Sensitive sun-worshipper

Normally, I can put any manner of chemical on my face (skin as thick as a rhinoceros), but for some inexplicable reason I cannot seem to tolerate sun creams of any description, without breaking out in small red pimples that live under my skin for weeks on end … and, frankly, make me look like I have a beard of sorts. This currently poses a bigger problem than normal, as I’m getting married at the end of the summer in Croatia and therefore it’s going to be a toss up between being a burnt bride or a spotty, grizzly looking one.

Dr Katherine Mulrooney from Beacon Dermatology, informed me that I was most likely reacting to the strong chemical filters found in nearly all sun creams, so I’ve spend the last few weeks trying to track down chemical free alternatives, only to discover there’s a plethora of options for sun sensitive types like me. Here are few gems, which I’ll be road-testing over the coming months, to hopefully find one that won’t irritate my complexion. If any of you ladies have a similar condition – or better still, have found a solution – please let me know, on ldwyer@image.ie.

TRY THESE SKIN-KIND SUNSCREENS ON FOR SIZE 1 Dr Brandt UV SPF30 face, tinted, €35 – With natural UV filters derived from algae and a light tint to lend skin a golden glow 2 L’Occitane Buriti Sunscreen Veil, SPF30, €19.95 – Organic vegetable oil from the palm-tree Buriti and beta-carotene protect the skin from photo-ageing 3 BareMinerals SPF30 Natural Sunscreen, €29 – Micronized Titanium Dioxide shields against UVA/UVB rays and the built-in application brush is genius 4 Eminence SPF30 Organic Sun Defense,€57 – Organic minerals, micronized Zinc Oxide and Vitamins A & E defend against harmful rays, available in six shades 5 NeoStrata Sheer Hydration SPF 15, €29.95 – NeoGlucosamine works on minimising dark spots as well as organically blocking UVA/UVB rays.

Liz Dwyer, BEAUTY EDITOR