Thursday, May 27, 2010

Sunscreen Help

Okay, again I know my readership is very low but I thought this might be worth a try.  For the past 6 or more years, it has likely been more, I have been in search of the right sunscreen.  I am allergic to the combination of sunscreen and sun.  I know weird.  I think that I do have a slight sun allergy too but after spending the day at the zoo with my students in which I spent a good amount of time in the sun and not getting any sort of rash, I definately think it is more of a sunscreen issue.  I have also done marathons in which I have been in the sun without sunscreen for hours and had no reaction.  I actualy remember the time that my problem started and it started when I did a marathon in Bermuda.  It was stressed to us to wear sunscreen, so I of course applied it all over.  I couldn't figure out why I had these bumps all over myself the next day and blamed it on the hotel sheets because someone else was itchy.  I didn't really think anything about it until it the same thing happened the following summer.

I have tried Aveeno, baby sunscreen, high priced ones, etc.  The same thing happens.  When I went on my honeymoon I was covered head to toe in an itchy rash and Pete called me his little Iguana.  My rash is actualy half eczema/ half rash. I was so miserable and I looked like a freak!  I had my Mom meet me at the airport with a bottle of cortisone because evidently they don't sell it in Aruba.

This sunscreen allergy has ruined my enjoyment of the outdoors and my love of the beach.  Honestly!  In the summer I decide- do I want a rash, or well possible skin cancer in the future.  The problem is that my rash was so bad in Aruba that my doctor told me it could become an even more severe reaction and basically suggested I just cover up.    That is nice but really not practical!  So does anyone have any suggestions?  Any natural sunscreens out there?  Those are ones I haven't fully explored.  

3 comments:

Sara said...

I've only ever used Neutragena. Which, I'll bet, is part of the laundry list of products you've tried. Does Burt's Bees make anything?

ps- congratulations! So excited for you and your family. Celia's going to be a great big sister!

Unknown said...

You could try the website www.cosmeticsdatabase.com. They rate cosmetics based on the chemicals that are used in the products so anything with a 0-2 rating is recommended. Maybe you can find one that way. Good luck!!

mikki said...

Sunscreen is not good for your skin anyway. I don't use it unless there is the chance that I am going to be overly exposed to the sun without the opportunity to seek the shade. My recommendation is to not use any, only expose yourself to the sun for 20 minutes at a time, and then wear a light coverup on your upper body, shoulders, arms, etc... It's hard for your legs to get too much sun unless you are lying down...but a long (stylish) coverup works to cover them too. Remember to wear a hat to cover your scalp and ears, and make sure the back of your neck is covered too. Arbonne (online at the company) makes a great sunscreen without the parabens, which could be the reason you are breaking out. Also, have you tried the spray as opposed to the lotion...they are better and go on "lighter" than the lotions which must be rubbed into the skin. I make sure that I can relax in the shade whenever I am going to be in the sun for a time. I also know that there are clothing products that provide sunscreen without the lotions. If I come across anything else I will let you know!
Mikki