Now that summer is in full swing, we can enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities: beach volley, tennis, biking, water balloon fights.. They’re so much fun, until we start sweating and some of our sunscreen drips down into our eyes. And it burns. Ouch! And if you have sensitive skin, you’re even more prone to this stinging even if you don’t play any sports…
So, we opt for a sunscreen that’s labelled sweatproof or waterproof thinking they will stay put all day and won’t run as easily. Unfortunately, no sunscreen is really waterproof so they can still sting our eyes. But not wearing sunscreen is not an option either. Argh! What’s a girl to do?
Physical sunscreens don’t irritate eyes
Use physical sunscreens. You see, there are two types of sunscreens: physical sunscreens (those that contain Titanium Dioxide and/or Zinc Oxide) which act like a shield on the skin, and reflect light away from it, and chemical sunscreens (those that contain all other sunscreen agents such as Avobenzone, Octocrylene and Oxybenzone), which absorb UV rays and transform it into a less damaging form of heat.
The sunscreen ingredients in chemical sunscreens, and Avobenzone in particular, although safe, can irritate and sting the eyes. Physical sunscreens instead adhere better to the skin, and, even if they should end up in your eyes, the chance of them stinging is much lower. A couple of good physical sunscreens you can try are Blue Lizard Suncream and SkinMedica Daily Physical Defense SPF 30.
Now you can enjoy your time in the sun without worrying about your sunscreen making you cry. Just remember to reapply it after you’ve had a good sweat!
Does your sunscreen irritate your eyes?
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Yeah, I prefer physical sunscreens, especially for my face. They don’t irritate my skin like chemical sunscreens do (especially octisalate.)
Trisha´s last [type] ..10 Simple Reasons Why Your Eye Shadow Sucks
Trisha, I prefer physical sunscreens too. They’re less irritating and I think they offer better protection too.
Yes, I have experienced eye irritation due to sunscreen but luckily only a couple of times. It really stings!
La Bisbetica´s last [type] ..Recensione: Urban Decay ombretti vintage Midnight Cowboy, Stray Dog, Flipside, Oil Slick
La Bisbetica, sorry to hear that. It’s really painful, isn’t it?
Yes, my skin, especially on the face, and then especially around the eyes, gets irritated by sunscreen.
Boo! I can’t wait for some milder formulations to hit our market.
Ana´s last [type] ..lauraferreirastudios: Technicolour. Model is Soowan Bramble.
Ana, I hope they will soon. I hate it how physical sunscreens are much harder to find!
Nope, mine is a physical sunscreen. :] Thanks, Gio. You’re so helpful.
And I couldn’t post a paragraph of text on your Essence post :[. I may just stick to shorter comments. This hasn’t happened to me before, though.
Janessa, I hope it was just a glitch and it won’t happen again. I love reading your comments. And you’re welcome.
Aw thanks
I love reading your’s too!
Gosh! You have answers for everything!
Love to pop by here because I always learn something new!
Thanks for sharing!
Phlox
EyeGraffiti´s last [type] ..Bronzed Night Fever
Phlox, thanks. You’re making me blush.
I’m glad you enjoy these posts and find them helpful. 
Yes my sunscreen sting my eyes too and make them tears out.
Sherry, oh no! You should switch to a physical sunscreen then.
I never knew this! I remember once when I was little Coppertone (I think it was Coppertone) got into my eyes and OH GOD it stung so badly. EyeGraffiti is so right hahaha, you really do have the answers for everything. Thank you for this valuable tip!
Makeup Morsels´s last [type] ..The Unhealthy Obsession Continues | 6 of My Favorite Reds
Makeup Morsels, ouch, that must have been really painful! You’re welcome, I hope this tip will help you pick a sunscreen that won’t sting your eyes.
And thank you.