“Do you use sunscreen everyday?” That’s perhaps the skincare question of the century. We’re living in a time where sun damage awareness – and suncare education – is at its highest. Recently, even my daughter’s school teacher got them to bring sunscreens for their outdoor-based classes and activities. Another one of my daughters even asked for sunscreen for her first skincare product.
And yet, sunscreen may not be suitable for every lifestyle. Eczema sufferers, for example, often find that sunscreens may cause severe irritation or flare-ups. Some mothers avoid chemical sunscreens with potentially harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone while pregnant or breastfeeding to avoid affecting their oestrogen levels.
You’d be surprised, but there are people who are allergic to sunscreens. They get redness, irritation, and stinging pain from sunscreen application. These people would often have sensitive or eczema-prone skin as well.
Then, there are people who just find it a hassle and find most sunscreen products too icky, too greasy, or are bothered by the white cast (from physical, mineral sunscreens).
For any reason you might not be suitable for the sunscreen lifestyle, there are UV-blocking accessories that you can use instead.