Can Sunscreen Cause an Allergic Reaction?

Sunscreen protects your skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. But it’s possible that you may need to … well, protect yourself from certain sunscreens.

A small percentage of people experience an allergic reaction or skin irritation when using sunscreen, primarily from chemicals or fragrances in the product. The effect is felt by 1% or less of adults.

If you’re among that group, you undoubtedly have questions about what’s going on and what to do next. Let’s get some answers from family medicine specialist Amanda Valdes, MD.

Can you be allergic to sunscreen?

Your body can respond negatively to a sunscreen. Most reactions can be chalked up to skin sensitivity to sunscreen ingredients, including chemicals (such as oxybenzone) that guard against the sun’s UV rays.

But in rare cases, a sunscreen ingredient may activate your body’s immune system and trigger an allergic reaction, says Dr. Valdes. Fragrances are typically the most common allergen, researchers found.

An allergic reaction often brings more serious symptoms than a sensitivity reaction.

“If you’re reacting to sunscreen, it’s to something very specific within that product,” explains Dr. Valdes. “It doesn’t mean all sunscreens will cause you problems. It means that one specific product might not be the best for you.”

Ironically, some sunscreen reactions might not begin until your skin is exposed to sunlight after applying the product. This sort of photoallergic reaction falls under the umbrella of sun allergies.

Symptoms of a sunscreen reaction

The most common allergic or sensitivity skin reaction to sunscreen is a rash. “We often see redness in a pinpoint type of pattern that’s typical in cases of contact dermatitis,” reports Dr. Valdes.

Other symptoms could include:

• Swelling
• Itching
• Blisters
• Hives

Allergic reactions to sunscreen can cascade into full-blown anaphylaxis, which can include difficulty breathing and demands immediate medical attention. But again, this level of response is rare.

Reactions to sunscreen can begin within minutes after applying the product or be delayed for up to a day. “It really depends on the person,” notes Dr. Valdes.

What to do if you react to sunscreen

If you’re having a serious allergic reaction that affects your breathing or makes you feel faint or unsteady, the priority is getting immediate medical attention. Dial 911 or emergency services to get the help you need.

But if your reaction is more along the line of a slight-yet-annoying rash, you have some options.

Most mild skin reactions quickly resolve on their own, so you might not have to do anything other than wait it out. “A skin rash usually disappears about as quickly as it arrives,” notes Dr. Valdes.

If the rash hangs around or is accompanied by itching or swelling, she suggests using a topical cream to find relief. Products that may help include:

• Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream
• Aloe vera
• A petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline®)

An oral antihistamine in tandem with topical creams may help if the reaction seems to be more allergen-based. Options would include products like Allegra®, Benadryl®, Claritin® or Zyrtec®.

Tips for selecting sunscreen

If you’re someone with a history of allergies or sensitive skin, Dr. Valdes offers these tips for selecting sunscreen.

• Choose a hypoallergenic mineral-based sunblock. Sun protection products that use titanium dioxide or zinc are less apt to cause skin irritation than the chemicals common in many sunscreens.
• Avoid fragranced products. Smelling like a coconut shouldn’t be your top priority when out by the pool, says Dr. Valdes. Opting for fragrance-free products reduces your chances of skin irritation.
• Minimize the use of other skin care products. A reaction between sunscreen and other skin care products (such as moisturizers) could lead to skin irritation, she adds. Try to avoid layering on products.

If you continually react to a particular sunscreen, your best bet is to avoid using it in the future. Check the ingredients list and look for a product that uses a different mix the next time you go shopping.

Talk to a healthcare provider if it seems like every product causes some sort of issue. “You may have to do some sort of allergy or skin sensitivity testing to understand what’s happening,” suggests Dr. Valdes.

Getting answers is important because you don’t want to stop using sun protection given the damage (and increased risk of skin cancer) that can be caused by exposure to UV rays.

“It’s very beneficial to use sunscreen,” emphasizes Dr. Valdes, “so it’s best to find a solution if you’re experiencing some sort of reaction. Not using any form of sunscreen could lead to far worse problems than a rash.”