Top Sunscreens for Rosacea Sufferers

Rosacea can appear like anything from a minor blemish to a full-fledged flare-up. And because flare-ups can become bad enough to cause painful redness, swelling, and even pus-filled bumps, you’ll do anything to avoid it, including actively managing stress and controlling your diet. But one of the things that commonly trigger rosacea breakouts is excessive sun exposure. What makes it more complicated is that protecting your skin with sunscreen can trigger it as well.

Thankfully, there are sun protection products that are safe to use by people who suffer from rosacea. To find a product that works for you, it’s best to first have a good understanding of why it’s important to protect your skin from the sun as well as what qualities and ingredients to look for in a sunscreen. Additionally, check out some of the sunscreen products that are popular among others like you who regularly deal with this relatively common yet equally frustrating skin condition.

Rosacea and Sun Exposure

Sun exposure affects the collagen and elastin in the skin. These proteins are essential not just to skin tissue but also to the blood vessels in the face. When UV rays degrade skin proteins, blood vessels become more visible and are more easily broken. That in itself makes you more prone to rosacea flare-ups.

To combat this, you need to protect yourself from the sun. According to Lynn Drake, MD, editor of the National Rosacea Society’s Rosacea Review, it is essential to avoid sun exposure when you suffer from this condition. But, when you have rosacea, chemicals and other harsh ingredients can easily aggravate your symptoms. So, it’s essential to find the best ways to protect yourself from the sun. In particular, you should avoid being under the sun between 10 AM and 2 PM. Always stay in the shade and wear a hat. Plus, find a broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s at least SPF 15 and is compatible with your skin.

What to Look for in a Sunscreen When You Have Rosacea

Generally, there are two types of sunscreens: Chemical and Physical. Both are effective in protecting your skin from sun damage, but each type brings up some specific concerns for people who suffer from rosacea.

Chemical sunscreens are typically composed of Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octisalate, or Oxybenzone. The skin absorbs these active ingredients and causes a chemical reaction that essentially renders UV rays harmless. The trouble with this type of sunscreen is that some of the ingredients are too harsh for the extremely sensitive skin of those with rosacea. If you prefer this type, try to find one that is specially formulated for sensitive skin. Additionally, avoid those with artificial fragrances and coloring.

In contrast to chemical sunscreens, physical sunblocks create a thin barrier that essentially keeps UV rays from reaching your skin. These lotions sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed by it. So, it is generally considered more suitable for people who have rosacea. To find these products, look for those with Titanium Oxide, Zinc Oxide, or a combination of the two as its active ingredient. Keep away from those formulated with Alcohol, Padimate O, or Para-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA).

Top 5 Sunscreens for People With Rosacea

Because rosacea makes your skin extremely sensitive, it’s challenging to find a sunblock that works well for you without causing any breakouts. To help you out, here are the top brands and variants that people with rosacea swear by:

1) EltaMD Skincare UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

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Though EltaMD develops dermatological products for all skin types, it is a brand that’s most popular among people with sensitive skin, most especially among those with rosacea. Their UV Clear sunscreen offers SPF 46 broad-spectrum protection and was specially developed for those who battle rosacea, acne, and hyperpigmentation. Its active ingredients include 9% Zinc Oxide and 7.5% Octinoxate, giving you the benefits of both physical and chemical sunscreens while minimizing the risk of flare-ups due to its sensitivity-free formula. Additionally, it is non-comedogenic, paraben-free, fragrance-free, and oil-free.

2) Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Sunscreen

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Thinkbaby is the same company behind the Thinksport line of sun care and body care products. Though the Thinkbaby line is formulated for infants and toddlers, it is commonly used by adults who struggle with other products because of their sensitive skin. The Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection through its 20% non-nano Zinc Oxide formula. It contains no PABA, BPA, parabens, or phthalates. Plus, it is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Among its most notable accolades is its constant “1” rating by EWG and also passing Whole Foods’ stringent Premium Care requirements.

3) SunBum 30 Face Stick

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SunBum is most recognized as a brand of reef-friendly sun protection products. But, its SPF 30 Face Stick is actually an excellent product for extra-sensitive skin. Its vegan formulation offers broad-spectrum protection using 15% Homosalate, 7.5% Octinoxate, 5% Octisalate, and 2% Avobenzone. Although a chemical formulation that might be mistaken for something that could potentially trigger sensitive skin, it is enriched with vitamin E to soothe and nourish the skin. Plus, it is non-comedogenic as well as free of PABA, oils, and parabens. Among the most notable seals of approval SunBum has gained is one from the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF). 

4) CoTZ Sensitive Non-Tinted SPF 40

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CoTZ declares itself as “The Healthier Sunscreen” for good reason. It is a photostable mineral formulation of 20% Zinc Oxide and contains no PABA, phthalates, preservatives, oils, and artificial fragrances. Made specifically for sensitive skin, it is non-irritating and has moisturizing properties to keep flare-ups at bay. Apart from offering broad-spectrum protection at SPF 40, it is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. Additionally, among its most remarkable properties is that it isn’t chalky, as many physical sunscreens can be. 

5) Block Island Suncare SPF 30

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Block Island Suncare’s SPF 30 natural mineral sunscreen is formulated with 22% Zinc Oxide and enriched with antioxidants and botanical ingredients that help nourish the skin, Among its most beneficial ingredients include green tea, shea butter, and eucalyptus. It offers protection from both UVA and UVB without the use of phthalates, sulfates, parabens, artificial fragrances, and dyes. Additionally, it is reef-safe, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly. In fact, it is not only verified by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) but consistently names it the Best Beach & Sport Sunscreen.

When you suffer from rosacea, using sunblock is doubly important as UV exposure can quickly trigger a bad reaction. Although the challenge of finding the right sunscreen product for you might be overwhelming and frustrating, it pays to keep trying! Try these products that others with the same condition as you have tested and approved. As soon as you find one that suits your skin, you can rest easy knowing you’re protected not just from harmful UV rays but also from rosacea flare-ups.