One of the most common questions I get asked is ‘What do I use on my skin in the sun?’ In this blog post, I’ll share what I use personally and what I use on my three boys who also have eczema prone/sensitive skin. Check out these tried and tested Suncreams for Eczema-prone and Sensitive skin.
(UPDATED 11.08.20)
Me and the sun
Over the years people would often say to me that my eczema would get better on holiday when I was exposed to the sun. In reality, my skin always got worse! It would flare so badly, I actually dreaded going away for fear of how my skin would react.
Fast forward a few years to when I went away on a short 3 day hen do to Spain. I decided that I wouldn’t expose my face to the sun so I didn’t apply suncream to it. Instead opted for foundation with SPF in, protective sunglasses and a huge full-rimmed hat. That holiday my skin was the best it had been in a long while!!!
It got me thinking that it wasn’t the sun causing the flares, it was perhaps the suncreams that I applied to my skin that brought on the flare.
I wasn’t naive. I thought I was using a suncream suitable for eczema. I always used a sensitive sun cream but despite this, my face would always flare so these days I never apply sun cream to my face!! Instead, I opt for a foundation with SPF in as well as wearing a hat and glasses. This is a personal choice and certainly won’t be right for everyone but this is just my experience. I’m still using protection, just in a different form.
Suncreams
My boys have sensitive skin, my eldest (who is 7) in particular. I’ve used a few different sunscreens over the years and the following are my favourites which cause the least irritation and which actually protect both mine and their skin from the sun.
ANTHELIOS DERMO-PEDIATRICS BODY SUN CREAM SPF50+
I have used the Anthelios Derma kids by La Roche Posay on all my boys – it’s especially good for my eldest whose skin is that bit more sensitive!! It’s got a high SPF, goes on nicely and doesn’t take long to dry in once applied (we all know how hard it is keep the kids out of the pool on holiday whilst they wait for the suncream to soak in!!!). I’m really careful not to get it anywhere near the eyes though as often suncream can cause puffy eyes when it is too close and seeps in.
Specifically formulated for children’s delicate skin and is suitable for skin that is prone to sensitivity, sun-intolerance or prickly-heat. High protection SPF 50+ suncare. Easy to apply with moisturising and velvety texture. Very water resistant. Non-greasy, non-sticky. Photostable.
It also comes in a handy spray bottle for even quicker applications. I find the only downside is it stains clothing!
CHILDS FARM 50+ SPF SUN LOTION CREAM, unfragranced
After all the hype about Child’s Farm products being great for those with eczema, I simply had to try their unfragranced suncream range when I saw it had been released. We’ve used some of their products in the past (mainly the unfragranced new baby range as it contains hardly any nasties) so I was quite optimistic about their suncare range.
I tried it on all three of my boys and was really impressed with the level of protection. In general, all three boys got on with it absolutely fine despite their sensitive skin (aside from my eldest getting slightly puffy eyes which, to be honest I think was because it was applied too close to his eyes). If you have sensitive skin this is one I’d recommend using but perhaps not directly on eczema patches or skin that’s already inflamed or broken.
It comes in a handy pump spray and goes on really nicely, perfect when applying to kiddies. It offers high protection and is water resistant so perfect when playing out in the garden or going in and out of the pool.
If you are keen to see my honest reviews on some other Childs Farm items that we’ve used, click here.
SHOP HERE
UPDATE :
Officina Naturae Crema Solare SPF 15
I have recently found a sun cream that I had to share on my blog. This suncream range provides sun protection using mineral sun filters instead of chemicals making it a safer option for those with really sensitive skin. I liked that it isn’t a really high factor like most sensitive suncreams. At SPF 15 it allows my skin to have some protection but also allows my skin to benefit from some rays as we all know that some sun exposure is deemed good for those with skin issues. Often factor 50 is too high protection for me. It contains organic quince, argan oil, linseed, mallow, calendula and jojoba extracts which all benefit the skin and are certainly preferred ingredients over harsh chemicals that’s for sure. It’s been fine on my face which has always been an area to react to suncreams (it’s even been fine whilst my skin has been recovering from Topical Steroid Withdrawal). Made in Italy, the creamy white formulation is quite thick, and does initially leave a white residue which quickly melts into the skin. It is free from perfume too therefore making it particularly suitable for those with sensitive skin and eczema.
- Suitable for sensitive skin and people with reactive skin and allergies
- Protects the skin & the environment
- Prevents premature skin aging
- Vegan
- Nickel tested
- Free from dyes, perfumes, parabens and chemical sun filters
- Effective UVA & UVB protection
This suncream is highly recommended by me. I will be repurchasing when mine runs out.
Buy Officina Naturae crema solare here.
Foundations with added SPF
I like to use a foundation that also contains SPF protection so that even on days when the sun isnt too strong, my ski is getting some protection.
To see my top three foundations with spf check out my blog here ‘My top 3 foundations (with SPF) for sensitive skin ‘ where I outline my tried and tested favourites.
Using Rash Vests
When I can, I often use full length long-sleeved rash UV vest tops (like these from H&M) on my boys when I know they are going to be outside in the sun for long periods. It means I don’t have to apply suncream to their arms and torso at all. My boys are prone to heat rash when we go on holiday so applying suncreams to the areas affected can lead to further irritation. By wearing a vest with full coverage, I can leave the suncream application to the areas that are exposed to the sun, (like their legs, neck and faces) lessening the chance of any further irritation.
SHOP Protective clothing
Have you tried any of these products?
Which is your favourite suncream to use on sensitive skin?
*This is just my experience using these products on myself (and my kids), none of these products have been gifted, instead, all bought by me personally. Please also remember that allergies are personal so what works for one, may not work for the next. Whilst I picked these products due to their ingredients being better suited to sensitive skin, please ensure you check the ingredients lists before you use them.
This post contains some affiliate links which means if you make a purchase, I will make a small commission. Remember I will only share items that I have used and believe in.
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