As children get older, it can become an issue in adults as well. Eczema is a common medical condition that causes dry, itchy, and cracked patches on the skin. Eczema is commonly classified as atopic, which is an immune-mediated infection triggered by exposure to allergens. Eczema people typically flare-up in response to particular allergens, such as pet dander. The summer season is particularly difficult for eczema patients because a number of triggers aggravate the condition, including skin care products and heat.
How to Find the Right Sun Cream for Eczema?
When experiencing eczema, you may notice how difficult it can be to find the right sun lotion. Eczema sufferers often develop an addiction to sun cream, as they react to numerous brands and products. A mineral-based indicator, a substitute for sun lotion, is cooler for many eczema patients than chemical absorbers. If you are looking for mineral-based reflectors, try for the ingredient titanium dioxide.
When applying different sun lotions it is helpful to do the following:
- Ensure that the skin product does not contain any irritants or allergens that could bother your skin.
- Take 5 days to observe if your forearm reacts to a small quantity. Repeat this every morning for 5 days.
- If you haven’t used it recently or if the formulation has changed, make sure you patch test a sun lotion you used previously.
- Observe the most suitable method of application for your skin by trying sticks, sprays, and lotions.
- The idea of investing in summer clothing that has built-in SPF is a thoughtful idea if you really struggle to find a sun cream that doesn’t harm your skin. Please remember to apply sunscreen to any exposed skin.
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 (Cerave Sunscreen SPF 50) has some alarming ingredients such as Vitamin A and Bisabolol which can cause skin allergic reactions.
Aveeno Natural Protection Lotion Sunscreen
Lotions containing oat abstract are recommended by dermatologists for nourishing and soothing sensitive skin. Additionally, it is fragrance-free and oil-free, which means you don’t need to worry about smelling like swimming pool after using it.
It should be noted that this product does have Bisabolol and Benzyl Alcohol which can cause a reaction to your skin. Do be wary, trial it first on a patch of skin!
Sun Creams for Babies with Eczema
You should protect the skin of your baby from the sun as much as possible. Sunlight should not be a part of your baby’s daily routine when they are younger than six months. The sun can be worn, as they grow, but sun lotion and sun hats should be worn and they should be in the shade during the hotter part of the day (11am-3pm).
Don’t cover exposed skin with clothing and use an SPF of at least 30. Baby lotions designed for sensitive skin are available, such as Solero kid’s sun spray, which is perfect for babies suffering from eczema.
More Sun Care Tips for People with Eczema
The National Eczema Society mention some easy and great to follow sun care tips for eczema patients, including the following:
- Use your emollient half an hour before your sun lotion – this will stop dilution of the sun lotion and build-up on the skin
- Buy a brand new bottle of your favorite sun lotion every year and store it in a dry cool place out of direct sunlight
- Apply your sun cream like you will emollient, with downward smooth strokes. This would help avoid skin irritation
Is Sunlight Good for Eczema?
There are many benefits to sunlight! During the summer, you may find that you experience fewer flare-ups and suffer fewer symptoms. If you’re exposed to the sun too much, you could develop eczema. Despite the desire to go outdoors in the sun, excessive sweating or heat can still aggravate your skin. It is also important to remember that sun exposure for too long can be extremely harmful to the skin. Make sure you practice proper sun safety if you plan to spend time outdoors:
- Between 11 am and 3pm when the sun is stoutest, try to stay safe in the shade and avoid sunlight
- You should cover up with clothing or a hat
- Apply sunscreens to any uncovered areas of skin
- Reapply your sun creams regularly, especially if you are going into the water
Other Eczema Sun Creams
These products are mentioned in some other sites, so here is a quick lowdown on them and what is actually in them! Be wary of the ingredients, but with every product you try, always do a small patch test first.
Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+
Mineral blends sit on the skin and function as a barrier to protect and are less irritating than chemical sun creams (whose chemical ingredients are absorbed into the skin). Unlike most sunscreens, this one does not contain fragrances, is hypoallergenic, and is not greasy.
Personally I would avoid this one despite it being it highly recommended by others. It has a number of alarming ingredients such as:
Not for me personally!
The Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Mineral Lotion
Unlike other eczema products, the powder-like matte finish means you are not left with greasy residue. The hypoallergenic and chemical-free formula (that has been dermatologist and pediatrician tested) also helps patients with eczema. This formula has a subtle tint, making it perfect for going to work, meeting friends, or running errands. Sunscreen is not just for the beach!
Only alarming ingredient in this one is Phenoxyethanol. It has been reported as harmful if absorbed through skin, causing irritation and blistering. This makes Phenoxyethanol a potential health concern for Eczema sufferers like ourselves.
Phenoxyethanol is an interesting ingredient as it is now banned in Palau due to the damages it can cause to coral reefs. If it can cause long lasting damages to the aquatic wildlife, the question is, what kind of damage can do to our skin?
Eltamd UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Skin will not become clogged with this non-comedogenic sunscreen. It is available with or without tint, and is good for rosacea or hyperpigmentation. Previously, we have seen that sunscreens with mineral components are better suited to eczema-prone skin, so make sure to look for that on the product label. La Roche-Posay Anthelios is a mineral-based blend worth looking into. In addition, you should use sun creams specifically designed for sensitive skin. Those with eczema will benefit from Solero’s sunscreens that are sensitive.
This one has Octinoxate, which can irritate skin, especially for the eyes! Avoid this one especially for the face in my opinion!