My Experience with La Roche Posay Anthelios 40

by M. Szymanel
(Ohio)

I am prone to atopic and contact dermatitis and psoriasis on my body,and scalp. I have found that I can use this sunscreen product, La Roche Posay Anthelios 40 without breakouts. It does contain titanium dioxide, but in a low percentage.

I keep it away from my eyes, and use it over my moisturizer. It doesn't leave the face white, and mineral make up goes on nicely. Other products I have used have caused break outs.

The one product I really wish I could find is a hypoallergenic shampoo for dry hair and scalp. I use Cleure, and I especially like the conditioner. But it seems that all hypoallergenic shampoos are all purpose; no one seems to offer a very gentle formula especially for fine, dry hair and scalp.

I dilute the shampoo a little with purified water. But I really wish someone would come up with hypoallergenic shampoo in more than one formula. But after 4 yrs of severe contact dermatitis I have had been able to wear make up again, and put together a program to keep my skin clear.

Hair removal has been the biggest problem, allergic to waxing, electric shaving sets off dermatitis, depalitating sets me off. Resorted to using a new razor with little pressure each time, following my husband's suggestion.

I use the Cleure conditioner as a shaving cream, and for several days afterward a moisturizer with 1% hydrocortisone, something I don't like to do, but am 57 and had a fellow worker pointed out to me one day I was working in a professional position, and had to do something about the hair on my face. Surprisingly this has worked well. My husband's comment was that you can't clean an electric razor, and a new blade is clean. What a hassle. Oh well.

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Our reply

Thank you so much M for your very helpful suggestions, and for sharing your experience. I am so glad you found a sunscreen that works well for you and that does not cause the "white as a sheet" effect! :-)

Yes, most hypoallergenic product lines I have seen do not have a wide range of choices, and one option is to adapt the products to your own needs. That is a great idea to dilute the shampoo for your fine hair!

I live in a very dry climate and in the summer the sun is very strong, so I add a little jojoba oil to my Cleure shampoo and conditioner for extra moisturizing.

Ah yes, hair removal options for sensitive skin ... that is a challenge since so many options cause skin irritation. We have a new section of the site on Home Laser Hair Removal and I am hoping to add to this as I learn more. I've been looking for some safer options and here is what I've found so far for safe hair removal options. Thank you M for sharing your experience!