By now, you know the importance of applying (and re-applying) sunscreen. Doing so protects your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can cause damaging burns, hyperpigmentation, brown spots, premature aging, and skin cancer.
But if you have sensitive skin that’s prone to irritation or breakouts, you may be hesitant to slather sunscreen on your body—especially your face. Certain formulas that contain chemical filters, fragrances, preservatives, or essential oils and other extracts can aggravate a delicate complexion, says Marisa Garshick, M.D., a dermatologist at Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery (MDCS) in New York. This can present as redness, dryness, flaking, or general sensitivity, which could be a simple irritation to the product or a true allergic reaction to a specific ingredient.