Sunscreens are an essential part of any skincare routine. Sun damage can lead to a number of skin issues like premature ageing and pigmentation. Thus, it’s necessary to always wear SPF (even indoors) and re-apply it whenever after every 2 hours for maximum sun protection.

While sunscreens don’t usually cause any side-effects, some of them can sometimes sting your face. It’s worse around your eye area because the skin is very thin there. However, this should not discourage you from wearing it every single day. If you’re experiencing a stinging sensation every time you apply sunscreen, here’s why it’s happening and how to deal with it.

 

Chemical sunscreen is a common allergen

Chemical sunscreen is a common allergen

Did you know - there are two types of formulations available in sunscreens:

  • Chemical sunscreens are made with ingredients like avobenzone, octinoxate and oxybenzone. They get absorbed into your skin, convert UV rays into heat and release it from your body.
  • On the other hand, physical sunblocks form a shield on top of your skin and reflect harmful UV radiations. They are formulated with minerals like minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Chemical sunscreens are regarded as a common allergen that can cause irritation on the face. Unless you’re swimming or playing sports, use a physical sunscreen for your daily needs. Use a lightweight formula like the Lakme Sun Expert Spf 50 Pa+++ Ultra Matte Gel Sunscreen. It blocks 97% of UV rays and keeps itchiness at bay!

 

You are too sensitive to irritants

You are too sensitive to irritants

Simply put, most active ingredients in your daily products — like acids, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide — are irritants. Protect your sensitive skin from these harmful ingredients as they can weaken your skin’s natural barrier. Prep your skin with ceramide-based moisturisers to boost its ability to absorb broad-spectrum SPF products.

 

You have unknown allergies

You have unknown allergies

If you haven’t found a sunscreen that works for you yet, you probably have unknown allergies from the ingredients. Take a trip to the dermatologist who can do patch tests to identify the culprit and then recommend an appropriate product.