Choosing the right sunscreen is essential for people with atopic dermatitis, the most common subtype of eczema. Exposure to sunlight can sometimes make eczema worse by irritating the skin and triggering flare-ups (worsening of symptoms).

The National Eczema Association (NEA) says that certain ingredients aren’t good for people with eczema. Knowing which ingredients to avoid can help you choose safer products for your skin.

In some cases, using the wrong sunscreen can make skin with eczema even more sensitive to sunlight. One MyEczemaTeam member shared that while on vacation, their face “flared up from the sunscreen,” becoming redder, flakier, itchier, and more painful and swollen than it was the previous day.

It’s important to find a sunscreen that protects you from sunburn and doesn’t cause a reaction. The right product can help you manage atopic dermatitis symptoms such as dry skin and irritation.

Even with the right sunscreen, it’s smart to avoid direct sun during peak hours — usually 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (depending on where you live). Wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and loose clothing adds extra protection.

Why Should You Use Sunscreen?

Sunlight helps our bodies make vitamin D, but too much can be harmful. The sun gives off ultraviolet (UV) rays, which increase the risk of skin cancer and can damage your skin.

There are two types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. Both can cause sunburn and long-term skin damage. UVA rays are more likely to also cause tanning and skin aging. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

Sunscreen is particularly important during the sunniest months of the year and the sunniest times of the day. UV rays may reflect against snow or water, so they have an even greater effect if you’re skiing or boating. Even when it’s cloudy, UV rays get through and harm the skin.

Using sunscreen helps protect you from sunburn, early aging, and — most importantly — skin cancer.

What’s in Sunscreen, and How Does It Work?

Sunscreens block or absorb harmful UV rays using two main types of active, or primary, ingredients — mineral and chemical.

Mineral sunscreens use titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which sit on top of the skin and physically block or reflect UV rays. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers both ingredients to be generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE).

Chemical sunscreens work by soaking up UV rays and preventing them from hitting your skin. These ingredients include:

• Oxybenzone
• Avobenzone
• Octinoxate
• Octisalate
• Ensulizole
• Octocrylene
• Homosalate

Unlike mineral sunscreens, chemical types can be absorbed into the body. The FDA is still studying their long-term safety.

What Ingredients Should You Look for in Sunscreen?

More people are using sunscreen than ever before, but there’s still limited research on some of the most common ingredients. The FDA isn’t saying these ingredients are unsafe, but it’s asking for more data on chemicals like oxybenzone and avobenzone to make sure sunscreens are safe and effective.

Many people with eczema choose mineral sunscreens made for sensitive skin, such as baby sunscreen products. Others find chemical sunscreens more comfortable to wear because they may feel lighter or be easier to rub in. But even if the active ingredients are OK for your skin, a sunscreen’s inactive ingredients — such as fragrances, preservatives, or alcohol — may trigger irritation or allergic reactions.

Some inactive ingredients found in sunscreen products can be irritating to the skin and may make atopic dermatitis symptoms worse.

Before using a new sunscreen, apply a small amount to your skin. Over the next two days, watch for any signs of inflammation or allergy. Skin discoloration, itchiness, dryness, or pain could mean something in the product isn’t a good fit for your skin. Your doctor can help you determine whether the ingredients may trigger an atopic dermatitis flare.

To make shopping easier, look for sunscreens with the NEA Seal of Acceptance. These products must:

• Offer broad-spectrum UV protection
• Use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
• Be alcohol-free
• Be at least SPF 30

The NEA Seal provides a reliable way to spot sunscreens that are safer for eczema-prone skin.

What Sunscreen Ingredients Should You Avoid?

Some sunscreen ingredients are no longer allowed because of safety concerns. The FDA has banned para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which is known to cause allergic reactions and may also affect thyroid hormone metabolism in certain individuals. Trolamine salicylate, an ingredient that’s linked to serious health risks such as stomach issues and bleeding, is also banned.

If you have atopic dermatitis, it’s smart to avoid sunscreens containing alcohol, which can cause skin irritation. Spray or watery sunscreens are more likely than sunscreen sticks and creams to have alcohol.

People with atopic dermatitis should avoid sunscreens containing alcohol, which can cause skin irritation.

Other sunscreen ingredients to avoid include:

• Octocrylene, which can trigger an allergic reaction when exposed to the sun
• Fragrances and preservatives, which may cause itchiness or an allergic reaction
• Oxybenzone and avobenzone, which can cause delayed allergic reactions in some people
• Octinoxate, which is absorbed by the body and may potentially affect hormone function (also a concern with oxybenzone), though current research hasn’t confirmed harmful effects when used in typical amounts
• Lanolin, essential oils, urea, and propylene glycol, which are common irritants for people with atopic dermatitis and also show up in skin care products such as soaps

Products with the NEA Seal of Acceptance avoid many of these problem ingredients and are screened for safety and tolerability in people with eczema.

What Is SPF?

SPF stands for “sun protection factor” — it tells you how well a sunscreen protects your skin from burning UVB rays. SPF numbers usually range from 15 to 100, and a higher SPF means more protection. People with very sensitive skin, including those with atopic dermatitis, may benefit from higher levels. The NEA recommends a range of SPF 30 to SPF 50 for people with eczema.

Although SPF measures protection against UVB, most sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection.

Which Sunscreens Are Best if You Have Atopic Dermatitis?

Everyone’s skin is different. If you have atopic dermatitis, your dermatologist can help you find the best sunscreen for your skin. The following tips can guide your search:

• Look for the NEA Seal of Acceptance on the label.
• Focus on products with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which are less likely to irritate sensitive skin.
• Avoid common irritants like fragrances, essential oils, and propylene glycol.
• Select a product with SPF 30 or higher.
• Choose sunscreens labeled “noncomedogenic” or “sebum control,” which are less likely to block the pores and cause breakouts (if that’s a concern for you).

Don’t hesitate to ask others with eczema, including MyEczemaTeam members, what has worked for them. Although everyone’s skin is different, hearing about others’ experiences with using sunscreen can provide valuable information.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyEczemaTeam, the social network for people with atopic dermatitis and other forms of eczema, more than 54,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories about living with eczema.

If you have atopic dermatitis, how do you protect your skin from too much sun exposure? Do you have a favorite sunscreen product or protective clothing brand? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.