5 important tips in choosing a sunscreen for eczema

Eczema is a skin problem that causes itching, redness, dryness, and cracks. Unlike normal skin conditions, eczema indicates that your skin is sensitive. That's why you can't just try and use various skin products, including sunscreens. So, how do you choose the right sunscreen for eczema skin?

Even if you have eczema, you still have to use sunscreen

Before going out of the house, sunscreen is a mandatory thing that you shouldn't forget, including for people with eczema. This is because sunscreen functions to protect the skin from sun exposure.

Not to be taken lightly, exposure to sunlight that penetrates the skin risks accelerating the appearance of signs of skin aging. Starting from wrinkles, dark spots, skin hyperpigmentation, and others.

In fact, the skin is at risk of burning or sunburn when you are in the sun too long without using sunscreen. On this basis, it is recommended that you use sunscreen in all parts of the body that are easily exposed to sunlight.

Covering the face, hands and feet. Unfortunately, people with eczema cannot use sunscreens carelessly.

Instead of making the skin more protected, the use of inappropriate sunscreens can actually make eczema symptoms worse. Meanwhile, if you skip the use of sunscreen, your skin condition may get worse.

So the key, you should regularly use the right sunscreen for eczema skin. But before that, first identify how to choose a sunscreen that suits your sensitive skin condition.

How to choose a sunscreen for people with eczema

Here are some rules that you can apply when choosing a sunscreen for eczema skin:

1. Choose an existing mineral content and UV filter

When you have eczema and want to find the right sunscreen for daily use, it's best to pay attention to the ingredients in it. If possible, choose a mineral sunscreen with a UV filter.

Adam Friedman, MD, a dermatologist and lecturer at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C, United States, explains this. According to him, mineral content and UV filters such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide could be the best choices.

The reason is, the content is not at risk of causing irritation, which in fact is susceptible to eczema skin. A little drawback, usually mineral sunscreens cause a white residue on the skin (white cast) as well as slightly oily (greasy).

2. Suncreen with broad spectrum is better

Types of ultraviolet (UV) rays are divided into two, namely UVA and UVB. A in UVA points to aging aka aging, and B in UVB refers to burning or burning.

Well, the information "broad spectrum" on the sunscreen indicates that the product is able to protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. That way, sunscreens can help to minimize the severity of eczema symptoms.

3. Contains an SPF of at least 30

There are various options for the sun protection factor (SPF) on a sunscreen. The SPF number determines how long you can stay out in the sun.

The lower the SPF level, the shorter the time you will be able to be in the sun. That means, you have to repeat the use of aliases more often reapply sunscreen.

For those of you who want to use a sunscreen for eczema skin, you can choose one that has an SPF of 30. An SPF of 30 is moderate, or not too big or too small.

So, it's likely safe and not at risk of worsening the eczema symptoms you have.

4. Alcohol and fragrance free

Alcohol and fragrances in skin care products, including sunscreens, can dry out your skin. If your skin is sensitive, especially if you are experiencing eczema, it can automatically cause irritation.

Therefore, it's best to avoid sunscreens that contain alcohol and fragrances for eczema skin if you don't want the symptoms to get worse.

5. Perform a sensitive skin test

After paying attention to the content in the sunscreen for eczema, don't forget to do a sensitivity test (patch test) on the skin. Remember, eczema skin is prone to rashes and itching because it doesn't fit properly with skin care products.

This is why doing a sensitivity test on the skin is important before using a skin care product. The trick, use a little sunscreen on the skin area that does not experience eczema, then wait for the reaction for about 2 days.

If you don't see a rash, itching, or other signs of sensitive skin, it means that the sunscreen is most likely safe to use on eczema skin.

Don't forget to still consult your doctor

Eczema can happen to anyone, both adults and children. If your little one has eczema, you should pay attention to the rules for using sunscreen.

The reason is, usually sunscreen is not recommended for use in babies under 6 months of age, including for eczema. As a solution, make sure the baby wears clothes with long sleeves, long pants, and a wide hat when outdoors.

The rest, the rules for choosing sunscreens for eczema in children are the same as for adults. In addition, make sure you also consult with your doctor to get further instructions regarding sunscreens that are safe for eczema.

Doctors can usually recommend skin care products that are safe to use according to your skin condition and your little one.