Say Goodbye to Sunscreen Burning Eyes: A Guide on How to Prevent and Treat Irritation

AvatarByAnnie Williamson

Summertime is here, which means long days spent at the beach, pool, or simply soaking up the sun. While we all know the importance of protecting our skin from harmful UV rays with sunscreen, one pesky problem often arises – sunscreen burning eyes. Nothing ruins a perfect day in the sun like stinging and watery eyes caused by that important layer of sunscreen. But fear not, as we have compiled some effective tips and tricks on how to stop sunscreen from burning your eyes. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to worry-free sun protection with our helpful guide.

Sunscreen is an essential part of our daily skincare routine, especially during the hot summer months. However, for many people, applying sunscreen can sometimes lead to a burning sensation in the eyes. This uncomfortable and often painful experience can make many of us dread using sunscreen altogether. But fear not, as there are several ways to prevent sunscreen from burning your eyes. In this article, we will discuss how to avoid this common issue and continue to protect your skin without sacrificing eye comfort.

Understanding Why Sunscreen Burns Your Eyes

The culprit behind the burning sensation in your eyes when using sunscreen is most likely a chemical called avobenzone. This ingredient is commonly found in sunscreens with broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Avobenzone is highly effective at blocking harmful UV rays and is also considered safe for use on the skin.

However, avobenzone can be irritating when it comes into contact with the eyes. This irritation can cause redness, stinging, and a burning sensation. The main reason for this is that avobenzone breaks down into different compounds when exposed to sunlight, which can then enter the eye and cause discomfort.

Other possible irritants in sunscreen can include fragrances or preservatives. These ingredients can also cause irritation if they come into contact with the delicate skin around the eyes or if they enter the eye itself.

How To Prevent Sunscreen from Burning Your Eyes

Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent sunscreen from causing discomfort in your eyes:

1. Choose a Physical Sunscreen

Physical sunscreens contain active ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients work by sitting on top of the skin and physically blocking UV rays from penetrating into the skin’s deeper layers.

Unlike chemical sunscreens like avobenzone, physical sunscreens do not break down when exposed to sunlight. This means that they are less likely to irritate your eyes during application.

2. Opt for Sunscreens Specifically Designed for Sensitive Skin

People with sensitive skin are more prone to irritation, including around the eyes. Therefore, choosing a sunscreen specifically formulated for sensitive skin can help minimize any potential burning or stinging sensation.

Look for sunscreens that are labeled as “gentle” or “for sensitive skin” and avoid ones with added fragrances or preservatives.

3. Use a Mineral-Based Sunscreen Stick

If you find that even physical sunscreens cause discomfort in your eyes, consider using a mineral-based sunscreen stick. These sticks contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and are specifically designed for the face, making them easy to apply around the delicate eye area without any risk of getting the product in your eyes.

4. Apply Sunscreen Carefully Around the Eyes

When applying sunscreen, it’s important not to get too close to the eye area. Use a small amount of product and be careful not to spread it too close to your eyes’ edges.

You can also use a cotton swab or sponge to apply sunscreen around your eyes instead of using your fingers. This will reduce the likelihood of accidentally getting sunscreen in your eyes.

What To Do If You Still Experience Burning Eyes from Sunscreen

If you have tried these tips but still experience burning in your eyes after applying sunscreen, there are a few things you can do:

– Wash off the sunscreen: If you feel any discomfort in your eyes after applying sunscreen, wash it off immediately with cold water.
– Use soothing eye drops: You can also try using over-the-counter eye drops specifically designed to soothe redness and irritation caused by foreign substances like sunscreen.
– Consult a dermatologist: if you continue to experience discomfort in your eyes after using sunscreen, it’s best to consult a dermatologist. They can recommend specific products or treatments that may be more suitable for you.

Conclusion

Sunscreen is an important step in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. However, it’s essential to pay attention to how different products affect your skin and eyes. By choosing sunscreens specifically designed for sensitive skin or ones with physical, rather than chemical, sun-blocking ingredients, you can avoid the unpleasant burning sensation in your eyes. And if you still experience discomfort, don’t hesitate to consult a professional for further advice and solutions.

Tips for Relieving Sunscreen Burning Eyes

Experiencing burning eyes after applying sunscreen can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience. This reaction is especially common in those with sensitive skin or those who have had previous allergic reactions to sunscreen. Thankfully, there are several ways to relieve and prevent this discomfort. Here are some tips for stopping sunscreen burning eyes:

1. Opt for Fragrance-Free Sunscreen

Fragrances are a common cause of irritation, especially when applied near the sensitive eye area. If you frequently experience burning eyes after applying sunscreen, it may be worth switching to a fragrance-free formula. These types of sunscreens are formulated without any added fragrances and tend to be gentler on the skin.

2. Choose Hypoallergenic and Non-Comedogenic Formulas

Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic sunscreens are designed specifically for those with sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic means that the product is less likely to cause an allergic reaction, while non-comedogenic means it won’t clog pores. By choosing these types of formulas, you can reduce the risk of sunscreen burning your eyes.

3. Apply Sunscreen Away from the Eye Area

One of the most common mistakes people make when applying sunscreen is getting too close to their eyes. The chemicals in sunscreens can easily irritate the delicate skin around the eyes and even get into your eyes, causing burning and stinging sensations. To prevent this, be sure to apply sunscreen at least half an inch away from your eye area.

4. Use a Physical Sunscreen Instead of Chemical Ones

Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays while physical sunscreens create a barrier on top of the skin that deflects UV rays away from the skin’s surface. Physical sunscreens, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are less likely to irritate the eyes compared to chemical ones. They are also environmentally friendly and gentle on the skin.

5. Wash Your Face Before Applying Sunscreen

Make sure your face is clean before applying sunscreen. This step may seem obvious, but traces of makeup, dirt, and oil can create a barrier between the sunscreen and your skin. As a result, sunscreen may not penetrate the skin properly and end up dripping into your eyes causing discomfort.

6. Avoid Applying Too Much Sunscreen

Using more sunscreen than you need can increase the chances of it getting into your eyes. Applying a liberal amount is key to protecting your skin from harmful UV rays; however, too much can cause it to melt or drip onto your eye area when exposed to heat and sweat.

7. Apply Sunscreen in the Shade

Applying sunscreen under direct sunlight increases the risk of it dripping into your eyes upon application. It’s best to apply sunscreen in a shaded or indoor area where there is little chance of heat or sweat causing it to melt into your eye area.

8. Wear Sunglasses while Outdoors

In addition to applying sunscreen, wearing sunglasses with UV protection is essential for protecting your eyes from sun damage and preventing burning sensations. Not only will sunglasses shield your eyes from harmful UV rays, but they will also act as a physical barrier that prevents lotion from running into them.

How To Relieve Sunscreen Burning Eyes

If you’re experiencing burning eyes after applying sunscreen, here are some steps you can take for immediate relief:

Rinse Your Eyes with Lukewarm Water

The quickest way to alleviate stinging eyes caused by sunscreen is by thoroughly rinsing them with lukewarm water. Avoid using cold water as it can cause the delicate eye area to contract and trap the sunscreen particles, resulting in further irritation and discomfort.

Apply a Cold Compress

A cold compress, such as a clean washcloth soaked in ice-cold water, can help soothe burning eyes caused by sunscreen. Applying it over your closed eyes for five to ten minutes can help constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation while providing much-needed relief.

Use Eye Drops

Eye drops that are preservative-free and suitable for sensitive eyes can also provide immediate relief from stinging sensations. These drops work by washing out any remaining sunscreen particles and soothing the irritated eye area.

Apply Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that make it an effective natural remedy for soothing irritated skin. Applying pure aloe vera gel around the eye area can provide relief from burning eyes caused by sunscreen.

Preventing Sunscreen Burning Eyes

Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to preventing burning eyes caused by sunscreen. Here are some prevention tips:

Perform a Patch Test

Before using any new sunscreen product on your face, perform a patch test on

1. Why do my eyes burn when I apply sunscreen?
Sunscreen contains chemicals that can irritate the sensitive tissues of the eyes, causing a stinging or burning sensation.

2. How can I prevent sunscreen from getting into my eyes?
Try to avoid applying sunscreen too close to the eye area and make sure to wash your hands before touching your face. You can also use a mineral-based or physical sunscreen, as they are less likely to migrate into the eyes.

3. What should I do if sunscreen gets into my eyes?
Rinse your eyes immediately with cool water for at least 15 minutes to flush out any remaining sunscreen. If the burning sensation persists, seek medical attention.

4. Can I wear contact lenses while using sunscreen?
Yes, you can wear contact lenses while using sunscreen, but it is advised to wait at least 30 minutes after applying before inserting them to ensure that the product has fully absorbed into the skin.

5. Are there any specific types of sunscreen that are less likely to irritate my eyes?
Yes, mineral-based or physical sunscreens containing ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide tend to be gentler on the eyes compared to chemical sunscreens.

6. How can I soothe my burning eyes after using sunscreen?
You can try applying a cold compress or using eye drops specifically designed for dry and irritated eyes. Make sure to also thoroughly rinse off any remaining sunscreen from your face before trying any remedies.

In conclusion, sunscreen is an essential part of protecting our skin from harmful UV rays. However, it can also cause discomfort and irritation when it comes in contact with our eyes, leading to a burning sensation. Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent sunscreen from burning our eyes.

Firstly, choose a high-quality sunscreen that is specifically designed for sensitive skin and is labeled as non-comedogenic. This type of sunscreen will not clog pores or cause irritation around the eye area.

Secondly, make sure to properly apply sunscreen around the eyes, avoiding direct contact with the delicate skin. Using a smaller amount of sunscreen or spreading it with your fingers instead of spraying can also help prevent it from getting into your eyes.

Additionally, wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat can provide extra protection for the eye area while still allowing you to enjoy the outdoors.

If you do happen to get sunscreen in your eyes and experience a burning sensation, immediately wash it out with plenty of cool water. You can also try using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to soothe any irritation.

Overall, it is important to be mindful when applying sunscreen and take necessary precautions to prevent it from causing discomfort in our eyes. By following these tips and tricks, we can ensure proper protection from harmful UV

Author Profile

Avatar
Annie Williamson
Annie Williamson has long been fascinated by the transformative power of makeup and beauty products. With a career spanning over a decade in the beauty industry, she has worked as a professional makeup artist and beauty consultant for various renowned brands.

Annie’s expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of beauty domains, including skincare, cosmetics, haircare, and body care. Her profound knowledge and hands-on experience have made her a trusted figure among peers and clients alike, noted for her ability to tailor beauty solutions to individual needs and preferences.

The shift from hands-on beauty services to blogging allowed Annie to reach a broader audience, turning her personal insights and discoveries into valuable online content. Her blog serves as a platform for discussing emerging trends, debunking beauty myths, and revealing the secrets behind effective beauty products, whether they’re from upscale brands or hidden gems found in local markets around the world.

Annie’s approach is unique in that she combines her professional background with personal experiences from her travels, bringing a global perspective to her audience. Each post aims to educate and inspire, helping readers make informed decisions about their beauty routines.