Solutions for extremely sun sensitive skin

[Hangingbellyofbabylon]

My skin seems to have become very sensitive - I've been using factor 50 baby sunblock, re-applying regularly, trying to stay out of the sun but I keep catching the sun just generally walking around outside. Today I caught the sun and all 3 of my children,including dd3 who is very fair and has ginger hair did not. I am very glad they didn't get sunburnt but this just shows how sensitive my skin is. I have dark brown hair and a mid skin tone, certainly not extremely fair.

Any ideas of very very strong sunblocking products? also any ideas of why my skin has become so sun sensitive? I noticed it last summer but this year it seems even worse.

I am very sensitive to the sun, I knew something wasn't right after twenty minutes of sun exposure, (it was 11am and i was hanging out washing and chatting to a neighbour) within a few hours my arms looked like i had been scalded then a while later my arms felt lumpy and i was sore. I saw my GP and i was referred to a skin specialist, after some tests i was found to have polymorphic light eruption, you can have it at different degrees, i found P20 very effective and avoiding the sun, (if i can) between 11am and 3pm, In the spring when the sun is not too strong i will go out for 10 mins in the morning over a few days then build up to 30 minitues over a few weeks to try and expose my skin gradually to the sun.
There are a few people walking about unaware they have it but there is good information on the internet about it, hope this helps.:)

I have very sensitive skin and use the sun mousse they do a kids version as well as it is a mousse the kids don't grumble when I ask them to put it on - have a look at a great site www.pureandgentle.com they have loads of information on there as well.

I also have PLE. Bloody nusance tbh, when the weather's like this I have to use factor 50 like moisturiser after a shower, even a short period of time in the sun will set it off. Had it for about 20 years now, have used a plethora of unguents from cheap to ludicrously expensive, for this country either pizbuin allday or soltan (and I use number 7 factor 50 for face pretty much every day), hat, long sleeves and avoid midday sun.
If you've sudddenly developed photosensitivity it might be worth a quick check over with your gp.

I'm really sensitive to suntan lotion with combination of heat. Antihistamines help - no idea why - someone suggested it to me once. I find Zirtek good.

Other than that - cover up - linen trousers and long sleeved shirts.

Suntan lotion is full of a vast range of chemicals. Better avoided if it's making you react.