When the temperatures rise and the weather turns towards summer, you can hear the collective rejoicing. Gone are the long dark days of winter, replaced by the long, warm, sunny days of summer!
Sun-filled beach photos and sunny adventures clog the social media feeds of my family, friends, and fellow travel bloggers. 🙂
Unfortunately, I’m not exactly running to bask in the sun’s rays.
Don’t get me wrong. The beach eye candy is gorgeous.
The problem is, I have a sun allergy, or photosensitivity if you want to be technical about it.
Talk about a major bummer, right!?!
I’ve always had fair, sensitive skin with the potential to lobster on the beach. I also travel with my own toiletries because I’d rather not take chances with perfumey hotel shampoos, soaps, and lotions.
But, everything took a turn for the worse a couple of years ago when I had a horrendous allergic reaction to hair dye. To be clear, I’d highlighted my hair a bunch of times without issue, so I wasn’t worried when I chose to cover up some early-onset gray hair.
What followed were blistered, burned, and weeping ears and scalp, a swollen, painful neck, and a body covered in itchy rash and hives. I was treated by an allergist and thought the worst was behind me as long as I stayed away from hair dyes with the toxic chemical PPD.
That is until the rash returned once I’d finished the steroid prescription from my allergist.
Several skin biopsies later, a couple of dermatologists diagnosed me with a rare auto-immune disease which includes the condition of photosensitivity. I never had any sign of an auto-immune issue, sun allergy, or reoccurring rash before getting my hair dyed. Apparently, my reaction was so severe it had “woken up” something lying dormant in my system.
While it’s not PMLE, the condition is in the same photosensitivity ballpark. Basically, I need to stay out of the sun or suffer the consequences of a widespread, itchy, painful rash that’ll take weeks to fade away.
How I Travel the World with a Sun Allergy (& How You Can, Too!)
Regardless of my sun allergy, I’m determined to travel. Yes, Mr. TGT and I used to travel to the Caribbean more, but I’ve certainly not given up on traveling to hot and sunny destinations.
In fact, I was motivated to write this post because of some of my most favorite travel experiences that include destinations like Thailand, Mexico, and Costa Rica.
The combination of products below allowed me to enjoy myself mentally in a way that I haven’t experienced in the sun for quite a while. If you too have a similar sun allergy or photosensitivity, you know the rash is only part of the problem.
I am mentally always thinking about how I can protect myself whether I’m heading to a family barbecue or packing for a warm-weather destination.
I’ve tested a variety of products and found the ones that work best for me. The list is short, but one that continues to grow as what I use evolves and is also based on recommendations of readers who also have sun sensitivities.
My hope is that you, too, can benefit and feel comfortable traveling the world while managing your sun allergy.
Sunscreen
If you have a sun allergy, you know you can’t just use any sunscreen. Since most sun allergy conditions are reacting to the sun’s UVA & UVB rays, you’ll need a sunscreen that’ll protect against both.
Clinique Super City Block Ultra Protection SPF 25
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Nevertheless, I still wear this one as a primer underneath my makeup every day in every season whether I’m exploring the Romanian countryside, dogsledding in Finnish Lapland, or walking around my NYC neighborhood. It’s a great first step to protecting your face and neck from the sun at the start of each new day.
La Roche Posay Anthelios 60 Body & Face Sunscreen Melt-In Milk Lotion
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I don’t have that gross-I’m-wearing-a-bucket-of-sunscreen feeling! But instead, love how soft and light it feels on my skin! I never go on a trip to a sunny destination without a bottle of this lotion in my bag.
Piz Buin Allergy Lotion for Sun-Sensitive Skin SPF 50+
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Piz Buin gets a spot in my bag because the protection is amazing! In fact, I’ve put a dollop of Piz Buin on a section of not-properly-protected skin and that all too familiar sizzle sensation stops in its tracks.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum SPF 100+
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This sunscreen was highly recommended by several readers who also have sun-intolerant skin. It’s waterproof and feels so light it won’t leave you feeling sticky or greasy.
Lastly, for anyone looking for all-natural ingredients or needs a reef-friendly sunscreen option, Thinksport SPF 50+ is a great option. It’s biodegradable with natural ingredients and minerals that moisturize your skin while protecting you from the sun.
I had some of this handy when I went to the Galapagos and snorkeled in places that asked for reef-safe sunscreen.
Sun-Protective Clothing
This was a fairly big step for me so if you’re struggling with this, you’re not alone. It’s one thing to be under a tent-like umbrella on the beach with sunscreen looking semi-beach-sloppy in an oversized shirt.
But, sun-protective clothing conjures up images of turtlenecks on the beach and prudish Victorian-era clothing.
In all seriousness, though, I couldn’t have been more wrong. I did some research and found brands doing a fashionably awesome job for anyone needing sun-protective clothing.
To be clear, I’m referring to UPF clothing with UVA and UVB protection built directly into the fabric.
Over the years, more companies have started making UPF clothes. However, I love the look, cut, and feel of Coolibar clothes. I’ve also found cute swim shirts, leggings, and long-sleeved UPF clothes from brands on Amazon that I hadn’t heard of before doing a bit of digging.
Rest assured, you can find all types of UPF clothing, including swimwear, sundresses, tops, and bottoms.
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Even better, I can actually move out of the shade to enjoy a walk or swim. In a sunny destination, UPF clothing has given me back my freedom and peace of mind. I never have to worry whether or not my sunscreen has been washed away or sweated off.
Of course, the beach isn’t the only place where I need sun protection. And it’s not just about wearing long sleeves. The fabric has to be lightweight or else it’s too hot to wear on hot days.
I have this dress below in White/Moonlight Stripe. The great thing about a dress like this is that with the collar down, it looks like a typical shirt dress. But you can also button up and pull the collar up when you need a bit more protection.
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For hiking or active outdoor wear, I also love Columbia Sportswear’s Omni-Shade clothing. The clothes offer complete protection and functionality on the hiking trail or in the mountains.
Sun Protection Zone Outdoor Booney Hat (100 SPF/UPF 50+)
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The nearly 5″ brim shades my face, neck, and upper chest, and shoulder area. I never thought I’d proclaim my love for a chin strap, but here I am! I can be active without having to constantly keep the hat from blowing off my head. It lies flat in my bag and can even be folded in half.
Best of all, it comes in a variety of colors. I have white, light gray, and navy blue. The hat is incredibly durable, machine washable, and recommended by several melanoma foundations.
SHINYMOD UV Protection Arm Sleeves
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If you’ve ever been in a car unable to escape the sun’s rays, you need these UV protection arm sleeves!
Road trip as a driver or a passenger without worrying about having a reaction or breaking out in a rash. They’re also great for outdoor activities like running, hiking, cycling, and even gardening!
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Similarly, I’ve taken a pair of these when I’m the main or only road trip driver on a trip. While I don’t need to wear gloves all the time, keeping my hands on the steering wheel for a long time with no way to escape the sun’s rays results in a rash on the backs of my hands.
I’d rather wear the gloves and avoid the discomfort (and quite frankly, ugly) rash on my hands later on.
SlipIns Surfskins
Recommended swimwear by a reader about the same time I discovered them on Instagram, this company makes sun protection swimwear. Whether you need a full-body suit or just long sleeves or leggings, there are plenty of designs to help you stay protected while enjoying the ocean.
Medicine, Vitamins & Prescription Creams
I’ve been so grateful for the readers who have shared their sun allergy stories and recommended what’s worked for them. Unfortunately, none of the below work for me.
However, in addition to any prescription creams, readers have had success with:
- Antihistamines
- Hydrocortisone
- Calcium (taken before and during a trip)
- Zinc Oxide (as a sunscreen and to soothe irritated skin)
This is not meant to be taken as medical advice. I am not a doctor, nor am I saying these things will work for you. I’ve always found my doctor to be the best source for helping me with my condition. You should always consult with your doctor to see what’s right for you.
I always pack my prescription steroid creams in my carry-on because I can’t take the chance they’d get lost in checked luggage. A word of caution about prescription creams, though!
Be sure to bring the prescription-labeled box the cream came in or at the very least, just the prescription label. Tubes of cream often don’t have the benefit of the usual prescription bottle. Don’t assume a security airport agent will recognize your cream(s) as a prescription, particularly if you’re traveling internationally.
If your cream is over the allotted size for security, you may also want to transfer it to a travel-sized bottle to avoid begging (and showing past rash photos at airport security!) to keep your creams from being tossed.
Traveling with a sun allergy is not impossible!
The bottom line is if I can travel with my sun allergy, then so can you! With the right precautions and the help of some tried and true products, it’s more than possible to travel the world (even the sunniest spots!) with a sun allergy.
Do you have a sun allergy? What tips or products do you use to travel the world with a sun allergy?
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