Tips for Choosing the Right Sunscreen With Chronic Hives

It’s summer time! You know what that means: sun time!

I have very pale skin and am very sensitive. As mentioned in previous articles, I've expressed my determination to get a tan. So I set out to research and trial different sunscreens and sun tan lotions.

I know — sounds counterproductive since I have chronic hives. However, I wanted to see what worked for me and what didn’t. I decided to pass on what I learned to all of you!

I tried the following 3 sunscreens:

• Coppertone Tanning Oil Spray
• Neutrogena Sheer Zinc
• Hawaiian Tropic Island Tanning

So how did it go? Well, let’s break it down below.

Coppertone Tanning Oil Spray

This is the first tanning lotion I tried. I was so excited to try it, as I've used Coppertone in the past. It had decent reviews. So, off to the store I went, and I bought it. I got home and planned a pool day for the following day.

The next day, I headed to the pool in my community. I laid out my towel and sprayed the Coppertone Tanning Spray on my legs and arms.

Well... it didn’t go so well. I ended up reacting to it. Hives up and down my legs and under my arms as well. I had to take an extra dose of Allegra for a week to help calm the reaction. I also had to use clobetasol on my legs to help ease the itching. Again.

I had high hopes for this one, but for me, it wasn’t sensitivity-friendly enough for my skin.

Here are some pros, though:

• Easy application
• Smelled good
• Water resistant
• Free from dyes, PABA, and oxybenzone
• Vitamin E to help moisturize the skin
• Didn’t make my skin feel greasy

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc

I decided to research the best sunscreens and tanning lotions for sensitive skin. I was determined to research and look for those highly-rated for sensitive skin. Neutrogena Sheer Zinc was a top-rated one. So again, off to the store I went!

Now, the notable difference is this is an SPF 50 sunscreen, and it won’t help if you want to tan (like I do). However, I gave it a try anyway.

I honestly was not a fan of it. It’s supposed to have a non-greasy feel to it; however, for me it left a weird residue feeling on my skin. It made my skin feel irritated and greasy. It just made my skin feel uncomfortable, for lack of a better word. For those who don’t mind the ointment-like feeling, sunblock might like it, but for me, I just couldn’t handle the feeling of it on my skin. It is highly rated, and more mineral and safer for sensitive skin.

Pros:

• Available widely at stores like Walmart and Target, CVS, and Walgreens
• Mineral-based (zinc oxide)
• Protects against UVB and UVA rays
• Hypoallergenic
• Free from fragrances, parabens, phthalates, dyes, and chemical irritants

Hawaiian Tropic Island Tanning

This is the latest one I tried, and honestly by far my favorite! I did a test spot on my calf — I wanted to double-check if I'd have a reaction. It was also highly-rated for sensitive skin.

I personally love the smell of this one. Kind of a silly thing, but it has a tropical smell and it’s great. It’s made with shea butter and cocoa butter, so it leaves your skin feeling amazing. It does come in both the continuous spray and the lotion. I will say the lotion is kind of messy, but nothing some wipes can't fix! This was by far the most sensitivity-friendly for my skin, and it was hydrating.

Pros:

• Vegan formula
• Cruelty free — not tested on animals
• Made with island-inspired botanicals and ingredients like aloe, papaya, mango, passion fruit, plumeria, and guava.
• Free from oxybenzone and octinoxate
• Enhances your tan
• Nourishes your skin
• Water resistant (80 minutes)

What skin-friendly sunscreens have you found?

So there you have it! My review of 3 different sunblocks and tan lotions. We all react differently, but hopefully my experience can help you on your journey to find a safe sunscreen or tanning lotion if you’re wanting to tan.

Have you found a sunscreen that you’ve had a great experience with? Please share in the comments below!