Sun Allergy: Symptoms, Causes and the Best Skincare Tips for Sensitive Skin

Do you experience itchy bumps, red patches or a burning sensation on your skin after a sunny day? Then you may be dealing with sun allergy. Sun allergy is a hypersensitive reaction of the skin to UV radiation and often appears as itchy bumps, red patches, blisters and itching. The best way to prevent sun allergy is to gradually let your skin get used to the sun and to use a sunscreen with SPF30 or SPF50 every day. Especially in spring and summer, many people experience this uncomfortable skin reaction. Sun allergy can occur anywhere on the body, but is often seen on the face, arms, shoulders, neck and décolleté. Fortunately, there are several ways to treat and prevent sun allergy. In this blog, you’ll read what sun allergy looks like, what the symptoms are, what you can do about sun allergy and which sunscreen is most suitable for sensitive skin.

Contents

• What is sun allergy?
• What does sun allergy look like?
• Where does sun allergy occur most often?
• Sun allergy in children
• What causes sun allergy?
• Heat rash or sun allergy?
• What to do about sun allergy?
• Ingredients that may help with sun allergy
• Which sunscreen for sun allergy?
• Sun allergy or sunscreen allergy?
• How to prevent sun allergy

What is sun allergy?

Sun allergy is a hypersensitive reaction of the skin to UV radiation. This can cause itchy bumps, red patches, blisters and skin irritation after exposure to the sun. The most common form of sun allergy is called polymorphic light eruption (PMLE). With this condition, the immune system reacts to sunlight, causing a skin rash. Although the name may suggest otherwise, sun allergy is not always a true allergic reaction. It is more of a hypersensitive skin reaction to sunlight. People with fair skin are more likely to experience sun allergy, but it can occur in every skin type.

What does sun allergy look like?

Sun allergy is often recognised by small red bumps, itchy rash, red patches or blisters on skin that has been exposed to the sun. The symptoms usually appear within a few hours after sunbathing. A frequently asked question is: what does sun allergy look like? Symptoms differ from person to person, but common sun allergy symptoms include:

• Small red bumps
• Itchy rash
• Red patches
• Blisters
• Swelling of the skin
• Burning sensation
• Tight-feeling skin
• Dry or flaky patches
• Itchy skin

The rash usually appears within a few hours after exposure to the sun. Sometimes the symptoms only appear the next day.

Sun allergy bumps

Sun allergy bumps are often small, red and itchy. They can appear separately or form larger patches together. These bumps often occur on the arms, shoulders, neck and legs.

Rash from the sun

Many people search for terms such as rash from the sun, skin rash from the sun or bumps after sun exposure. These are often symptoms of sun allergy, but they may also indicate heat rash or a reaction to skincare products.

Where does sun allergy occur most often?

Sun allergy on the face

Sun allergy on the face is common. The skin on the face is exposed to UV radiation every day and is often more sensitive than other parts of the body. Symptoms on the face may include:

• Red patches
• Itching
• Dry skin
• Small bumps
• A burning sensation

That is why it is important to use a sunscreen specially developed for the face every day.

Sun allergy on the arms

The arms are often one of the first places where sun allergy becomes visible. Especially after the first sunny days of the year, red bumps and itching may occur here.

Sun allergy on the legs

The legs can also react to UV radiation, especially when they are exposed to sunlight for a longer period for the first time after winter.

Sun allergy on the neck and décolleté

The neck and décolleté are among the most sensitive areas for sun allergy. The skin here is thinner and often receives a lot of direct sunlight.

Are you looking for a suitable sunscreen for the body? Discover our complete range of body sunscreens.

Sun allergy in children

Sun allergy in children is fairly common, especially during the first sunny days of the year or during a sunny holiday. Children’s skin is more sensitive than adult skin and can react more quickly to UV radiation. Good sun protection with protective clothing and sunscreen helps prevent symptoms. If your child experiences sun allergy, it is important to get them out of the sun immediately and cool the skin. Also use a sunscreen specially developed for sensitive children’s skin with at least SPF30, but preferably SPF50. Let children gradually get used to the sun and avoid exposure during the strongest sun hours between 12:00 and 15:00. Do the symptoms keep returning, are they severe or are you unsure whether it is actually sun allergy? Contact a GP for advice. This way, you can be sure your child receives the right treatment and protection.

What causes sun allergy?

The exact cause of sun allergy is not yet fully known. However, there are several factors that increase the risk.

UV radiation

Both UVA and UVB can cause sun allergy. UVA radiation in particular is often associated with skin reactions.

Sensitive skin

People with sensitive or fair skin are more likely to experience sun allergy.

Genetic predisposition

Sun allergy sometimes occurs more often within families.

Medication

Certain medications can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Examples include some antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and acne medication.

Perfume and cosmetics

Some perfumes, essential oils and cosmetic products can cause skin reactions in combination with sunlight.

Heat rash or sun allergy?

Heat rash and sun allergy are often confused.

Heat rash

Heat rash occurs when sweat glands become blocked. This causes small red bumps that mainly appear in skin folds or areas where you sweat a lot.

Sun allergy

With sun allergy, the rash is caused by UV radiation. The symptoms mainly appear on skin that has been directly exposed to the sun.

What to do about sun allergy?

Get out of the sun immediately, cool the skin, use soothing skincare and protect the skin with a suitable sunscreen. If symptoms are severe or keep returning, it is wise to consult a doctor. Wondering what to do about sun allergy? These are the most important steps.

Avoid direct sunlight

Get out of the sun as soon as you notice your skin reacting.

Cool the skin

A cool shower or cold compress can help calm the skin.

Use soothing skincare

Choose products that hydrate and soothe the skin. Ingredients that may help include:

• Aloe Vera
• Chamomile
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Vitamin E
• Niacinamide

Stay well hydrated too, as well-hydrated skin can recover better.

Ingredients that may help with sun allergy

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is known for its soothing and hydrating effect on sensitive skin.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid helps retain moisture and supports the skin barrier.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide supports skin repair and helps reduce redness.

Chamomile

Chamomile has a soothing effect and is often used in products for sensitive skin.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E helps protect the skin against external influences.

Which sunscreen for sun allergy?

For sun allergy, choose a fragrance-free sunscreen with SPF30 or SPF50 that protects against UVA and UVB radiation. Products for sensitive skin are often the most suitable. A good sunscreen is essential if you are prone to sun allergy. What should you look for? Choose:

• SPF30, SPF50 or SPF50+
• Protection against both UVA and UVB
• Fragrance-free formulas
• Products for sensitive skin
• Dermatologically tested sunscreen
• Sunscreen specially developed for skin prone to sun allergy

The best sunscreen for sun allergy contains as few irritating ingredients as possible and offers high protection against UV radiation. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours.

Sun allergy or sunscreen allergy?

Not every skin reaction after applying sunscreen is sun allergy. Some people are sensitive to perfume, alcohol, preservatives or fragrances. Does the rash only appear after using a specific product? Then it may be a reaction to the sunscreen itself. In that case, choose a fragrance-free sunscreen for sensitive skin.

How to prevent sun allergy

Prevention is better than cure. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to prevent sun allergy.

Gradually build up sun exposure

Let your skin slowly get used to the first rays of sun of the season, always with a layer of sunscreen on the skin.

Avoid the strong midday sun

UV radiation is strongest between 12:00 and 15:00, so avoid sun exposure during these hours.

Wear protective clothing

Light, airy clothing, a hat or cap and sunglasses provide extra protection.

Use sunscreen every day

Even when it is cloudy, UV radiation reaches the skin. Apply good sun protection every day and reapply every two hours during prolonged sun exposure.

Take good care of your skin

A healthy skin barrier is more resistant to external influences. Want to know more about repairing a damaged skin barrier? You can read all about it in our blog.

Best products for sun allergy

If you are sensitive to sun allergy, these products are a valuable addition to your routine:

• SPF50 sunscreen for sensitive skin
• High-protection facial sunscreen
• After sun with Aloe Vera
• Soothing body lotion
• Hydrating face cream
• Products with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide

By combining the right skincare with good sun protection, you can significantly reduce the risk of sun allergy. This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Do you have severe, recurring or worsening symptoms? Contact a GP or dermatologist for personal advice.

Enjoy the sun safely

Sun allergy can be uncomfortable, but with the right protection and skincare you can prevent many symptoms. By using a good sunscreen every day, keeping your skin well hydrated and limiting exposure to strong sun, you can significantly reduce the risk of itching, red patches and sun allergy bumps. Do you have sensitive skin? Choose mild skincare, a sunscreen specially developed for sensitive skin and caring products with ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide and Vitamin E. This helps keep your skin comfortable, healthy and protected on sunny days.

Frequently asked questions about sun allergy