Sunblock and Burning Eyes

[Lucy]

This seems so trivial to post, but it's a good reminder. Today, I used sunblock on my face before going outdoors and on to an appointment. This was a "kid's" brand called Dri-Blok by Banana Boat. Well, yow, I put this stuff on at 1:00 pm and it's 8:00 pm now and I'm still "smarting."

I had to be at an appointment at 2 pm and had a hard time driving, even with my Panoptx goggles (with darkened lens). I washed my eyes out with water, took a wet washcloth and cleaned the area, used Thera-Tears profusely and none of it seemed to help.

The "active ingredients" are: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisilate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone. I'm not checking spelling of those, or the percentage in product as I had to use a magnifying glass to read the label. This stuff is potent and I don't ever remember getting burning eyes to this extent and I've used a lot of sunblock in my time. Moreover, it's for children. Not sure why I bought it as I don't have any of those.

Take special care when putting sunblock or suntan lotion on your face, especially around your eyes!!! It burns badly.

Lucy with the bloodshot,squinting eyeballs.

[dianat]

Sunblock makes my eyes burn even when I'm just carefully applying it to my kids. I just can't tolerate the smell and the feel....I just hate the stuff. So, I buy the spray on stuff.

For myself, I use a facial cream made by Mary Kay. It's made to be used before applying foundation. It has a 15 SPF in it and it doesn't bother me at all. I like it a lot.

Sorry about your bad day, Luc. At least you didn't get sunburned...

[calli66]

I use a 15 SPF sunscreen lotion by Dr. Hauschka --active ingredient is Titanium Dioxide, but it doesn't make your skin white at all. Doesn't sting or smell funny. Kind of pricey, but it lasts a long time.

C66

[Judy]

Lucy, DianaT, Calli66,

Wow, so I'm not alone on this one. Everytime I use sunblock my eyes just about KILL me!!! I've tried many and I agree with DianaT, it seems if you are using a moisturizer which contains sunblock it does not seem to have the same burning effect as the sunblock creams and lotions do. After both my hubby and I ended up with skin cancer and both had surgery, I bought him Neutrogena moisturizer that contains sunblock. He is still in training as far as using this on a routine basis... Anyway, when I feel the need for EXTRA sunblock, I will use this (on top of my moisturizer and foundation)... Lucy, I would think a children's brand of sunblock would be more gentle, and was wondering if that is why you originally bought this brand... DianaT, I would love to know the spray on brand you are using. I don't put anything anywhere near my eyes, but once and awhile it migrates there anyway! OUCH!!! Sorry we are all in the same boat on this! Judy

[calli66]

I just wanted to add that I use the Dr. Hauschka product every day on my face and neck regardless of whether I plan to go outside for any length of time. I have lived in sunny New Mexico since 1976 and the skin on my nose, especially, is pretty damaged and leathery. No skin cancer yet, though.

I think you just have to try all the brands and figure out which ones aren't irritating for you. I have tried brands from the Health Food Store--assumed they would somehow be more "natural" or less irritating. But some of these are really terrible--and if any gets around your mouth, it's bitter and awful. Others are "natural" but leave you looking white like a ghost.

C66

[bassfan]

sunblock

I actually have problems with a lot more than just sunscreen. If I put face lotion or aftershave anywhere close to my eyes, they instantly start to be very bothersome. My dry eye is very warmth/evaporation related and im usually fine when in outdoor heat luckily when I actually need the sunscreen.

Daren

[Judy]

I know what you mean Daren as even most of the "sensitive eye creams and lotions" tend to burn and sting my eyes... I haven't tried the aftershave and hopefully won't be doing this (seeing as I'm a female!!)!!

[stella]

read with interest discussion on sun creams/face creams
I have very dry skin and really need to use creams
For the face - I only use vaseline hyoallergenic intensive -care cream - missing out the eyes - I go as far as the eyebrows and up to the orbit of the eyes only
For the lids I now squirt on claramist and wipe it around the eye with my finger(It is'nt very oily but it does contain lipids and of couse is good for DE)
For ;shampoos ; showergel and bodylotion
I have stopped using anything other than E45 products I dont know if they have these in USA - They are completely hypoallergenic and are used a lot by dermatologists for minor skin conditions
Unfortunately I have not found anything for sun screeningAny ideas ?
I shall just have to stay out of the sun- If we get any in GB
We plan to go in an RV to France and Switzerland for 6 weeks in June / July so we will get sun there
Hav'nt decided what to use yet
On legs and arms I would use artificial tan - the sort which gradually increases as you use it -Johnsons baby products produce a week but quite effective cream that gradually tans and it is pretty non-allergic
I am VERY careful about handwashing following the use of any creams whatsoever ,especially as I get relief from the prickle and itch by" pinching" my eye-lids Stella

[Lucy]

On legs and arms I would use artificial tan - the sort which gradually increases as you use it -Johnsons baby products produce a week but quite effective cream that gradually tans and it is pretty non-allergic

Stella, I don't think this artificial tan will protect you from sunburn or UV.

Also, no I didn't buy the lotion because it was for children. I was on vacation and it was on the shelf at the store and I just grabbed it.

My eyes are still "squinty" and sore today. Needless to say, I didn't use sunblock today before going out.

[Judy]

Lucy,

My eyes just hurt thinking about wearing sun lotion. I guess they are just driving me batty today anyway..... Stay out of the sun!!

[dianat]

The brand of spray on sunscreen I used it Coppertone Sport. I only apply it once to myself and my kids and it does the trick pretty much all day. (And I have a couple of redheads). If they're playing in the water I do reapply.

I do feel lucky that I found the facial moisturizer with SPF 15. It doesn't bother me at all. The rest of the lotions make me cringe.

D

[Silverlady]

another one

I use City Block by Clinique. Clinique is hypoallergenic and it also has a light tint to it. Comes in different shades. I've used it for a couple of years. It has an SPF15 in it. This one doesn't hurt my eyes. (and.. sigh...everything does) I use it instead of makeup.

Billye

[MJ]

((( ((( ((( Lucia! ))) ))) )))

Hope all is well there and watch out for that sunblock!

MJ

[stella]

Thanks you guys !
Plenty of ideas there
Stella
PS This may not be the right place to post - but good news for me
I went on a course of doxycycline and the improvement in my eyes is amazing !!
Neither my own Dr or myself were quite sure how to use it so i brought her a print- out from this website - result
she started me on100mgms daily for a week then down to
50 mgms for 9 days then down to 25mgms but unfortunately after 3 days on 25 i had to stop -- side effects of skin sensitivity - itching and soreness especially the scalp and my feet of all things (I was getting blisters when i walked)
However even in that short time my eyes are soooo much better
I am a bit worried that i have found something that works and what a spite - that i have side effects !!!
Next time (maybe there will be no next time ) i will start at the lower dose of 25 mgms daily and see if that works for me
Its the same old problem of dry /allergic skin/scalp

[skygoddess]

I use a tear free baby sunblock, made by Banana boat.
I put it on with disposable sponge type makeup applicators.
I try be careful not to get any on my hands . I have found a good deal of my problems come from touching something, then touching my eyes.

Even tissues are now suspect.
I noticed a good deal of the paper products , tissues, cosmetic pads, q-tips etc, sold in Germany these days are newly touting Clorine free on the lables.
I guess it can be problematic for some.
I would have never even thought of tissues being a possible culprit.