What is a good hypoallergenic sunscreen?
When I was about 18, I started reacting to regular sunscreen. I was always outside a ton in the summer, and thus used a lot of sunscreen. I never had a problem when I was younger, but I all of a sudden started getting this blister-like itchy raised rash on my face, neck, and chest. After about a month, I figured out it was because of sunscreen!
I haven't been able to figure out WHAT I am allergic to in the sunscreen. I know it is not PABA because my mom is allergic to that so we've never had a PABA sunscreen in the house. I will also react to the spray-on sunscreens. So I usually spend a good 15-20 minutes each year before the summer reading sunscreen label after sunscreen label and trying to pick the sunscreen that has the least ingredients. This usually turns out to be the baby formulations with very high SPF, but not always. Because they never have the same sunscreen with the same ingredients two years in a row (stupid companies), I always buy a couple to give it a shot.
I can usually wear the sunscreen about 2 times without a reaction, but then if I am going to have one, it'll come. But it's a real hit-and-miss.
And note that it is just my face, neck, and chest that break out. I can use sunscreen on any other part of my body (arms, back, legs, etc) without a problem.
Does anyone else have this problem?
Is there a sunscreen out there that is hypoallergenic? Price does not matter to me. I just want a sunscreen that won't bring on this hideous and uncomfortable rash!!
Thanks!
I forgot to mention that I can use makeup that has sunscreen in it on my face and I do NOT react. Which just gave me an idea: Maybe I am reacting to whatever it is that make the sunscreen waterproof? Makeup with sunscreen added is not waterproof and I don't believe I've ever bought sunscreen that is not waterproof, because I usually am on or in the water.