“Can sunscreen cause a skin allergy?”

Yes. Sometimes you can develop an allergy to a sunscreen ingredient and this can happen over time. Best to stop that particular sunscreen. You may want to try a mineral based sunscreen that only has zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients.

Yes. The skin can develop an allergy to any chemical including the components of sunscreen, especially chemical blocking sunscreen. I would recommend mineral sunscreen with zinc and titanium dioxide, such as Ceravive Invisible zinc. Avoid putting anything on open skin as you can develop another allergy to that new chemical.

Yes, a small percentage of patients react to one or more of the chemical sunscreens. I would recommend trying a mineral sunscreen that contains only zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Very few reactions are reported with the use of mineral sunscreens.

I am sorry you are experiencing  that discomfort, but you need to stop using that particular brand. The degree of SPF is never the issue - it is the type of the sunscreen, people with sensitive skin should use only mineral sunscreen (ex. titanium dioxide) instead of the chemical ones. The active ingredient of the sunscreen should either be zinc oxide or titanium dioxide  - that is the only ingredient you need to concentrate on. Labels such as hypoallergenic, etc., are just marketing tools - the ingredients is what you need to concentrate on. Every time you try a new product, I would advise applying a small amount on your arm  - (quarter size in diameter of skin) - and leave it for at least 12hrs - 24 hrs is the best. If there is no irritation, then you will be able to tolerate the product. 
Hope that helps. 

Sincerely, 

Monika Korff, MD

Yes, it can be a change in sunscreens.

Yes many chemicals can cause allergy in a few individuals, though occasionally the act of rubbing the skin can cause itch. If you get a rash then seeing a dermatologist interested in allergic skin disease or allergists for testing is suggested