What are the disadvantages of chemical sunscreen?

Can chemical sunscreen irritate skin?

Sunscreen can cause immediate stinging, hives or acne. An allergic reaction can cause dermatitis, an inflamed skin rash, wherever the product was applied and sometimes beyond that area. Some reactions happen when sunscreen and sunlight interact, leaving a rash mainly on exposed areas such as the face, arms and upper chest. These are possible reactions, not an expected result of using every chemical sunscreen.14

The UV filter is not always the culprit. Fragrances, preservatives and other ingredients can also cause allergy, including in mineral formulas. Sunscreen allergy is relatively uncommon compared with widespread sunscreen use, and the general population's rate of allergy to chemical filters is not known. Switching categories without identifying the troublesome ingredient can leave the same problem in a different bottle.14

Does absorption into the bloodstream mean harm?

Some sunscreen filters pass through the skin and enter the body, although sunscreen's protective action takes place on the skin's surface. A clinical trial involving 48 healthy participants found bloodstream absorption after using four sunscreen products, with avobenzone detected after a single application. The health significance of this absorption remains uncertain, and further safety research is needed. Continue sun protection rather than treating absorption as a reason to leave skin unprotected.25

When is mineral sunscreen a better choice?

• If sunscreen stings or burns, choose a fragrance free formula whose only active filters are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
• For rosacea, choose a sunscreen with only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as its active filters.
• For sensitive or allergy prone skin, avoid fragrance, parabens and oxybenzone. If an allergy has been identified, avoid that specific ingredient in every formula.
• For oily or acne prone skin, look for "noncomedogenic" or "won't clog pores" on the label.

Chemical sunscreens are often transparent on skin, which is a more useful feature than a name that sounds like a laboratory incident. Mineral sunscreen can leave a white residue; a tint matching your skin tone can help. A tinted sunscreen also adds protection against visible sunlight that can worsen dark spots. Choose a formula you will use repeatedly, rather than one appointed to supervise the bathroom shelf.136

Which drawbacks apply to every sunscreen?

Reapplication, incomplete protection and washing off are not disadvantages unique to chemical filters. No sunscreen is waterproof, and water resistant labels specify either 40 or 80 minutes of protection during swimming or sweating. Higher SPF does not extend the time between applications. Sunscreen still needs shade and protective clothing alongside it.35

1. 1Choose broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher with water resistance.
2. 2Apply generously to dry, exposed skin 15 minutes before going outdoors. Most adults need about one ounce to cover skin not covered by clothing.
3. 3Cover commonly missed areas, including the ears, neck and tops of the feet. Avoid getting sunscreen in the eyes or mouth.
4. 4Reapply approximately every two hours outdoors and after swimming or sweating, following the bottle's directions.

When should you get a reaction checked?

If a sunscreen causes a rash, stop using that product and seek medical advice if the reaction persists or keeps returning. A dermatologist can arrange patch testing to identify an allergen, plus photopatch testing when sunlight appears to trigger the reaction. Discuss home allergy testing with a doctor first: tolerating a small test area does not rule out irritation.4