Are you suffering from eczema? You are not alone! Do you know that there are more than 30 million Americans who are suffering from this chronic skin condition?
I know it can be difficult to manage! That flare-ups randomly occur with likely no reason at all, especially if you are not keeping up with the treatments. But one thing that is extremely helpful to manage eczema is through the daily use of sunscreen.
However, you should remember that not all types of sunscreen are suitable for those with eczema prone skin. Fortunately, there are a lot of remarkable sunscreen products currently available on the market that claims to be the best sunscreen for eczema. So to make things easier for you, I’ve listed down below my top five choices of tested and approved products.
Please keep on reading below.
Best Sunscreen for Eczema
BADGER SPF 35 Sport Sunscreen
https://www.amazon.com/BADGER-SPF-35-Sport-Sunscreen/dp/B00J4F7W94
This physical sunscreen delivers balanced broad-spectrum protection and I must say it meets all that we need to be the best sunscreen appropriate for those with eczema prone skin; it can provide enough protection while being gentle enough. What’s even great is that you can choose between roll-on stick and rub on lotion depending on what you think would be more convenient in properly covering your vulnerable skin.
The sunscreen also has a simple formula that in fact, it only used five natural ingredients, these are organic beeswax, organic sunflower oil, sunflower Vitamin E, organic jojoba oil and highly concentrated zinc oxide (22.5%) as its active ingredient. It is also fragrance and chemical free though it has this faint and natural scent but not bothersome at all. I was happy to find this short list of gentle ingredients since this only means that you are very not likely to experience skin irritation with the day-to-day use of this sunscreen, even if you have eczema.
This is also a water-resistant sunscreen for up to 80 minutes which is very significant for your eczema prone skin whenever you have any plans for swimming or even just when you heavily sweat. With this, you can be guaranteed that your sensitive skin will be adequately protected during hot days or when you are enjoying some water activities.
I think the only drawback of this product is that it is on the thicker side, so make sure that you rub the product properly so you will not get too much white cast on your skin; though its effectiveness is definitely more worth its price.
Pros:
- The zinc oxide is used as an active ingredient is highly concentrated
- It has simple formula consist only of five natural ingredients
- It is water resistant for up to 80 minutes
Cons:
- It comes in a thick formula that tends to leave a white cast on skin
BADGER SPF 30 Baby Sunscreen Cream
https://www.amazon.com/BADGER-SPF-30-Baby-Sunscreen-Cream/dp/B007B1D0YY
Here’s another physical sunscreen from BADGER that delivers protection against the harmful UVA as well as UVB rays by using a highly concentrated active ingredient, 18.75% zinc oxide. This sunscreen is hypoallergenic and just like the first product, it contains natural ingredients such as vitamin E oil, beeswax, and sunflower oil. It also has this light herbal scent, which is probably because of its calendula and chamomile content.
I was very impressed by how soothing and moisturizing this sunscreen is, making it perfect for your sensitive skin. In fact, this sunscreen is highly recommended by most pediatricians and is one of the best sunscreens for babies suffering from eczema. And since it is a rub-on lotion and not a spray screen, there’s no longer need to worry that your toddler might inhale dangerous chemicals.
This is also a water-resistant sunscreen for up to 40 minutes which is ideal when you are planning for a swim. However, its formula is a bit thicker than compared to normal chemical sunscreens, this is likely due to its natural ingredients.
Pros:
- The zinc oxide is used as an active ingredient is highly concentrated
- It also features a simple formula
- It is water resistant for up to 40 minutes
Cons:
- It has a thick formula that tends to leave a white cast on skin
California Baby Super Sensitive SPF 30+ Sunscreen
https://www.amazon.com/California-Baby-Super-Sensitive-SPF-30+-Sunscreen/dp/B000GZNGLE
Here’s another remarkable option to protect your eczema prone skin, especially on your face. This physical sunscreen promise to deliver broad-spectrum protection by using 12% titanium dioxide as its active ingredient.
This sunscreen is highly recommended by experts, even for those with very sensitive skin, this makes it a perfect choice to protect your face against the sun. It is also PABA-free, hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. It is very gentle that you can be sure it will not cause any skin irritation on your face. It will not sting your eyes just in case the products accidentally get in them.
This product comes in a rub-on lotion formula and also has a thicker formula, so it will leave a bit of white cast on your face; just make sure you spend some time to evenly spread the product into your skin. Trust me, the little amount of extra time you are spending to rub the product well is worth the protection you will get for your eczema prone skin.
This is also a water-resistant sunscreen for up to 80 minutes, this means it is ideal for everyday use on your face and it will not be interrupted by oiliness or sweating.
Pros:
- It has been specially designed and formulated for those with sensitive skin
- It is water resistant for up to 80 minutes
Cons:
- It does not contain zinc oxide
CeraVe Baby Sunscreen SPF 45
https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Baby-Sunscreen-SPF-45/dp/B00WH31P0M
Here’s another physical sunscreen that promises to deliver balanced protection against both UVA and UVB rays by using two active ingredients, 11.4% zinc oxide and 7.4% titanium oxide.
This sunscreen has been developed by dermatologists and they made it sure that this is hypoallergenic as well as free from fragrance, sulfate, and parabens. We can be guaranteed that this product is gentle for your eczema prone skin but of course, can give you the solid protection you need.
It is also water resistant for up to 80 minutes, so this means that there’s no need to worry every time you heavily sweat or when you go swimming. It also comes in a rub-on lotion formula so you will have more control every time you are applying it evenly and correctly on your sensitive skin. Just make sure you spend some time rubbing the sunscreen in or else it will leave a white cast.
But what’s even great is that this is an affordable sunscreen! With its remarkable features and broad-spectrum protection, this is the best value for your money.
Pros:
- It features high SPF rating
- It is affordable
- It has repairing ingredients content
Cons:
- Leaves a little white cast
Vanicream Sunscreen SPF 30
https://www.amazon.com/Vanicream-Sunscreen-SPF-30/dp/B00QMOKVIY
This sunscreen with formula made for sensitive is highly recommended by dermatologist. It delivers broad-spectrum protection by using active ingredients, 6% zinc oxide and 3.4% titanium oxide.
This physical sunscreen is also non-comedogenic and is free from any parabens, gluten, oil, PABA as well as fragrance; we can be guaranteed that it is gentle enough to be used by anyone that is prone to severe eczema.
In addition to being a gentle sunscreen, it is also water resistant for up to 80 minutes. This means it is suitable for everyday use especially during hot and humid weather that will cause you to heavily sweat.
The only drawback of this product is that it leaves a slightly heavy feel to your skin and it may leave you feeling greasing. There’s also a noticeable white cast that will be left on your skin unless the product will be fully absorbed by the skin. I suggest you use this sunscreen along with other cosmetics such as foundation powder to get rid of its greasiness as well as the white cast. This added step will definitely worth the benefits you will get from this product.
Pros:
- It has a water resistance of up to 80 minutes
- It is affordable
Cons:
- The formula is a bit heavy
- It leaves a slight white finish
Some More Tips for Your Eczema Prone Skin
In addition to choosing the sunscreen that will work best for your sensitive skin, it is also important that you practice proper skin care. It is very common for people to not use the appropriate amount of sunscreen and don’t reapply it often enough which only means that you will not get the full SPF protection. So make sure that you generously apply the product and keep in mind these tips.
- Evenly apply sunscreen to your uncovered skin, particularly in your neck, ears, nose, hands, feet and even lips
- Make sure you apply sunscreen 15 minutes before you get exposed to the sun
- If you don’t have much hair, make sure that you also apply sunscreen on top of your hair. You can also use sunscreen that is suitable for bald heads. Wear a hat for added protection.
- Don’t apply sunscreen over the damaged or broken skin.
Anyway, here are some more helpful tips to give sweet relief to your itchy skin.
- Be careful with the soap you use. Do you know that your skin produces natural soaps? Yes, you heard it right! That every time we use manufactured soap, we are already overdoing it. So I suggest you use plain, chemical and fragrance-free products! I know you are enjoying the scent of your present body wash, but you have to remember that the scent and dyes can even further trigger your skin irritation. Moreover, only lather the areas of your body with visible dirt as well as your folds such as groin and armpits.
- Don’t forget to moisturize. After taking a bath, gently pat your skin well using a towel up until it is only a little damp. Then make sure you seal that moisture by means of applying moisturizer or lotion not more than 3 minutes later. Anyway, this method is called as “soak and seal”, it can help encourage better hydration. Though most of us enjoy that feeling of being squeaky-clean, this sensation is only a sign that you have already drying out your skin excessively.
- Try out coconut oil. Though this is not suggested to serve as a replacement for your prescriptions, there are studies that say this can be helpful. This is probably due to the fact that coconut oil contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Purchase a humidifier. If possible, spend in a humidifier; especially during wintertime when the dry air can cause flare-ups. Maintaining the humidity up within your home is the best way to make sure your skin even more hydrated. I also suggest that you get one of the cool-air types.
- Avoid taking long hot showers. Are your fingers starting to prune up? Then you’re probably taking longer than you should be in the shower. Take note that those added minutes, especially if you’re using hot water, will only make it more difficult for the skin to restore moisture, even further drying the skin out.
- Don’t stress yourself too much. Believe it or not, there is absolutely a link between your mind and your skin. So make sure that you are getting enough sleep and you address any anxiety or worry; this could help you improve your skin.
Final Thought
So there you have it! I hope you will find the sunscreen that will suit you best. Don’t ever be tempted to skip out on apply sunscreen! No matter how you think about the positive effects a reasonable sun exposure will have with your eczema, you have to remember that the doctors highly suggest to keep yourself protected against the UV rays in order to avoid skin cancer and photo-aging.
How about you? Do you know any other sunscreens that are suitable for those with eczema prone skin? Please don’t hesitate to leave it in the comment section below, I would really love to hear about your experience.
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