Best Sunscreens for Atopic Dermatitis: A Detailed Guide

Sunscreen for Atopic Dermatitis: A Detailed Guide

Sunscreen for Atopic Dermatitis: A Detailed Guide
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Updated on June 28, 2024
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If you’re living with atopic dermatitis (the most common type of eczema) and are dealing with sensitive and sore skin, you know that finding effective yet nonirritating skin-care products can be challenging. Sunscreen is no exception.

Individuals with atopic dermatitis can have a negative reaction to ingredients in sunscreen. Plus, a small number of people experience photoallergic contact dermatitis, a skin reaction that occurs when the sun activates an ingredient found in sunscreen, perfume, or medication.

But sunscreen is very important, not only to protect your skin from cancer and damage but also because sunburn can worsen atopic dermatitis by provoking the itch-scratch cycle.

This guide can help you understand which sunscreen ingredients to look for and which ones to avoid, along with other tips on how to use sunscreen when you have eczema.

What to Look for in a Sunscreen for Atopic Dermatitis

It's fairly easy to find an effective and nonirritating sunscreen if you can identify a few key terms on the packaging. Here are some to look for.

Mineral-Based UV Filters

When it comes to choosing a sunscreen that works for atopic dermatitis, those containing mineral-based UV filters such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the best options, as they are nonirritating, says Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and a clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.

Why? Chemical sunscreens create a thin, protective layer over the skin that absorbs UV rays before it penetrates the skin.

 The ingredients in chemical sunscreens can penetrate the skin, and an allergic reaction can occur, says Dr. Saedi.

Alternatively, mineral sunscreen sits on top of the skin and reflects UV rays away from it, which helps prevent the rays from penetrating the skin. They’re less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions than chemical sunscreens.

Broad-Spectrum Protection

Both UVA and UVB rays are damaging to the skin, so it’s important to look for a sunscreen that is labeled as providing broad spectrum protection, Saedi says.

An SPF of at Least 30

Most healthcare professionals, as well as the American Academy of Dermatology, advise using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.

UVB rays cause sunburn and play a key role in developing skin cancer.

 A sunscreen’s SPF number refers mainly to the amount of UVB protection it provides. However, UVA rays also cause skin damage and the shortest wavelengths contribute to sunburn.

Alcohol-Free

Alcohol has a drying effect on skin, and can be particularly irritating for those with sensitive skin issues, including eczema, says Saedi. For the least irritating experience, steer clear of sunscreens that contain alcohol.

NEA’s Seal of Acceptance

The National Eczema Association’s (NEA) Seal of Acceptance evaluates product ingredients and testing data to determine if a product is suitable for use by those living with atopic dermatitis and other forms of eczema. This helps ensure products are less likely to cause a reaction in those with eczema or other sensitive skin conditions.

What to Avoid in a Sunscreen if You Have Atopic Dermatitis

If you’re living with atopic dermatitis, reading ingredient labels is absolutely crucial. More important than what to look for in a sunscreen — or any cosmetic product, for that matter — is what to avoid. There are specific ingredients known to cause flare-ups.

Fragrances

If you have eczema, try to avoid fragrance, says Jeffrey Cohen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant professor of dermatology at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Fragrance is a relatively common allergen that can be irritating for anyone with sensitive skin.

This goes for natural fragrances, including essential oils. Why? Many people have an inflammatory reaction to fragrance. “Many sunscreens have fragrances in them, so it is important to look out for this and choose products without any fragrances,” he says.

Chemicals

Dr. Cohen also suggests avoiding any sunscreens that use chemical products to block the sun, “as chemical sunscreens can be irritating,” he explains. Indeed, the NEA awards its Seal of Acceptance only to physical sunscreen products containing titanium, zinc oxide, and iron, and does not give the seal to any chemical UV absorbers such as chemical-based sunscreens.

Chemical sunscreens typically include active ingredients such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, and octinoxate.

Oxybenzone and avobenzone in particular are two common allergens in sunscreen that have been linked to allergic contact dermatitis, so to be on the safe side, avoid products containing these ingredients.

Among chemical UV filters found in sunscreen, oxybenzone is the leading allergen and photoallergen, research shows.

One study analyzed 52 bestselling sunscreens for allergenic ingredients, and found the most common low-prevalence allergens were chemical sunscreen ingredients avobenzone, octocrylene, and oxybenzone, and the most common high-prevalence allergen was fragrance.

If you suspect you have an allergy or sensitivity to an ingredient in your sunscreen, ask your dermatologist about performing a patch test.

Alcohol

As mentioned, alcohol, which is common in sunscreen sprays, can be irritating. “They can sting and cause irritation.” There are several ways alcohol can be listed on skin-care products. Some of the most common include ethyl alcohol, denatured alcohol, cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl, or lanolin alcohol.

The Best Eczema-Friendly Sunscreens, According to Dermatologists

Here are some products to try:

CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Face Lotion

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Saedi is a big fan of all CeraVe products for those who are living with atopic dermatitis, especially this high-SPF sunscreen. Specially formulated to provide effective UV protection on sensitive facial skin, CeraVe sunscreen features a lightweight and oil-free formula that is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. It contains three essential ceramides, the lipid or fat molecules that form a bond and help restore and maintain the skin’s natural protective barrier, and dries to a clear finish.

Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunblock Stick SPF 50

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Suitable for use on even the littlest people managing atopic dermatitis (Saedi uses this on her own children), this sunscreen stick provides broad spectrum SPF 50 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 NEA’s Seal of Acceptance.

Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

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Cohen recommends this nongreasy cream 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.

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 Cohen.

While the sunscreen itself doesn’t directly strengthen the skin barrier, it will protect your skin from the sun. A study 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.

 Cohen says that sunburns in general accelerate skin aging, increase the risk of skin cancer, and increase skin dryness.

Eczema Sunscreen

People living with eczema need to wear sunscreen. A board-certified dermatologist explains why and offers tips on how to choose one that will help keep your skin calm.
Eczema Sunscreen

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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 because sun exposure may decrease the inflammatory mechanism behind eczema flare-ups, Cohen says. Phototherapy or light therapy 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.

While it isn’t exactly clear how sunlight improves eczema, there is some scientific evidence that vitamin D may improve the skin condition by regulating influence on both the immune system and skin barrier function.

 Meanwhile, other research suggests that exposure to UV light may promote the release of nitric oxide into the bloodstream, triggering an anti-inflammatory response.

It’s important to note, though, that phototherapy uses very small doses of light compared with natural sunlight, and natural sunlight runs the risk of sunburn.

Tips on How to Apply Sunscreen

Cohen suggests applying a generous coat of sunscreen evenly to all exposed areas. The majority of people apply 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount; most adults will need about an ounce, or “enough to fill a shot glass” to completely cover their body.

“It is important to remember to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas, including the ears, which are often missed,” Cohen says.

It’s also a good idea to apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes prior to sun exposure.

 And Saedi emphasizes the importance of reapplying every two hours, “but sooner if you are in the water,” she says.
You should never apply sunscreen to damaged or broken skin. You can wear bandages or protective clothing over those areas to avoid infection and protect your skin from the sun.

How to Take Your Sun Protection Up a Notch

Sunscreen is not the only way to guard your skin from the sun, Cohen says. “Sun-protective clothing is readily available for adults and children, and for people who find sunscreens irritating, this is a great option,” he says. “More and more brands are offering high quality sun-protective clothing, but Coolibar specializes in these products.”

The Takeaway

Wearing sunscreen is important for anyone, but it’s especially so for people with atopic dermatitis, because sunburn can set off the itch-scratch cycle. When looking for a sunscreen, choose a mineral-based sunscreen rather than a chemical-based one. Also, look for broad-spectrum protection and an SPF of at least 30, and make sure it’s free of ingredients like alcohols or fragrances.

Additional reporting by Caitlin McCormack.

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Jacquelyn Dosal

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD

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Jacquelyn Dosal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at The Dermatology House in Park City, Utah. Her areas of expertise include acne, rosacea, integrative treatments of inflammatory skin diseases, as well as laser treatment of the skin and injectables.

Dr. Dosal writes cosmetic questions for the certifying exams for the American Board of Dermatology. She is also the deputy editor for the American Academy of Dermatology's podcast, Dialogues in Dermatology.

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Resources
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