How sunscreen affects the eyes
Dr. Rikta Mohan, dermatologist at Myrah DermaMed Healthcare Center (India) - said that our eyes can sting or become irritated after applying sunscreen because some ingredients in the cream are not suitable.
Chemical filters like avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate inside sunscreens can cause eye irritation in some people.
“Although they protect the skin from UV rays, if they come into contact with the eyes, they can cause skin irritation or burning. Also, if the sunscreen is scented, it may not suit sensitive skin and eyes and lead to irritation. Preservatives in sunscreens can also be a factor in causing the same,” says Dr. Rikta Mohan.
Therefore, finding the right sunscreen for you is always important, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution for completely safe sun protection.
Solution
According to Dr. Rikta Mohan, sunscreen can enter your eyes from a variety of sources, even through sweat or when you apply it to your face.
“So if it stings your eyes, you need to stop using it immediately. Rinse your eyes with clean water. Place a cool wet cloth over your eyes to soothe them and make sure there is no itching, irritation or redness,” Dr. Mohan instructs.
Then, you should choose sunscreens that do not contain irritating chemicals, such as products specifically for sensitive skin or physical sunscreens (titanium dioxide or zinc oxide).
Spray or gel sunscreens may be less irritating than creams, especially around the eye area. Many sunscreen brands now have sunscreens specifically designed for the eye area, which are gentler and less likely to cause irritation.
If irritation persists or is severe, consult your doctor for advice and to choose a sunscreen suitable for your skin.
