According to the National Eczema Association (NEA), individuals with the chronic skin condition can have a negative reaction to chemicals in the sunscreen, the preservatives, and the base. Separately, a previous study found evidence that isopropyl alcohol — a common ingredient in traditional sunscreen — can induce contact allergy for those with eczema. Indeed, the NEA awards its Seal of Acceptance only to those products that are mineral-based and alcohol-free. “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 doesn’t 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. RELATED: 10 Sun-Care Products That Dermatologists Love While it isn’t exactly clear how sunlight improves eczema, there is some scientific evidence, described in an article in the May 2015 Journal of Clinical Medicine, that vitamin D may improve the skin condition by regulating influence on both the immune system and skin barrier function. Meanwhile, other research, such as a study published in June 2017 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, suggests that exposure to UV light may promote the release of nitric oxide into the bloodstream, triggering an anti-inflammatory response. RELATED: 8 Tips for Avoiding Eczema Flare-Ups in the Summer
Fragrances
If you have eczema, try to avoid fragrance, Cohen says. The NEA explains that fragrances are a well-known 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
Cohen also suggests avoiding any sunscreens that use chemical products to block the sun, “as chemical sunscreens can be irritating,” he explains. Only mineral-based sunscreen ingredients formulated with the active ingredients titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) are approved for use by people with eczema by the NEA. Per the AAD, oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate are the most common chemicals in chemical-based sunscreens.
Alcohol
Alcohol, which is common in sunscreen sprays, can be irritating, explains Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Jefferson University in Philadelphia. “They can sting and cause irritation.” There are several ways alcohol can be listed on skin-care products. Some of the most common per the FDA include ethyl alcohol, denatured alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, methyl alcohol or methanol, benzyl alcohol, cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl or lanolin alcohol. RELATED: 7 Sunscreen Mistakes That Hurt Your Skin
Mineral-Based UV Filters
When it comes to choosing a sunscreen that works for atopic dermatitis, Saedi says that those containing mineral-based UV filters such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the best options, as they are nonirritating. Why? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains that chemical sunscreens allow UV rays to absorb into the skin, where a chemical reaction converts the light into heat, thereby dissipating it. Saedi says that an allergic reaction can occur at the point where the chemical sunscreen penetrates the skin. Alternatively, mineral sunscreen prevents the rays from penetrating the skin, thus preventing eczema flare-ups caused by allergic reactions to sunscreen chemicals.
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 urges.
An SPF of at Least 30
Most healthcare professionals, as well as the AAD, advise using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. SPF is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects skin against UVB rays, which cause sunburn, damage skin, and can contribute to skin cancer.
Alcohol-Free
As Saedi mentioned, alcohol has a drying effect on skin, and can be particularly irritating for those with sensitive skin issues, including eczema. For the least irritating experience, steer clear of sunscreens that contain alcohol.
NEA’s Seal of Acceptance
The National Eczema Association has a Seal of Acceptance program that 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. RELATED: The Difference Between Chemical and Mineral Sunscreen
CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Face Lotion
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. $15.99, Ulta.com
Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Face Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Saedi recommends this mineral sunscreen for people with atopic dermatitis, as it is specially formulated for those with sensitive skin. It boasts a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formula that’s waterproof and sweatproof for long-lasting wear. Its oil-free, PABA-free formula won’t clog pores or cause breakouts, and it bears the NEA’s Seal of Acceptance. It dries to a matte finish that makes it ideal for use alone or under makeup. $16.99, Ulta.com
EltaMD Skincare UV Aero Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 45
This spray-on sunscreen works at any angle, and boasts a zinc-based formula that provides up to 80 minutes of water-resistant coverage. Its oil-free formula works to rehydrate and gently nourish skin while strengthening its natural moisture barrier. Dermatologist-recommended, it goes on white, but dries clear so that you can easily see any spots you may have missed. $34.50, Dermstore.com
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunblock Stick SPF 60+
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 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 NEA’s 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.
