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If you have sensitive skin, stick to gentle, fragrance-free, alcohol-free, mineral-based sunscreens
With the right skincare routine, you can embrace the season without compromising your skin’s health (News18)
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable step in any skincare routine—essential for shielding the skin from UV rays, preventing sunburns, slowing down premature aging, and reducing the risk of skin cancer. However, for those with sensitive skin, picking the right sunscreen requires extra caution. Many sunscreens contain chemical ingredients that can trigger irritation, dryness, and even allergic reactions.
Understanding how different ingredients affect sensitive skin is key, say experts.
Chemical Ingredients to Watch Out For
According to Dr. Nirupama Parwanda, Dermatologist & Founder, Zolie Skin Clinic, people with sensitive skin should be particularly wary of certain chemical filters commonly found in sunscreens.
One such ingredient is oxybenzone, which has drawn significant criticism over potential health risks. “Studies have shown that oxybenzone can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, potentially causing hormone imbalances, immune system effects, and allergic reactions,” explains Dr. Parwanda. Sensitive individuals might experience irritation or heightened sensitivity due to its ability to penetrate deeply into the skin.
Another common culprit is avobenzone. While often considered a safer alternative to oxybenzone, avobenzone can still cause irritation in sensitive skin types. “When exposed to sunlight, avobenzone can break down, generating free radicals that may worsen inflammation and trigger sensitivity,” Dr. Parwanda adds.
The Role of Preservatives and Alcohol
Preservatives like parabens are widely used in skincare products, including sunscreens, to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. However, Dr. Parwanda notes that parabens have raised concerns about their potential effects on hormone regulation and reproductive health.
Similarly, sunscreens containing alcohol (such as SD alcohol, ethanol, or isopropyl alcohol) can be problematic. “Alcohol can strip the skin’s natural moisture barrier, leading to dryness, flakiness, and irritation—factors that can severely impact sensitive skin,” says Dr. Parwanda. She recommends choosing alcohol-free sunscreens that hydrate the skin while providing broad-spectrum UV protection.
Physical vs Chemical Filters: What’s Better for Sensitive Skin?
Expanding on the importance of sunscreen composition, Dr. Kashish Kalra, MBBS, MD, Dermatologist and Founder of Dr. Karla Skin Clinic, emphasizes the need to distinguish between physical and chemical filters when choosing the right sunscreen.
“Physical sunscreens, which use mineral oxides like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are generally much safer for sensitive skin,” says Dr. Kalra. “These ingredients sit on the skin’s surface and reflect UV rays rather than being absorbed, reducing the risk of irritation or allergic reactions.”
On the other hand, chemical sunscreens—which contain ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, and octocrylene—work by absorbing UV rays. Dr. Kalra warns that, “Oxybenzone, in particular, is linked to hormone disruption and allergic reactions. It’s also harmful to marine ecosystems, making physical sunscreens a more environmentally conscious choice.”
Other Ingredients to Avoid
Both experts agree that besides chemical filters, sensitive-skinned individuals should avoid sunscreens that include:
Fragrance: Can lead to allergic reactions or skin irritation.
Preservatives: Certain types can disrupt the skin barrier or trigger sensitivities.
Alcohol: As mentioned, it can severely dry out the skin.
The Problem with “Active-Infused” Sunscreens
In today’s market, hybrid sunscreens that incorporate skincare actives like Vitamin C, kojic acid, or glycolic acid are becoming popular. While these ingredients provide additional skin benefits, Dr. Kalra cautions that “such actives can be too harsh for sensitive skin when included in sunscreen formulations. It’s best to use such active ingredients separately under the guidance of a dermatologist.”
If you have sensitive skin, both Dr. Parwanda and Dr. Kalra recommend sticking with gentle, fragrance-free, alcohol-free, mineral-based sunscreens. Always read labels carefully, perform a patch test when trying a new product, and when in doubt, seek advice from a skincare professional to ensure your sun protection is as safe as it is effective.