Avoid sun creams that contain chemicals that are absorbed into the skin to provide UVA protection, as these are known to irritate sensitive skin and worsen eczema. Creams containing reflective materials to reflect the sunlight away from the skin are usually less irritating to eczema prone skin. The best sun cream for eczema contains mainly natural ingredients; however artificial ingredients are still usually required to provide a sun protection factor. It is important to test sun cream for eczema on a small area of skin well in advance of applying it to your body, to identify a suitable sun cream that will not cause allergic reaction.
Read the product labels when looking for a sun cream for eczema. Avoid sun creams that contain chemical absorbers as these are chemicals that soak into the skin to block out UV rays, and can cause irritation and inflammation, especially for eczema prone skin. A more appropriate sun cream for eczema contains reflectors which physically reflect UVA and UVB rays, without any irritating chemicals penetrating the skin. Physical reflector substances include titanium dioxide which forms a shiny layer on the skin to reflect the light. This is usually less irritating to eczema than chemical absorbers.
Check the labels of the sun cream products to ensure they contain as few preservatives as possible. Avoid sun creams that contain Methyldibromo glutaronitrile which is known to cause inflammation and swelling in sensitive skin. Choose a sun cream for eczema that contains mainly natural ingredients. Where there may not be a sun cream specifically designed for eczema, look for one that is designed and produced for especially for sensitive skin.
Sun creams containing perfume often cause eczema to flare up. Purchase a sun cream that contains no perfume or artificial colors. Try different sun creams to find one that causes no irritation by performing a test on a small area of skin on the inside of your arm. Leave the cream for 24 hours and if any redness, itchiness or soreness has appeared, then the sun cream is not right for you. If you experience problems finding a good sun cream for eczema, consult your doctor and ask if there is a suitable sun cream available by prescription.
Buy a sun cream with the highest SPF rating possible, to give your skin the best sun protection. A high SPF of 50 should provide good protection for eczema prone skin. If your eczema has flared up recently and there are broken or sore areas of skin, try to stay out of the sun altogether.
A good sun cream for eczema moisturizes the skin at the same time as providing sun protection. Avoid sun creams that have a drying effect on the skin as this can trigger eczema to appear. Sun creams containing aloe vera are suitable for eczema prone skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to soothe skin irritation, burning and itching.