Understanding The Label And Ingredients On Your Sunscreen Lotion
One look at the ingredients list on any sunscreen is enough to have even the most diligent label checker throwing up their hands in despair. So many unfamiliar chemicals with long, unpronounceable names! And to make things even more complicated most of those chemicals can be known by 2 or 3 different names. Weve divided the most common sunscreen ingredients into those with a low risk of skin irritation and those known to cause problems more frequently. As with everything eczema, even the low-risk chemicals can cause problems but if you steer clear of the higher risk ingredients youve got a good chance of avoiding sunscreens that could irritate your eczema childs skin.
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Do You Have Eczema Here Are 5 Ways To Tell
If youre feeling itchy and dry these days, its a good idea to ask yourself a few questions about whats really going on. Dry skin and eczema may seem similar, but dryness can often clear up with some diligent moisturizing and an exposure to warmer, moister air. Eczema, meanwhile, could require more significant lifestyle changes and possibly even prescription medication.
Anyone who suffers from the condition, also known as atopic dermatitis, will tell you that its seriously uncomfortable. The itch from eczema can be torturous, said Dr. Ellen Marmur, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of skin care brand MMSkincare. In fact, the word derives from the Greek word ekzein to boil because it can feel like intense burning.
Start With The Right Cleanser
Cleanser is the foundation of any skincare regimen and should be selected thoughtfully when youre planning on being exposed to dry environments. According to Higgins, a basic moisturizing cleanser with a milky base will be your best bet for hydrated, non-clogged skin.
Personally, Ive found luck with a double cleanse routine. I begin my process with an oil cleanser and then move on to a milky cleanser . This way, my skin feels free of grime and environmental pollutants, yet still soothed by nourishing ingredients. But, Higgins warns, dont go too heavy on oils. Stay away from avocado or jojoba oils in cleansers those are pretty high pore-cloggers, she advises. On the flip side, cleansers with a gel or foam consistency can also be too striping and contribute to dryness. Its all about striking a balance here.
Best Cleansers for Cold-Weather
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Best Sunscreen For Melasma: Thrive Balm
Melasma produces darkened areas of the skin and is known to be related to hormones. To prevent this skin problem from worsening, many dermatologists advise their patients to use sunscreen. When looking for a sunscreen for melasma, it is best to choose physical sunscreens because they do not penetrate the skin and affect the hormones as they protect from the UV rays.
The best sunscreen for those with melasma is the THRIVE Sunscreen Balm. This broad-spectrum sunscreen has SPF 30. It makes use of zinc oxide, the non-nano kind, to produce an effective physical barrier against the suns rays.
It also makes use of other natural ingredients as source of antioxidants that help repair damaged skin by the sun or other stressors in the environment. It is a cruelty-free, non-GMO, paraben-free, reef-safe, vegan, and PABA-free product. Also, there are no synthetic colors, ingredients or fragrances in the formula.
Most users found that this leaves a white cast on the skin. Others are aware of this but they dont mind at all because the product works. Some customers also liked the lemon scent. However, one drawback to this product is the expensive price.
Ready To Head Outside
Sunscreen alone isnt enough to protect your skin against ultraviolet rays. Its just one part of a sun protection program that includes wearing protective clothing and staying out of direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., especially during the summer months.
So, choose, test and use sunscreen wisely, and from all of us at NEA, enjoy your summer in the sun. Your skin will thank you for it!
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How Do I Choose The Right Sunscreen
With so many options, take time to read that sunscreen label carefully, said Dr. Yu. Check for all potential active ingredients. And consider the following guidance as you search for the perfect eczema-friendly sunscreen to suit your bodys individual needs:
- Read the label carefully to see if it contains any potential known allergens
- Look for sunscreen that has a sun protectant factor of 30 greater Dr. Yu explained that anything over SPF 50 probably doesnt make that much more of a difference since SPF-50 blocks 98% of the suns UV rays.
- Look for a product with mineral-based ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide Dr. Yu added that people with eczema should avoid any sunscreen whose active ingredients are NOT titanium or zinc.
- Make sure the product offers broad-spectrum SPF from both UVA and UVB rays
- Choose a product thats alcohol-free and fragrance-free Dr. Yu said that sunscreens labeled for sensitive skin have been shown to have fewer potentially allergenic ingredients than those not labeled as such.
Ice Blocks Are Your New Best Friend
Keeping the body hydrated and trying to reduce your childs core body temperature decreases the temperature at the skins surface. The cooler the skin is in summer, the less itchy it will be. Keep sips of cold water going throughout the day, and ice blocks can be used as a treat that will help increase fluid and also cool the body. Freeze pure fruit juices to make your own icy poles. If you are on a dairy-free diet, look out for soy or dairy free ice cream.
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How Can I Find The Right Sun Cream For My Eczema
If you have eczema, you might find that getting a good sun lotion is a process of trial and error. Having dry, sensitive, and easily irritated skin means that you might have a reaction to lots of widely available sun creams.
One thing to know is that many people with eczema find mineral-based reflectors easier on their skin than chemical absorbers, the alternative type of sun lotion. If you want to try mineral-based reflectors, look for the ingredient titanium dioxide.
When trying different sun lotions its also helpful to do the following:
- Read the ingredients list to check if the product contains any allergens or irritants that might bother your skin
- Put a small amount on your forearm to see if it causes a reaction do this once a day for five days in a row
- Patch test a sun cream youve used before if you havent used it in a while, or if theyve changed the formula
- Try sprays, sticks, and lotions to find the method of application that suits your skin best
If you really struggle to find a sun lotion that doesnt irritate your skin, its a good idea to invest in some protective summer clothing with built-in SPF. Just bear in mind that youll still need to apply sunscreen to exposed areas of skin.
Do People With Darker Skin Tones Need Sunscreen
Yes. People with darker complexions still need to apply sunscreen to prevent skin cancer and hyperpigmentation. Many sunscreens, however, are notorious for leaving white streaks. To find a melanin-friendly formula, check out our top sunscreens for darker skinall approved by dermatologists of color.
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How To Prevent Dry Skin In The Winter
Not only do the dropping temperatures harm our skin, but so does indoor heating. Here’s how to prevent dry, itchy skin this winter.
Keep Vaseline, Aquaphor or other petroleum jelly products around. Apply to chapped lips or dry patches of skin. They’re also a great occlusive to use in the slugging skin care technique. For the most effective hydration, first use a layer of cream, then apply your slugging agent. The following list consists of the best hydrating skin care oils, creams, moisturizers and lotions. Consider using underneath your slugging product.
I have personally tested each product on this list, and use most of these moisturizers each day. I have sensitive, dry and sometimes acne-prone skin, and I found each product on this list to be hydrating and gentle on my skin.
Here are the best products to keep your skin hydrated this winter.
Look For Natural Inactive Ingredients
Active ingredients are the ones that do the heavy lifting by warding off the suns rays. Inactive ingredients are all of the other ingredients that contribute to the scent, texture, and consistency of the product.
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are safe active sunscreen ingredients for eczema-prone skin, and you want to steer clear of chemical active ingredients. But when choosing sunscreen for eczema-prone skin, pay attention to the inactive ingredients, too.
Keep your eyes peeled for soothing, moisturizing ingredients that treat your familys skin to hydration with every application.
Opt for products with ingredients such as:
Stay away from irritating inactive ingredients, like synthetic fragrances and phenoxyethanol, and when possible, choose hypoallergenic sunscreens.
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Sunscreen For Problem Skin
Hello sunshine. Goodbye sunscreen worries. Lets help find the right one for you
Depending on our skin type, were all very particular about selecting the right lotions and potions we put on our faces. So isnt it a little bizarre that we just assume one size fits all when it comes to our sunscreen?
Little People Organic Children Spf 30
This is the one that I often use. It is thick and creamy and helps with her eczema as well as offers sun protection. This sun lotion can leave a stain on clothes but I found using washing up liquid on the stain before I put it in the washing machine removes it easily.
- Little People Organic Children SPF 30 sun lotion SPF30 contains no gluten, PEgs parabens, MI, SLS/SLES, lanolin, synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals, propylene glycol, colourants and alcohol.
- Its 78% organic natural ingredients include avocado, sunflower and olive oil, beeswax, aloe vera, edelweiss and rosemary extract. Its a thick cream but absorbs well. The Green People highlights that this suncream is for sensitive skin.
- Ingredients: Aqua , Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate , Olea Europea Fruit oil*, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil*, Cetaryl Alcohol , Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Elais Guinesis Oil*^, Titanium Dioxide , Glyceral Sterate , Cera Alba *, Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice Powder*, Persea Gratissima Oil*, Leontoppodium Alpium Leaf Extract*, Commiphora Myrrah Oil^, Rosmeary) Leaf Extract*, Cetearyl Glucoside , Sodium Stearoyl Glutomate , Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phytic Acid. *84% CERTIFIED ORGANIC INGREDIENTS, ^FAIRLY TRADED
- For more information on Green People Organic Children sun lotion and latest prices, see here.
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Aveeno Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Baby Sunscreen
While plenty of adults must deal with this unwanted skin condition, between 10% to 20% of children in the U.S. are affected by eczema. In fact, 70% of these cases first start showing up in children younger than five years old. So, for those parents out there who want to keep their kids skin protected, its important to find child-friendly options.
AVEENO Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Baby Sunscreen is a tear-free and water-resistant mineral sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 sun protection. Formulated with oat and zinc oxide, this baby sunscreen nourishes and protects sensitive skin.
Finding The Right Sensitive Skin Sunscreen For You
There will be other brands of sensitive sunscreen that are suitable for different people and their particular allergies and sensitivities. Just be sure to carefully read the labels and avoid food ingredients if food allergies are a problem for you. And take notice of whether there is warning about using on broken skin if that applies.
If we didnt have broken eczema skin and multiple food allergies to contend with, Id also be happy to try SunSense Sensitive Invisible SPF 50+* based on the reviews.
Whichever sunscreen you try, always patch test first by applying a little on the inside of your forearm. Its best if you can wait a few days before using the product all over just to be sure.
And unfortunately it might be a case of trial and error to find the right combination of a sunscreen that your sensitive skin can tolerate, but which you also like in terms of the feel and any white residue left behind.
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The Benefits Of Sunscreen For People With Atopic Dermatitis
Your quest to find an eczema-friendly sunscreen is worthwhile. After all, excessive sun exposure can lead to sunburn in anyone, including people with atopic dermatitis.
Sunburns compromise the skin barrier, which is already compromised in people with eczema, and can lead to flares. Regularly using sunscreen can help prevent this from occurring, says Jeffrey Cohen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant professor of dermatology at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.
While the sunscreen itself doesnt directly strengthen the skin barrier, it will protect your skin from the sun. A study published in December 2019 in the Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials found that UV light weakens the bonds between cells in the stratum corneum, the top layer of skin, by damaging the proteins that help skin cells adhere together. Dr. Cohen says that sunburns in general accelerate skin aging, increase the risk of skin cancer, and increase skin dryness.
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Which Sunscreen Should I Use
Sunscreen helps to filter out the suns harmful UV radiation. Come rain or shine, 365 days a year, sunscreen should be a regular part of your daily routine. Often though, for those with problem skin, sunscreen can cause irritation, leaving them with a tricky choice to make. Whether to apply sunscreen and wait for the breakouts to appear, or ditch it altogether and risk causing permanent sun damage? The good news is it doesnt have to be this way. Weve picked our top sunscreen recommendations suitable for a range of different skin types. So whatever your skin needs, you can stay safe in the sun.
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Best Natural Sunscreen Stick:
This is a long lasting sunscreen that may be thicker to apply, but it was created with athletes in mind. Its biodegradable and safe for the reefs yay! The original Eco Stick is very white, but the tinted version is a great natural skin color that blends well. I love that they use green tea and hemp oil, both are excellent for eczema. This is a shea butter-free sunscreen, so its great for those avoiding shea due to allergies.
EWG Rating: 1
Ingredients: Non Nano Zinc Oxide 22.75%, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Green Tea, Organic Black Tea, Organic Coffee, Organic Hemp Seed Oil, Organic Cocoa Butter, All Natural Mango Butter, Organic Beeswax, All Natural Candelilla Wax, All Natural Rosemary Oil Extract, All Natural Vitamin E,
This sunblock has a very clean ingredient list, doesnt leave the skin white AND has great packaging that is easily recylable. All major wins. And of course, the simple, natural ingredient list sounds nourishing for the most sensitive skin and eczema.
EWG Rating: 1
Ingredients: Zinc Oxide , Organic Cocos Nucifera Oil, Organic Cera Alba , Organic Calendula Officinalis Flowers infused in Organic Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Non-GMO Tocopherol .
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Daily Sunscreen Lotion With Spf 50
The Editor Pick
Aveeno is known for being the sensitive skin experts, so it comes as no surprise that this lightweight lotion makes the cut. Featuring their signature oat extract, the formula is as protective as it is nourishing to irritated skin. Its also oil-free and fragrance-free, meaning you can slather it on without worrying about breakouts or smelling like fake coconuts.
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Wrap Up On Best Sunscreen For Eczema
This guide was written to help those who are searching for the best sunscreen for eczema. I hope that by reading this guide youve gained a greater understanding of what to look for and have found a sunscreen that fits your needs!
SimplySunSafe recommends BADGER SPF 35 Sport Sunscreen as the best Sunscreen for Eczema, but all 5 of our listed sunscreens will provide you with sufficient and sensitive protection for your eczema prone skin.
Remember, its always a good idea to test a few products so that you can find the one that works the best for your skin. Once you have tested a few different sunscreens, you will be able to choose the one that best fits your daily lifestyle and no longer worry about the sun protection of your sensitive, eczema prone skin.
I love to hear and learn new things as much as possible, so if you use or know of any other sunscreens that are good for eczema prone skin, please let me know so that I can check them out and think about adding them to SimplySunSafes list!
If youd like sunscreen recommendations for other skin conditions, SimplySunSafe has a range of guides including sunscreen for rosacea and sunscreen for sensitive skin. Just go to the top of this page and search for a condition to find the recommendations youre looking for.
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Its All About The Ingredients
Its never a bad idea to switch up your skincare when old man winter rolls around. Our favorite products throughout the summer months dont always do the trick when the temperature drops and extra hydration is needed to ward off dryness.
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Dr. Neuschler notes that ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin are hero ingredients to look for when incorporating new products into your cold-weather routine, especially when it comes to hydrating toners, serums, or barrier repair creams. When traveling to high altitude spots, consider taking a break from your retinoids or harsh exfoliants, she adds.
And if you cant live without your exfoliator for the duration of your trip, Higgins recommends choosing a mechanical exfoliant, something with a small, gentle bead-like bamboo. Acid ingredients can really burn when your skin is feeling dry, she explains.
Hero Ingredients for Cold-Weather
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