Summer is here and protecting your skin from the sun is more important than ever. Are you a little anxious to choose a sunscreen for your itchy warrior’s skin? When it comes to eczema, finding the right sunscreen is just as important as having the right
moisturizer. For those who suffer with eczema, protecting the skin is not as easy as grabbing a bottle of sunscreen from a local drug store. As a mom of my own little itchy warrior, I understand that my son’s skin is more vulnerable to the damaging rays of the
sun; however, finding the right sunscreen to avoid a flare up is challenging, but very possible! No worries, I got you!
There are tons of different sunscreens out there, making the decision to
pick the right one for your child overwhelming!
Let’s face it, like some moisturizers, not all sunscreens are created equal. Sunscreens that are best suited for one person may not work for another person. There are several factors that can affect whether a sunscreen will work for your child, such as the
chemicals and preservatives found in sunscreen. Seriously, just thinking of the sunscreen isle is exhausting! But no worries…My Itchy Brown Skin is here to help. The following tips will help you find the right eczema-friendly sunscreen to protect your little itchy warrior’s skin and provide guidance on how to use it properly.
What to Look for in a Sunscreen for Eczema
- Mineral-based Ultraviolet (UV) filters – Choose products with mineral-based ingredients, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) that are non-irritating to the skin. It is important to note that sunscreens with these ingredients generally do not blend in very easy and can leave a white film on the skin.
- Broad-spectrum protection – Look for words on the label that says, “broad spectrum.” Sunscreens that have this label provide dual protection from bothUltraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which are damaging to the skin.So, it is very important to look for a sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection.
- 30 Sun Protection Factor (SPF) level – For optimal protection from the sun, choose a sunscreen that has a SPF of 30 or greater. Our dermatologist specifically recommended that we use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.The SPF in sunscreen is the degree in which it will protect the skin against UVBrays that cause sunburn, damaged skin, and even lead to skin cancer.
- Alcohol-free – Select products that are alcohol-free, as alcohol has the tendency to dry out the skin. This can be especially irritating to those who suffer from eczema because it may cause the skin to become dry, cracked, inflamed, or potentially lead to a flare. Therefore, please steer clear of any sunscreens that contain alcohol and spare your child’s Itchy Brown Skin the misery. Been there!
- Allergy-Free – To ensure your child does not have an unexpected allergic reaction to a sunscreen, carefully read the label to see if it contains any ingredients your child may be allergic to. I’m all for avoiding a frantic trip to the emergency room or that robotic sounding woman on the Epi-Pen, instructing you how to save your child while in a panic!
- NEA’s Seal of Acceptance™ Look for the National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Acceptance™ on any bottle of sunscreen that you are reviewing for purchase. 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 those who are living with eczema. The primary goal of the program is to help those who have eczema choose products that are less likely to cause a reaction due to their condition. Sunscreens that have been awarded the Seal of Acceptance™ must meet all the criteria listed above.
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 those who are living with eczema.
How to Use Sunscreen Appropriately
- Test Your Sunscreen Before Using – Test a small amount of the sunscreen, approximately a dime size, on your child’s inner arm. Do not wash the area for 24 hours. Monitor for an allergic reaction, such as intense itching, redness, raised skin, flaking, pain, rash or any type of breakout. NOTE: I typically test a product on myself before testing it on my son. Better me than him is always my rule of thumb.
- Apply Generously – To ensure that you maximize the full effect of your sunscreen’s SPF value, apply at least 1 oz of product to your child’s face and other sun-exposed parts of their body. More often than not, we tend to think we are using the right amount of sunscreen when in actuality we are only applying half of the recommended dose. When we do not apply the full recommended
amount of sunscreen, the SPF we are getting is lower than it should be. During a long day in the sun, use a quarter to a half of an 8-oz. tube or bottle to ensure maximum coverage. Your baby may look like Casper, but at least their skin will be protected! - Cover All Exposed Skin – Be sure to apply sunscreen to all sun-exposed skin, including lips, nose, ears, neck, hands and feet. If your son has a low haircut or your daughter has cornrows/braids, be sure to apply sunscreen on their scalp to avoid sunburn or have them wear a hat if you do not want to ruin their hairstyle. Also, do not to apply sunscreen on damaged or broken skin.
Remember…
Sunscreen alone isn’t enough to protect your little one’s Itchy Brown Skin from the
damaging rays of the sun. It is only one piece of the puzzle to an overall sun protection
program. Be sure to dress your child in protective clothing and limit their exposure to
direct sunlight between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00p.m. in the hot summer
months.
I hope this information was helpful in your quest to choosing the right sunscreen for your
family, as well as the tips on how to use it properly. Whether it is sunny outside or not, I
encourage you to enjoy the rest of your summer and lather up your little one’s Itchy
Brown Skin with their new favorite sunscreen! You got this!
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