Sensitive Sunscreen For Broken Skin
Many of the mineral sunscreen labels I read that didnt contain food ingredients contained the warning: not to be used on broken skin. That makes it difficult when you have eczema. If your skin is dry or youve been scratching, the skin barrier can be broken.
For us this ruled out the SunSense Sensitive Invisible SPF 50+, which gets really good reviews from other people as a sensitive skin sunscreen.
It also ruled out Invisible Zinc brand as you can see from the label:
The Australian Gold Botanical Spf 50 Tinted Face Mineral Lotion
Best for Face
A powder-like matte finish means you wont be left with any greasy residue, while a non-chemical and hypoallergenic formula is designed with eczema sufferers in mind. And because sunscreen isnt just for the beach , a subtle tint makes this formula great for heading to work, meeting up with friends or running errands.
Dont Stop At Sunscreen
Sunburn can be itchy and sore for everyone, but for those with already sensitive, eczema-prone skin, it can quickly become a nightmare!
And spending too much time in the sun can increase your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. Of course, prevention is key when it comes to sunburn. Thats where sunscreen comes in. But dont stop there!
In addition to the other advice weve shared, follow these tips to protect yourself and your family:
- Limit time in the sun, especially during peak hours
- Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses
- Seek shade when possible
That said, we know things happen and you may not always be able to adhere to the tips above. If you or your little one happens to catch too much sun, its important to know how to treat it.
In addition to cool baths and extra hydration, its a good idea to have an after-sun product on hand just in case your little one needs natural relief from symptoms. Look for naturally soothing ingredients, like aloe vera.
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Sun Exposure And Atopic Dermatitis
The last time you were out in the sun, you may have found that your atopic dermatitis improved. This makes sense, Cohen explains, because sun exposure may decrease the inflammatory mechanism behind eczema flare-ups. is used for this very purpose. Phototherapy, a commonly used treatment for eczema, involves exposure to certain safe wavelengths of light that are emitted by the sun, Cohen says.
What To Look For In A Sunscreen For Eczema
If you have eczema, you are probably dealing with sensitive and sore skin. The good part is that there are many sunscreens available nowadays, especially for eczematous skin. They are enriched with natural minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that are non-irritating, skin-friendly, and soothing. The sunscreens reviewed in the list are hypoallergenic and free from chemical aggravants. Do check out the NEAs Seal Of Acceptance, SPF level, and Broad Spectrum Protection while looking for a sunscreen for eczema.
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Why Do We Use Sunscreen
Lets talk about why we use sunscreen. Ultraviolet rays from sunlight, although needed to maintain sufficiently high levels of vitamin D, can also induce cellular DNA damage, resulting in skin damage, sunburn, and even skin cancer. UV rays are often categorized as either UVA or UVB. UVA results in aging, and UVB results in sunburn. Sunscreens are used to protect the skin against the damaging effects of UV rays. Products offering broad-spectrum protection are ideal in that they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. The inflammation sparked by ultraviolet rays can irritate the skin. In the case of eczema, the skin is already irritated, so sunscreen can limit further damage.
Waxhead Zinc Oxide Sunscreen With Vitamin D And Vitamin E Biodegradable Zinc Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin Tattoo Eczema Rosacea Ewg Rated 1
Features :
- Apply Knead tube to mix . Dot, spread and rub. Goes on THICKER than common sunscreens. A little goes a long way. See exactly where youre applying it.
- Mineral Sunscreen Face This natural zinc oxide sunscreen is environmentally friendly and chemical free. This physical defense sunscreen is hypoallergenic and good for acne-prone skin. Non scented.
- Organic Sunscreen #1 by EWG Sunscreen Guide, this sun screen protector for face is built for sports like golf and tattoos! Wont sting eyes, is broad spectrum. Not tested on animals and kid safe.
- Absolutely Natural Sunscreen Made from 6 amazing environmentally friendly ingredients. Biodegradable, alcohol free and paraban free. Dermatologist-recommended. One ounce of this sun screens lotion delivers 400 IU of Vitamin D3.
- Clean Sunscreen This mineral sunscreen lotion is game-changer, all-natural and made from 25% non-nano zinc oxide. NO oxybenzone. NO benzene. NO petrochemicals at all. Great for everyday and beach days!
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Recommended: Cerave Hydrating Mineral Face Sunscreen Spf 50
In this lightweight blend, the ceramides are formulated with dermatologist expertise so as to provide moisture protection, without adding additional weight. Unlike zinc oxide, which can give you a Casper-the-Friendly-Ghost appearance, this high-tech blend rubs on completely clear.
Also note that Cerave is one of the most popular brands for many Eczema sufferers! You should definitely try out their other products as well.
NOTE: Be sure to get the hydrating sunscreen, not just the original. You can tell the differences in the title. According to 1Source, the original has some alarming ingredients such as Vitamin A and Bisabolol which can cause skin allergic reactions.
Should My Child Wear Sunscreen Everyday
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to protect oneself from the sun’s harmful rays depends on the child’s age, skin type, and activity level. However, it is generally recommended that children wear sunscreen every day, especially during summertime when the sun’s heat can be intense.
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How To Choose The Best Sunscreen For Eczema
When it comes to choosing a sunscreen for eczema-prone skin, we know you want your family to receive the best sun protection without causing irritation.
But selecting the right products to protect your little ones eczema-prone skin can feel overwhelming! From cleansers to lotions and everything in-between, there are so many different products to try.
What are the key ingredients to look out for? What qualities should a great sunscreen have? And how can you ensure youre providing the right type of sun protection for eczema-prone skin?
In this guide, well explore what eczema is, how to manage it, and how to choose the best sunscreen for eczema thats suitable for the whole family, from little ones to adults.
Cerave 100% Mineral Sunscreen Spf 50
Features :
- Formula is oil free, fragrance free, noncomedogenic, and suitable for sensitive skin. Recommended by both the Skin Cancer Foundation and National Eczema Association as an effective, broad spectrum sunscreen.
- Ceramides are found naturally in the skin and can become damaged with sun exposure. All CeraVe products are formulated with three essential ceramides to help restore and maintain the skins natural barrier.
- Oxybenzone free, avobenzone free, and benzene free, this sunscreen contains physical filters Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Hawaii prohibits the sale, offer of sale and distribution of sunscreens that contain oxybenzone.
- Physical sunscreens can often leave a white cast when applied in thick layers. For best results, apply CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen evenly to the entire face and neck in thin layers and thoroughly massage into skin. Suitable for use under foundation and face makeup.
- 100% Mineral-based sunscreen, also known as a physical sunscreen, reflects UVA/UVB rays to help protect the skin. Developed with dermatologists by CeraVe Skincare.
Additional Info :
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Sensitivity To Sunscreens Can Change
Last year we headed away to a warmer part of the country for a week in winter. Thats when we had a sunscreen crisis. We were spending all day in the sunshine and staying at an apartment with a pool, so sunscreen was compulsory for all of us. The Hamilton Sensitive sunscreen we had been using for almost a decade suddenly was a problem. Im not sure what changed. Perhaps it was because of drier eczema skin in the Winter? Maybe there was an ingredient change? Or the sensitivity just evolved over time . All I know was that it was hurting and causing red, painful skin . And we needed something else, fast.
So I headed to the nearest discount pharmacy and read dozens and dozens of sunscreen labels looking for something suitable. I didnt bother with the chemical sunscreens this time and went straight for the mineral sunscreens. Thats when I hit a snag. Nearly all of the zinc based sunscreens I picked up had some sort of ingredient or warning which made them unsuitable.
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Cant I Just Use A Moisturizer With Sunscreen In It
After-shave lotions and moisturizers containing sunscreen are finefor everyday use. As long as you plan to spend just a few minutes here and there in the sun, your favorite lotion laced with SPF 15 sunscreen may be enough. But if youre at the beach, on a picnic or playing outdoor sports, use a serious, water-resistantsunscreen thats up to the job of protecting you from the suns potentially harmful rays.
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The Effects That Sun Exposure Can Have On Eczema
“The warmer weather, although welcomed by many, can bring with it its problems for the skin,” Dr Jess explains.
“Naturally, as the temperature increases, we sweat more, and the salts found in sweat can aggravate and irritate the skin. As a result, we also wash our skin more which can, in turn, dry it out.”
Likewise, Bruce Green advises, “Eczema sufferers skin does not like getting hot and sweaty. So stay cool and look for shade. Too much sun can inflame the skin and lead to eczema flares. Always wear a sun protective product.”
Australian Golds Botanical Sunscreen Will Keep You Protected Without Irritation
Sarah is a freelance writer with a focus on health and wellness. She has written for publications like Women’s Health, Healthline, and Parents. She taught creative writing for five years, and has a bachelor’s degree in English from Southern Connecticut State University.
Christina Oehler is a commerce editor for Verywell Health. She has a degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has work published on sites like Health, Shape, and Brides.
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the bestproducts. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
People with sensitive skin need to protect themselves from the sun just as much as everyone else , but need to be a little more careful when shopping for sunscreen.
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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.
Moisturise With Ceramides To Restore The Skins Barrier
Levels of ceramides, which are lipids naturally found in the skin, decrease when skin is dry, no matter if its winter or summer. A moisturiser that contains ceramides can help restore the skins protective barrier and hydration. QV and CeraVe are brands that have moisturisers containing ceramides which can aid in repairing the skin barrier.
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Opt For Mineral Active Ingredients
We just went over the downsides of the active ingredients in chemical sunscreen.
Mineral sunscreen, on the other hand, offers a more natural approach to sun protection. Common active ingredients in mineral sunscreen are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which offer optimum protection without hidden chemicals.
Youll find sunscreens that use one or both of these mineral ingredients. Just stay away from sunscreen that uses mineral active ingredients and chemical active ingredients.
Switching your chemical sunscreen to a mineral-based product is a simple way to reduce the amount of potentially irritating chemicals in your familys skincare routine.
In fact, zinc oxide doesnt just have a neutral effect on your body. Its actually good for your skin! How good? Its often used in diaper creams to protect delicate, irritated baby bums.
Used to treat various skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and burn wounds, this natural ingredient supports healing by soothing, softening, and moisturizing the skin.
If youve done some research on zinc oxide, you may have noticed the term non-nano zinc oxide. Lets look at what that means.
What Is Non-Nano Zinc Oxide?
Nano is a unit of measurement that refers to nanometers. One nanometer is one-billionth of a meter and nanoparticles are smaller than 100 nanometers. Meanwhile, non-nano particles are bigger than 100 nanometers.
For more information on chemical and mineral sunscreen differences, check out this video!
The Best Sunscreens To Use If You Have Eczema
If you have eczema , there’s no doubt you have to be incredibly careful about what you put on your skin because it’s likely easily irritated . From perfume to cosmetics to your body and laundry soap, there’s the potential for something to cause your skin to flare. While you know that you should wear sunscreen every day, if you deal with the itchy, red skin caused by eczema, you probably struggle to find a sunscreen that doesn’t cause additional irritation.
According to the National Eczema Foundation, what works for one person with the skin condition may not always work for somebody else. Even so, there are a few things that tend to be helpful for you to look for when you search for a sunscreen that won’t cause your skin to flare. A sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection using mineral-based ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide should rank high on your list. Sun protection should also be alcohol-free and provide an SPF of over 30. There are a few brands that meet these criteria. Read on to see which ones.
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Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunblock Stick Spf 60+
Suitable for use on even the littlest people managing atopic dermatitis , this sunscreen stick provides broad spectrum SPF 60 sun protection and is made with 100 percent naturally sourced ingredients to be gentle on the most sensitive skin. It provides up to 80 minutes of water-resistant coverage, and bears the NEAs Seal of Acceptance.
$16.99, Walmart.com
Vanicream Sunscreen Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 35
Cohen recommends this nongreasy lotion for those with extremely sensitive skin. It is free of most irritants dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens, formaldehyde, other preservatives, oil, odor, and gluten and offers broad spectrum protection for up to 80 minutes.
Additional reporting by Caitlin McCormack.
Sun Exposure And Eczema
The last time you were out in the sun, you may have found that your skin improved. This makes sense, Cohen explains, because sun exposure may decrease the inflammatory mechanism behind eczema flare-ups. is used for this very purpose. Phototherapy, a commonly used treatment for eczema, involves exposure to certain safe wavelengths of light that are emitted by the sun, Cohen says.
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How To Take Your Sun Protection Up A Notch
Sunscreen is not the only way to guard your skin from the sun, Cohen points out. Sun-protective clothing is readily available for adults and children, and for people who find sunscreens irritating, this is a great option, he explains. More and more brands are offering high quality sun-protective clothing, but Coolibar specializes in these products.
What Kind Of Sunscreen Is Best For The Face
When searching for facial sunscreen, take a close look at not only the ingredients but also the sunscreen filter. This can be a chemical filter or physical blocker in the form of minerals, explains Garshick.
Minerals sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are best for people with sensitive skin, she says.
She adds, For those who experience hyperpigmentation, especially as a result of melasma, it can help to use a tinted sunscreen, which often contains iron oxides that protect against blue light.
If you have sensitive skin or eczema, Madfes recommends opting for sunscreens that are labeled noncomedogenic. Noncomedogenic sunscreens are designed not to block your pores. Theyre also a good choice for people prone to breakouts from sunscreen.
When choosing between chemical and mineral sunscreens, keep in mind that only mineral sunscreens are currently recognized as safe by the FDA. The FDA is gathering more information about the safety of chemical sunscreens.
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