We are often advised to wear sunscreen when going out in the sun.
Sun protection is essential, especially to prevent skin cancers, sunburn, and premature aging.
But, chemical sunscreens can have side effects and pose risks due to some medications used in them such as tetracyclines, sulfa drugs, phenothiazines, etc.
Here are 5 side effects of sunscreen:
1. Allergic reactions
Sunscreens include some chemicals that can cause skin irritation such as redness, swelling, irritation, and itching. Some people develop severe allergic reactions with rashes and intense itching. This allergic reaction can be the result of chemicals found in sunscreens like fragrances and preservatives.
2. Sunscreens can make acne worse
If you have acne-prone skin, some chemicals in the sunscreen product can worsen your problem. To get rid of this side effect of sunscreen, you can choose non-comedogenic and non-oily sunscreens. It is suggested to use a sunscreen best suited for your skin type. Avoid using body sunscreens on the face, as these are too heavy.
3. Eye irritation
Getting sunscreen into the eye can cause pain and irritation. This can also lead to burning and temporary sensitivity to light. Some claim that chemical sunscreens can also cause blindness. If the sunscreen gets into the eyes, rinse them thoroughly with cool water or see your doctor.
4. Increases the risk of breast cancer
Sunscreen includes ingredients that can have estrogenic effects on breast cancer cells. Some sunscreens can have effects on blood estrogens levels. Avoid using chemical sunscreens on your children, as their skin tends to absorb the chemicals instantly.
5. Pain in some areas of the skin
You can now see in the market a variety of sunscreens that are very confusing to pick one among them that suits you best. Also, the forms in which these sunscreens are available vary a lot like some found in creams, gels, lotions, ointments, sprays, and wax sticks. So you can choose any based on your skin type. For areas like the male chest or the scalp, gels are the best option to choose. As with various effects of these sunscreens like drying of your skin or tightening it can cause severe pain in the hairy parts of your body.
