We get it, finding a good sunscreen for sensitive skin is a real struggle. From the active ingredients to the added fragrances anything can cause irritation and redness to your skin, leading to an uncomfortable day.
Understanding the science behind the skin reaction can help find the best sunscreen for dry and sensitive skin and care better for it.
Reasons Why Sensitive Skin Turns Red
Sensitive skin tends to turn red easily due to a variety of reasons. The most common is a reaction from a good sunscreen or skincare products, but here are some other causes:
Weak Skin Barrier
The skin's barrier function protects against external irritants. In sensitive skin, this barrier is often compromised, allowing irritants to penetrate more easily and cause inflammation and redness.
Environmental Factors
External factors such as wind, cold, heat, and sun exposure can cause redness in sensitive skin. Pollution and other environmental aggressors can also irritate the skin, leading to redness and irritation.
Lack Of Hydration
If your skin is too dry it can cause irritation and itching. This is because dry skin has a weak barrier function. Without adequate hydration, your skin struggles to retain moisture, leading to increased sensitivity and discomfort.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
This occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with an irritating substance. Common irritants include soaps, detergents, and certain skincare products. Sensitive skin is more prone to developing irritant contact dermatitis, leading to redness, itching, and discomfort.
Reasons For Irritated & Skin Redness When Using Sunscreen
Active Ingredients
Sunscreens generally fall into two categories: chemical and physical (mineral). Chemical Sunscreens contain organic ingredients which absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, finally releasing it.
Physical sunscreens use minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reflect UV rays. Physical sunscreens are generally considered gentler on sensitive skin because they sit on the skin’s surface and physically block UV radiation rather than absorbing it.
However, some formulations might still irritate, especially if the sunscreen is thick or contains additional ingredients that may not be well-tolerated.
Fragrances and Preservatives
The best sunscreen for dry and sensitive skin would be the one without any artificial fragrances. Many sunscreens include fragrances and preservatives to enhance their usability and shelf life. Unfortunately, these added ingredients can be potential irritants.
Fragrances, in particular, are known to be common allergens and can lead to redness and discomfort in sensitive skin. Preservatives, such as parabens and formaldehyde-releasing agents, can also cause irritation.
Skin Barrier Disruption
Sensitive skin often has a compromised barrier function, making it more susceptible to external aggressors.
Sunscreen ingredients can sometimes disrupt this delicate barrier is not a good sunscreen, leading to redness and irritation. This reaction is especially prominent when the skin is already inflamed or compromised due to other factors like harsh weather or underlying skin conditions.
pH Imbalance
The pH level of sunscreen plays a significant role in its interaction with the skin.
The skin’s natural pH is slightly acidic, around 4.5 to 5.5. If a sunscreen’s pH deviates significantly from this range, it can disrupt the skin’s natural balance, leading to irritation and redness. Sunscreens that are too alkaline or acidic can cause an imbalance that exacerbates sensitive skin conditions.
Formulate Fine Skin With Albizzia
Being gentle, non-irritating and pH balanced, our Sun Cream prioritise the use of skin-friendly ingredients that care for your skin. Our sunscreens avoid harsh chemicals and fragrances that can irritate skin.
The Albiquench extract used in our Sun Cream is enriched with natural bio compounds that protect your skin from sun damage while leaving your skin with a good feeling. This makes it the best sunscreen for dry and sensitive skin.
Shop with us today and give your skin a sunscreen that not only suits it but also cares for it.