Sunscreen Issues

My daughter is 10 and she is allergic to all kinds of sunscreen. She started breaking out from it about 3 years ago. The only thing I have been able to use with her is the Neutrogena Sensitive Skin brand. I have tried everything under the sun with her and that is the only brand that she doesn't break out with! It's expensive but worth money!

I use California Baby brand sunscreen - SPF 30. It comes both unscented or lightly scented (lemongrass - it smells yummy!). I use it on my 2 year old daughter and on myself.

It is chemical free (which is something I insist on!), and comes in both a lotion and a stick. They also have other sunscreen products. You can find them in natural foods stores like Earthfare, and I think Target and maybe CVS also carry the brand.

From the California Baby website: http://www.californiababy.com
"Our non-chemical PABA free sunscreen employs a highly micronized titanium dioxide (non- whitening) that scatters and reflects dangerous UV rays, offering UVA-UVB broad-spectrum protection. We added Japanese Green Tea (for its anti-oxidant properties) and a beautiful essential oil blend. Our formula is simple and elegant. It glides on easily and will not slip off when it comes into contact with water, so you can feel comfortable that it will last. Non-staining formula.

Benefits & Features:

* Contains organic and sustainably grown ingredients
* UVA/UVB broad-spectrum protection
* Water Resistant
* Non-whitening micro-titanium dioxide
* No Octyl Methoxycinnamate
* PABA free
* Scatters & reflects UV rays
* Japanese Green Tea (anti-oxidant)
* Non-chemical sunscreens
* Non-invasive formula, hypoallergenic
* Non-staining"

I had the same problem with my son last summer. We tried the Banana Boat kids spray sunscreen and that ended up working for us. We also used aveno oatmeal bath for babies in his bath about once a week as a preventative measure. Hope this helps.

My Daughters Have same re-action to Sun Screen, We use Avon Sun Screen for babies. http://youravon.com/rgentle Look it up online catalog I am not sure on item number.

Hi T.,

I don't know if this will help at all, but I developed an allergy to sunscreen when I was in high school! I don't know if that is because I hardly used it up until that point so I never noticed, or if it was something that just happened, but I have never been able to wear it since. I can, however, wear a body lotion and makeup with SPF added. Sunscreen causes me to break out in an itchy rash every where it has touched my skin after about an hour.

I hate to say keep him out of the sun forever. At least keep trying everything you can find on the market. I usually test on the inside of my elbow and wait 24 hours. Try to find a body lotion or face cream in the makeup aisle with SPF and test that as well. Good Luck!

If you ever find something he is not allergic to, I would be thrilled to know the brand so that I can try it as well!

R. D.

Hi T.,I know of a wellness company that has safer and healthier sunscreen product that would not break him out. The company products that I use is Melaleuca and they are great! Email me and I can give you some information on the products that can be a help. ____@____.com

T.,
My Dermatologist recommended Blue Lizard sunscreen they make one for babies/children and adults. It is only sold at a Dermatologist office...I go to Blue Ridge Dermatology. I think you can just walk in there and buy it, you do not have to be a paitent their or anything. It was around $13 - my daughter has very sensative fair skin and eczema...this is the best stuff I have found.

i have heard that children can develop allergies later on. I would suggest you ask his ped about another sunscreen or one he can prescribe. Or you may try a natural herb from native remedies it may be the additives.

It is possible that he is having a reaction to something but you'd think the baby ones would be better than the adult versions! I've been using No-Ad (found at Walmart) on both my kids and haven't had a problem yet. I know they make a baby version but I use the 45 adult instead so I'm not having to tote 10 kinds of sunscreen with me. Talk with his Ped the next time you are in or even call the office and ask the front desk what they would recommend for him.

Good luck!
S.