The sun isn't always the culprit. Sometimes it's the sunscreen. If your face turns red and puffy after applying a sunscreen, you may be experiencing a reaction to the contents of the screen. The product's fragrance, preservatives or even the antioxidant vitamins A or E common in lotions could be the source of the trouble.
People can get allergic contact dermatitis, which is a poison oak-type reaction.
More often the skin is simply irritated by the sunscreen. Typically, sensitive areas such as eyelids and neck become itchy and red. Scottsdale dermatologist Dr. Joseph Scherzer said he has also seen patients who develop allergies from the way the sun reacts with ingredients in some sunscreens. Both Scherzer and Salmon said people who have a problem with sunscreens may want to use physical blockers like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. They sit on the skin like a shield that reflects light.