Does your sunscreen irritate your eyes? Here’s a guide | Life-style News
Sunscreen forms an integral part of one’s skincare routine. Whether you want a dewy glassy finish, or a oil-controlling matte one, there’s a formulation for everyone out there. Sometimes when we apply sunscreen, our eyes start stinging and burning. And trust us, no one enjoys tears streaming down their face while getting ready to go out! What causes our eyes to sting? And what are some ingredients to watch out for? Indianexpress.com spoke to skin experts to get more clarity.
Dr Rikta Mohan, Dermatologist, Myrah DermaMed shared that our eyes can sting after applying sunscreen because some of its ingredients don’t sit well.
“Chemical filters like avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate can irritate the eyes. While they protect the skin from UV rays, if they get into the eyes, they can sting or burn.” She added that if the sunscreen has fragrance, it may not suit sensitive skin and eyes and can cause irritation. Preservatives can also potentially be a trigger for the same.
According to Dr Mohan, it is always a case of finding which sunscreen works for you, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution to sun care. “People might have skin that is more sensitive to these ingredients, or a particular formulation. It could also be a cause of allergy to those ingredients. If it stings more than once, stop using the product immediately,” she said.
When the eyes start burning, what is the safest way to make it stop?
Sunscreen can get into your eyes from various sources, even through sweat or when rubbing it in your face.
And as such, if it stings your eyes, you need to stop applying it immediately. “Thoroughly rinse your eyes with clean, running water. Apply a cool, wet cloth to your eyes to soothe them and ensure there is no itching, irritation, or redness,” said Dr Mohan.
As for precautions to be kept in mind, she advised that the best way to ensure that you are using the sunscreen that is right for you is to consult a licensed dermatologist. “They can suggest products that will work with your skin type and sensitivities and ensure that there is no irritation or sensitivity,” said Dr Mohan.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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