens because they are less allergenic.
- You Could Develop Skin Cancer
Some specialists worry that some of the sunscreen’s ingredients will be absorbed through the skin, causing inflammation, hormonal instability, and potentially skin cancer. More research on the safety and effectiveness of these compounds has recently been requested by the Food and Drug Administration. According to publicly available scientific studies, oxybenzone is the most dangerous sunscreen active component.
Some Tips to Avoid Sunscreen Side Effects
- If the sunscreen produces redness or irritation, wash it off and cease using it.
- When it comes to wearing a new sunscreen, consult your doctor or a pharmacist.
- If you’re going to be outside for an extended amount of time, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
- If you’re applying sunscreen in the shape of a lip balm, only use it on your lips.
- Choose sunscreen carefully for your children.
- Avoid using sunscreen on children under the age of 6 months.
- If you have oily skin, look for a sunscreen that is oil-free and non-comedogenic.
- Go for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. An SPF15 blocks 95% of UVB rays, and while we presume that doubling the SPF doubles the protection, an SPF30 only adds 2% to the protection. Increasing the SPF from 50 to 100 only adds 1% to the protection.
- The FDA has found that any increase in sun protection above SPF50 is minimal, and has suggested regulations limiting the maximum claim to SPF50+. Using a sunscreen with a higher SPF than SPF15 gives little additional protection and puts you in danger.
- Organic sunscreens absorb UV radiation chemically. Over time, this chemical reaction diminishes its effectiveness and causes a slew of other undesirable chemical reactions. These sunscreen chemicals should be avoided: Homosalate, Octisalate, Oxybenzone, Octocrylene, Padimate O, Octinoxate, and Methoxycinnamate are all examples of avobenzone.
- Keep in mind that SPF only refers to protection from UVB (burning rays) and not UVA (ultraviolet radiation) (ageing rays). Despite the fact that UVA radiation does not induce sunburn, it does lead to long-term skin damage and cancer. To ensure both UVA and UVB protection, always use a sunscreen labelled Broad Spectrum.
Wrapping Up
We hope this article helps you out in the future when you’re using sunscreen and you try to follow these instructions as much as possible. Do share your feedback in the comments.
Filed under: Skin Care, Tips and Myths
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