The Best Sunscreens for Eczema: Everything You Need to Know

If you have eczema, finding the right sunscreen can be tricky. The wrong formula can cause burning, stinging, or flare-ups, while skipping sunscreen leaves your skin vulnerable to UV damage, barrier breakdown, and more inflammation.

The good news? You can protect your skin without irritation—you just need the right sunscreen.

This guide will cover:
✔ Why sunscreen is essential for eczema
✔ Physical vs. chemical sunscreens: Which is safest
✔ Ingredients to avoid and look for
✔ Expert tips for applying sunscreen on eczema-prone skin
✔ Kristy’s Recommended Products for Eczema-Prone Skin

Why Sunscreen Is Crucial for Eczema

UV Rays and Skin Barrier Damage

For eczema-prone skin, the barrier is already fragile. Sun exposure can:
✔ Break down collagen and elastin → weaker skin
✔ Increase transepidermal water loss (TEWL) → dryness and itching
✔ Trigger oxidative stress → more inflammation

Medications Increase Sun Sensitivity

If you use topical steroids or oral eczema treatments, your skin may burn more easily. Without SPF, you risk burns, hyperpigmentation, and worsened symptoms.

Physical vs. Chemical Sunscreens: Which Is Best for Eczema?

Physical (Mineral) Sunscreens

✔ Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide
✔ How They Work: Sit on top of the skin, reflecting UV rays
✔ Why They’re Ideal:

• Gentle on sensitive skin
• Provide immediate protection
• Less risk of irritation
  
  

Chemical Sunscreens

✔ Active Ingredients: Oxybenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene
✔ Why They’re Risky:

• Can sting or cause allergic reactions
• Many contain fragrances and alcohol
• Absorb into the skin, triggering sensitivity

Verdict: Mineral sunscreens are the safest choice for eczema-prone skin.

Ingredients to Look For

✔ Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide – Gentle UV blockers
✔ Ceramides & glycerin – Help repair skin barrier
✔ Colloidal oatmeal – Calms inflammation
✔ Fragrance-free & alcohol-free formulas

Ingredients to Avoid

✖ Fragrance (including natural essential oils)
✖ Alcohol-based formulas
✖ Chemical filters like oxybenzone and octocrylene
✖ Harsh preservatives

How to Apply Sunscreen on Eczema-Prone Skin

✔ Apply after moisturizer and prescription creams
✔ Use ½ teaspoon for face and neck
✔ Reapply every 2 hours during the day
✔ Reapply after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying
✔ Pat gently—don’t rub harshly
✔ Avoid sprays and sticks with added chemicals
✔ Don’t rely on the UV index or whether it “looks sunny.” Harmful UV rays can still damage your skin on cloudy, cool, or overcast days. Make sunscreen part of your daily routine, year-round.
✔ Be especially cautious between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the sun’s rays are strongest. Seek shade when possible, wear protective clothing, and reapply more often.

Kristy’s Recommended Sunscreens for Eczema-Prone Skin

1. Thinkbaby Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+

✔ Broad-spectrum, water-resistant
✔ Gentle and safe for babies and adults with eczema

2. Badger Adventure Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 30

✔ Organic, reef-safe, and fragrance-free
✔ Made with zinc oxide and soothing natural oils

3. SVR Sun Secure EAU Solaire Sun Water SPF 50+

✔ Ultra-light texture for sensitive skin
✔ Provides strong UV protection without irritation

4. Pipette Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

✔ Non-nano zinc oxide formula
✔ Hypoallergenic and packed with moisturizing squalane

5. Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40

✔ Affordable, lightweight, and fragrance-free
✔ Ideal for daily use on sensitive skin

6. Cetaphil Everyday Sunscreen SPF 50

✔ Lightweight and fragrance-free
✔ Hydrating formula suitable for sensitive skin

Pro Tips for Choosing and Using Sunscreen

✔ Check labels: Look for “mineral,” “broad spectrum,” and “fragrance-free”
✔ Pair with a moisturizer for best barrier protection
✔ Don’t skip sunscreen indoors—UV rays penetrate windows
✔ Avoid expired sunscreens (effectiveness drops after expiration date)

Key Takeaways

✔ Always choose mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide
✔ Avoid fragrance, alcohol, and harsh chemicals
✔ Apply daily—even indoors—for barrier health and UV protection

Ready to Take Control of Your Eczema?

Sunscreen is just one piece of the puzzle. If you want step-by-step guidance on how to reduce flare-ups, heal your skin barrier, and feel confident again, our course The Skin Reset Blueprint is for you.

Inside, you’ll discover:
✔ The root causes of eczema and how to address them
✔ Anti-inflammatory nutrition strategies for lasting relief
✔ Skincare routines that repair and protect your skin barrier
✔ Stress and lifestyle tools to prevent flare-ups before they start

SHOP THE BEST SUNSCREEN HERE!