Managing eczema during the summer can be a bit of a trial: intense sunlight can trigger eczema flare-ups, so you try to keep your sun exposure under control, but then you struggle to find eczema-friendly sunscreens that actually suit your preferences. It’s not all in your head! There aren’t many sunscreens for eczema-prone skin on the market, and the ones that do exist aren’t always explicitly labeled as such. Fortunately, we can help. Here at Care to Beauty, our pharmacists get a lot of questions looking for the best sunscreen for eczema, so we’ve got a few recommendations at the ready.
But first, a couple of notes on eczema and sun exposure:
Is the sun good or bad for eczema?
You’ve probably heard that baking in the sun is great for eczema. This is a common talking point on TikTok, and there is a basis of truth to it: phototherapy can indeed be used to treat eczema. The real catch here is that phototherapy (as in, controlled amounts of the right UV light) is not the same as sunbathing (which isn’t very controlled at all). The right amount of sun exposure is hard to assess for yourself, especially on days when the IV index is very high. In short: a degree of UV exposure can help your eczema, but sunbathing to the point of sunburn will not.
If you want to enjoy the sun without triggering your eczema, you can find a safe balance by keeping in mind the general safety measures for sun exposure: try to be in the shade during peak sun hours, and always use sunscreen.
Does sunscreen trigger eczema?
Sunscreen may trigger eczema, just like any other cosmetic product. Eczema-prone skin can be very sensitive to cosmetics, including sunscreen, so you always have to choose the right formula for your needs. If you already have some experience with cosmetics, you may already have some idea of the ingredients that trigger your eczema flare-ups–so take care to avoid them when possible.
The truth, however, is that no two skins are the same, and the ingredients that trigger one person’s eczema may be perfectly safe for someone else.
If you don’t know what to avoid, or what to look for, the best way to start your sunscreen discovery journey is to find formulas formulated for eczema-prone skin. In the US, that might mean using only mineral sunscreens, as recommended by dermatologists; in Europe, where there’s a greater variety of UV filters available, you can expand your search into chemical sunscreens too.
If you’re shopping for a child under 2 years old, however, it’s still common practice to only apply mineral sunscreens.
The best sunscreens for eczema
Bioderma Photoderm Pediatrics Mineral SPF50+
Best for babies
Bioderma Photoderm Pediatrics Mineral SPF50+
This Bioderma Photoderm Pediatrics Mineral SPF50+ formula is perfect for small babies, starting from birth. Now, although recommendations state that babies should not be exposed to sunlight, the reality is that babies do go out into the world sometimes–even if just when traveling from place to place–, and that means being out in the sun.
For those times when you cannot avoid exposing your baby to direct sun light, a sunscreen like this one, with a versatile formula that works for all ages, is the perfect solution. The texture is extra nourishing, with mineral filters to ensure protection. It’s got a fun feature, too: it’s saliva-resistant, so it’ll stay put even if your baby is drooling all over the sunscreen.
Heliocare 360 Pediatrics Atopic Lotion Spray SPF50
Best for toddlers
Heliocare 360 Pediatrics Atopic Lotion Spray SPF50
As any parent will testify, toddlers run. A lot. In fact, toddlers seem to know only two speeds, both of which are challenging when it comes to applying sunscreen to their little faces and limbs: they’re either asleep, or moving at full speed.
To overcome this challenge, we recommend an easy-to-apply spray sunscreen, like the Heliocare 360 Pediatrics Atopic Lotion Spray SPF50. This water-resistant sunscreen ensures that your toddler can play all they want, with or in the water, as they will still be protected. The formula is fluid enough for easy application, but nourishing enough to protect their eczema from flaring up.
Bioderma Photoderm Pediatrics Spray SPF50+
Best for kids
Bioderma Photoderm Pediatrics Spray SPF50+
When kids get a bit bigger, they start to have very specific opinions on their sunscreens: they can’t leave a residue, they can’t be sticky, they can’t smell “funny”. The Bioderma Photoderm Pediatrics Spray SPF50+ might just be your safest bet for a picky child–and it’s one of the best eczema sunscreens all around.
The formula resists water, sand, friction and heat, making it a great sunscreen for all situations, including preventing your kid from turning into a sand-crusted roll. Moreover, it leaves a hydrating film on the skin that lasts up to 8 hours.
Eucerin Sun Sensitive Protect Sun Spray SPF50+
The best eczema sunscreen spray
Eucerin Sun Sensitive Protect Sun Spray SPF50+
We used to believe that sunscreens for eczema-prone skin should be thick, creamy lotions–but we’re over that now. On the contrary, some sprays can be perfect eczema-friendly sunscreens! The Eucerin Sun Sensitive Protect Sun Spray SPF50+ is a perfect example of that: the fragrance-free formula is not only perfect for eczema, but also for sensitive skin in general.
If you have several adults going with you on vacation, bring this sunscreen along–it will work on every single person in your group.
ISDIN Fotoprotector Gel Cream SPF50
The best “classic” sunscreen
ISDIN Fotoprotector Gel Cream SPF50
If you’re looking for that classic nourishing lotion sunscreen for eczema, try the ISDIN Fotoprotector Gel Cream SPF50. With a creamy formula, this sunscreen envelops the skin in a nourishing protective cocoon.
But there’s a not-so-classic twist: this sunscreen can even be applied on wet skin, meaning it’s perfect for reapplication when you’ve just come out of the sea or the pool.
Nivea Sun Babies & Kids Sensitive Protect 5-In-1 Spray SPF50+
The best eczema sunscreen for dark skin
Nivea Sun Babies & Kids Sensitive Protect 5-In-1 Spray SPF50+
Finding a proper eczema sunscreen that works on dark skin can be daunting, since, unfortunately, most sunscreens that are nourishing also leave a white cast. Not the Nivea Sun Babies & Kids Sensitive Protect 5-In-1 Spray SPF50+!
With a fragrance-free formula that is both super nourishing and invisible on the skin, this sunscreen is proof that you don’t have to resign yourself to a white cast just because you have eczema. You deserve sunscreen that is safe, effective, and flatters your skin!
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Dermo-Pediatrics Invisible Fluid Fragrance-Free SPF50+
The best portable sunscreen
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Dermo-Pediatrics Invisible Fluid Fragrance-Free SPF50+
If you have sun-sensitive skin, you might just have to carry your sunscreen everywhere. It can be tricky to find a sunscreen that will fit in your bag along with your wallet, phone, and keys, but we have a solution: enter the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Dermo-Pediatrics Invisible Fluid Fragrance-Free SPF50+.
This innovative sunscreen not only contains the latest UV filters, but is also packaged in a super durable and portable flat bottle. The extra-fluid formula couldn’t be any more versatile: it’s nourishing, invisible on the skin, and safe for the entire family. In short, it’s a must-have for everyone who needs sunscreen on-the-go.
Want to see even more eczema-friendly sunscreens? We’ve got dozens of options in the shop, in a huge range of textures to suit your every need. Stay safe in the sun!
