SPF on face = hives and puss, SPF on body = no reaction???

[ColorMeLucky]

Hi gals,

I have this problem that has been affecting my daily life. I CAN'T ENJOY THE SUN for more than 10 min that is. I cannot put on sunscreen without my face breaking into nasty hives and puss for 2 weeks and then an extra 3 weeks for it to recover with peeling skin like a snake. Its disgusting. However this only happens if it's on my face and not my neck down.

Does any of you have this problem? I've talked to a Derm. Physician Assistant before and he told me its because I have extremely thin surface skin and the chemicals in sunscreen gives it a reaction. I'm not "allergic" since my body doesn't have the same reaction. So now what the heck can I use??? Even spf 5 will make me break out =/

 

[mermuse]

It would be nice to figure out what it is that you're allergic to exactly and source out some sort of sunscreen type of thing that would work for you.  What's concerning me is that sounds like a pretty extreme reaction.

Maybe if you aren't in need of anything waterproof, I might suggest looking into a powder spf?  I really like the Peter Thomas Roth Instant mineral powder to keep in my purse in case I end up outside more than I was expecting.   It's also nice to reapply during the day since it doesn't make you look all wet and greasy like sunscreens can do.  It's a translucent powder so you can put it over whatever you are wearing or use it on a bare face if you'd like.  The active ingredients are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, but maybe your face won't be as angry if it isn't a liquid?  There's one for problem skin that's spf 30 but has salicylic acid and willow bark to help with oil.  I use that one since it sort of naturally keeps the brush applicator more hygenic.

I got mine at Sephora, and maybe you could check it out there.  You can spot test it at home and if it doesn't work out, Sephora's return policy is very generous.

 

[Dalylah]

I have this response to a lot of products, not just sunscreen.  What my doc told me was that my face comes into contact with a lot more products... makeup, lotions, cleansers, etc. Apparently extended use of certain items can change the sensitivity in your facial skin. I am not sure if that is true or not but that was what he told me. My skin also feels different on my face than my body. It is softer so maybe it is just more vulnerable.

My mom always used to put zinc oxide on my nose as a child in the sun but then I had a white nose. Not exactly the look I want to have as a grown woman. I frequently wear makeup with sunscreen in it and it doesn't bother my face. A lot of tinted moisturizers have spf in them. Most of the time I end up with my big sunflower hat on because it is just easier.

Next time you want to test a SPF product just put a dot near the corner of your chin by your ear. That way if your skin freaks out it will only be a small spot and not nearly as noticeable.

 

[ColorMeLucky]

Originally Posted by mermuse /img/forum/go_quote.gif

It would be nice to figure out what it is that you're allergic to exactly and source out some sort of sunscreen type of thing that would work for you.  What's concerning me is that sounds like a pretty extreme reaction.

Maybe if you aren't in need of anything waterproof, I might suggest looking into a powder spf?  I really like the Peter Thomas Roth Instant mineral powder to keep in my purse in case I end up outside more than I was expecting.   It's also nice to reapply during the day since it doesn't make you look all wet and greasy like sunscreens can do.  It's a translucent powder so you can put it over whatever you are wearing or use it on a bare face if you'd like.  The active ingredients are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, but maybe your face won't be as angry if it isn't a liquid?  There's one for problem skin that's spf 30 but has salicylic acid and willow bark to help with oil.  I use that one since it sort of naturally keeps the brush applicator more hygenic.

I got mine at Sephora, and maybe you could check it out there.  You can spot test it at home and if it doesn't work out, Sephora's return policy is very generous.

The problem is Im not allergic to it (i don't think). If i put sunscreen on my neck or on my body I won't have a reaction. It's just my face esp the cheek area and lips. I once had a lip balm that had spf 5 and I had some angelina jolie looking puckers lol. although it was NOT cute in person nor did I felt pretty.

I never used or heard of powder spf, maybe i'll try that! thanks! =]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dalylah /img/forum/go_quote.gif

I have this response to a lot of products, not just sunscreen.  What my doc told me was that my face comes into contact with a lot more products... makeup, lotions, cleansers, etc. Apparently extended use of certain items can change the sensitivity in your facial skin. I am not sure if that is true or not but that was what he told me. My skin also feels different on my face than my body. It is softer so maybe it is just more vulnerable.

My mom always used to put zinc oxide on my nose as a child in the sun but then I had a white nose. Not exactly the look I want to have as a grown woman. I frequently wear makeup with sunscreen in it and it doesn't bother my face. A lot of tinted moisturizers have spf in them. Most of the time I end up with my big sunflower hat on because it is just easier.

Next time you want to test a SPF product just put a dot near the corner of your chin by your ear. That way if your skin freaks out it will only be a small spot and not nearly as noticeable.

 
What you said about the change in sensitivity due to all the product use makes sense. All the PA told me was the skin on my face is extremely thin compared to the rest of my body which is why it is vulnerable. I tried makeup with spf, like minerals or tinted moisturizers etc but it turns out the same and its so embarrassing to walk out of the house with a face that looks like I got a 2nd or 3rd degree burn =(

I do end up just wearing a huge hat at the end of the day though -___- lol

 

[Dalylah]

I would recommend trying something like Vanicream Sunscreen. The one I had was spf 60 and is zinc oxide and titanium dioxide based as opposed to PABA based and other recognized irritants. Be aware that it will make your face look a little greasy right after you put it on. Most of the things that irritate sensitive faces are the items that smooth out products. I used to put mine on at least 20 minutes before doing out so it can dry and not make me look all shiny. You can find it on amazon for a decent price ($10-15) and it does show all of the ingredients on there if you wanted to check the list.

I really hope this helps. It's a never ending battle for people with sensitive skin.

 

[mermuse]

Maybe if you use a non-spf foundation and layer the powder I suggested as a finisher that will help create more of a barrier between those ingredients touching your skin just in case.  Worth a shot, at least, and Sephora will let you return it if it doesn't work out.

Although have you tried loose mineral foundations with spf?  I just went to the dermatologist myself the other day, and I know in general they recommend them for sensitive skin types.

 

[PatienceMUA]

this happens to my friend when she puts any products that contains the SPF "octocrylene" on her face, but she can put it anywhere else and is fine.

There are many types of SPF protections.  Titanium Dioxide, zinc oxide, octocrylene, octinoxate etc...

Try looking at the SPF's you have used that you know give you this reaction and see if you can pin point which ones have the same SPF in common.

Also look through your makeup on the back of the packages some things contain SPF as "active or inactive" ingredients.  If any of your makeup does end up containing an SPF and you know that makeup doesnt give you a reaction then that is the SPF your probably safe to use.

<3patience)

 

[ColorMeLucky]

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