Painful Burning Eyes from Sunscreen? TRY THESE TIPS & TRICKS!

Sunscreen is an essential component of skin care, protecting us from the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, one common issue that many people face, especially during the hot summer months, is the painful burning sensation in the eyes when sunscreen comes into contact with them. In this article, we will explore the causes of this discomfort, ways to prevent it, and offer some helpful tips and tricks to keep your eyes safe while applying sunscreen.

The author of this article Injector Tanner from The House Call Beauty Aesthetic Team has been dealing with this issue for over 8 years and has some marvelous tricks and tips to share.

Causes of Painful Burning Eyes from Sunscreen:

1. Chemical Ingredients: Sunscreens typically contain a combination of chemical compounds, and some of them may cause eye irritation when they migrate into the eyes. Chemical sunscreens do NOT cause cancer, nor are they harmful to the eyes. Chemicals like avobenzone, octocrylene, and oxybenzone can be especially "problematic" to certain individuals sensitive skin.
2. Sweating: Heat and physical activity can lead to sweating, which can dilute the sunscreen and cause it to run into the eyes which leads to severe pain in the eyes.
3. Incorrect Application: Applying sunscreen too close to the eyes or not allowing it to dry properly before heading out in the sun can increase the likelihood of eye irritation. We highly recommend if you want to protect the skin surrounding the eyes as well to wear sun glasses with protection against the radiation from the suns rays.

Preventing Painful Burning Eyes:

1. Use a Physical Sunscreen: This does not work for some people like Injector Tanner. Opt for a physical or mineral-based sunscreen containing ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are less likely to cause eye irritation. This means physical or mineral-based sunscreens can still cause irritation. It depends on the person. Chemical sunscreens do not cause cancer, and are not harmful but physical sunscreens create a physical barrier on the skin, rather than being absorbed into the skin like chemical sunscreens. AGAIN, Sunscreens both physical and chemical DO NOT cause cancer!
2. Apply Sunscreen Carefully: Be cautious when applying sunscreen to your face. Avoid applying it too close to the eyes and instead, use a mineral-based sunscreen stick for a more precise application.
3. Wear Sunglasses: Sunglasses with UV protection not only shield your eyes from harmful rays but also act as a barrier, reducing the chance of sunscreen coming into contact with your eyes.
4. Avoid Oily Sunscreens: Sunscreens with an oily or greasy texture are more likely to migrate into the eyes. Opt for water-based or oil-free sunscreen options.

Tips and Tricks to Avoid Sunscreen Going into the Eyes:

1. Use a Sweatband or Hat: Wearing a sweatband or a wide-brimmed hat can help absorb sweat and prevent it from dripping into your eyes.
2. Apply Sunscreen Before Dressing: This ensures that the sunscreen is completely absorbed and dried before putting on clothing, reducing the chances of transfer.
3. Reapply Mindfully: Remember to reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming or heavy sweating. Take extra care to avoid the eye area when reapplying.
4. Consider Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: If you have particularly sensitive skin or have experienced eye irritation in the past, look for sunscreen products designed for sensitive skin, which are formulated to minimize the risk of irritation.
5. OUR BEST TIP & TRICK: APPLY A SETTING POWDER! Set your sunscreen with a setting powder or SPF powder. A cheap translucent powder works fine and won't disrupt the sunscreens UV properties. This is hands down the best trick to prevent sunscreen whether chemical or physical from sliding its way into the eyes even if you apply sunscreen all around the eyes as long as you set it it won't move. Sunscreen should be the last step of your skin care routine and after this you can apply makeup or compact powder. If you reapply sunscreen set it again. Every reapplication of sunscreen means a new reapplication of setting powder or a SPF powdered sunscreen for extra UV protection.

Our injectors (author of this article) favorite sunscreens? Zo Skin Health SMART TONE BROAD-SPECTRUM SPF 50 our author has been using this for 8 years and Coppertone GLOW SHIMMER SPF 50 LOTION are our all time favorite sunscreens.

How long should you wait to apply makeup after sunscreen? Two Minutes.

Why Wear Sunglasses AND UVA/UVB Protective Clothing? Wearing sunglasses with UVA (Ultraviolet A) protection is essential for several reasons:

1. Protecting Your Eyes: UVA rays are a type of ultraviolet radiation that can penetrate the eye's cornea and reach the retina. Prolonged exposure to UVA rays can contribute to various eye issues, including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. By wearing sunglasses with UVA protection, you reduce the risk of these serious eye conditions.
2. Preventing Photokeratitis: Photokeratitis, often referred to as "snow blindness" or "sunburn of the eye," is a painful condition caused by overexposure to UV radiation. Sunglasses with UVA protection shield the eyes from UVA rays, thus reducing the risk of photokeratitis, which can result in eye pain, sensitivity to light, and temporary vision impairment.
3. Minimizing Eye Strain: UVA protection in sunglasses helps reduce glare and excessive brightness caused by sunlight, especially on reflective surfaces like water, sand, or snow. This reduction in glare makes it easier to see clearly and comfortably, reducing the strain on your eyes.
4. Skin Protection: UVA radiation can also cause damage to the sensitive skin around your eyes. Over time, this can lead to premature aging, wrinkles, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Sunglasses with UVA protection not only protect your eyes but also help safeguard the skin surrounding them.
5. Overall Eye Health: Wearing sunglasses with UVA protection is part of maintaining good overall eye health. It's a proactive measure to prevent both short-term discomfort and long-term eye damage. It's especially crucial for those who spend a lot of time outdoors, as they are at higher risk of UVA exposure.

When selecting sunglasses, look for those labeled as providing UVA and UVB protection. This ensures that the sunglasses block both UVA and UVB rays effectively, offering comprehensive protection for your eyes. Wearing UVA-protected sunglasses is a simple yet important step in preserving your eye health and maintaining comfortable vision in various environments and conditions.

Conclusion:

Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays is vital for maintaining good health, but it should not come at the expense of your eye comfort. By understanding the causes of painful burning eyes from sunscreen and taking preventative measures, you can enjoy the sun without any discomfort or irritation. With the right sunscreen and application techniques, along with simple precautions, you can keep your eyes safe and healthy throughout the sunny season.