Updated on December 14th, 2020 at 09:07 pm
When you suffer from rosacea, finding the best sunscreen should be a top priority. Without proper facial protection, you are increasing the odds of having a flair up and worsen over time. Finding the best sunscreen for Rosacea is important because your goal should be to protect, not to irritate the skin.
One of the highest risk factors to worsen rosacea is direct sun exposure, so it is understandable that you need to find the best sunscreen for sensitive skin. However, not every labeled sunscreen “sensitive skin” means it is right for you. Even though it has been commonly accepted that physical (mineral) sunscreen is better for your condition, you should take this claim with a grain of salt.
Mineral (physical) sunscreens use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients, but the technology used in their production makes them good AND bad for your skin. In products like these, look for nanotechnology, which makes the mineral particles tiny and easy to apply. Otherwise, large particles can easily irritate your skin.
Chemical sunscreens (traditional) usually contain oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, PABA, fragrances, parabens, and other chemicals that can additionally irritate your skin, so these should be avoided as well.
The best sensitive skin sunscreen should provide broad-spectrum protection with at least SPF 30+. It needs to be water/sweat resistant; it will work for your face and body, and won’t contain any of the substances mentioned above.
We know that it could be too tricky and tiring for you to scrutinize product ingredients. Sunscreens for rosacea can be chemical sunscreens or mineral, so to spare you some time, we’ve selected the best ones for your skin.
Contents
Best sunscreens for Rosacea
Avène
With almost three centuries of expertise, this French brand still has the Avène Thermal Spring Water as the core ingredient to soothe and minimize skin sensitivity.
The compact structure of this sunscreen includes zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as the main sun-blocking ingredients that deliver UVA and UVB SPF 50 protection. Since dealing with rosacea means dealing with lots of redness, it comes in two shades that provide sufficient coverage for a natural skin tone.
Avène Compact sunscreen is water-resistant for 40 minutes, but its packaging includes a mirror and an application sponge, so it takes less than a minute to reapply.
Its formula contains a patented, photostable vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant to fight against sun-induced free radicals. Since it is free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, it is indicated as suitable for hypersensitive and allergenic skin.
Pros
- Broad-spectrum SPF 50 tinted compact (two available shades)
- Suitable for rosacea-prone skin, hypersensitive, allergenic, or recently treated skin
- Mineral sunscreen with antioxidants
- Non-grease, matte finish
- Iron oxide for blue light protection
- FSA approved
- Free from harmful ingredients such as octinoxate and oxybenzone
Cons
- Just 40 minutes of water resistance
Daylong Extreme Sun Lotion
If you are looking for sunscreens for rosacea tolerance, then Daylong Extreme has shown outstanding results. It is made particularly for sensitive skin with extremely low sun tolerance and a very high UV protection of SPF 50+ sun protection.
It is not only the high UVA and UVB protection factor that makes it a good sunscreen for rosacea-prone skin, but it is the use of sun filters Tinsorb M and Tinsorb S that add effective and in-depth UV protection. It also contains liposomes, Aloe Vera and vitamin E, both powerful antioxidants that prevent skin damage and melanoma. Thanks to its formula, it can be used as a daily moisturizer as it has a very calming effect.
Daylong Extreme is fragrance and oil-free, doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients, and has a maximum water-resistance rating.
Pros
- SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection with liposomes
- It contains Aloe Vera and vitamin E (antioxidants)
- With photostable sun filters
- No preservatives, fragrance-free, no oil or harmful chemicals
- Maximum water-resistant rating
Cons
- It contains Sorbitol
EltaMD UV Clear/UV Sport
This dermatologist-recommended sunscreen for rosacea appears to be the highest-rated, with no negative comments whatsoever. This bundle includes a facial sunscreen with SPF 46 for sensitive skin, including rosacea and acne-prone skin. The body lotion features broad spectrum SPF 50, and both of them are water-resistant for 80 minutes.
Both are mineral-based sunscreens with 9.0% transparent zinc oxide. The facial sunscreen contains vitamin B3, lactic acid, and hyaluronic acid, which have calming and soothing effects. It also contains antioxidants that prevent free radicals from damaging your skin.
Both products are non-comedogenic, so they won’t clog your pores. They don’t contain any fragrances, paraben, and harmful chemicals.
Pros
- Face sunscreen SPF 46 and body lotion SPF 50
- Both products contain 9.0% transparent zinc oxide
- Vitamin B3, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, and antioxidant-based formula
- Particularly made for skin types prone to rosacea, acne, and hyperpigmentation
- No harmful chemicals, paraben, and fragrance-free
- Maximum water-resistance
- Easy to apply and leaves no white residue
Cons
- None
Purito Centella Green Level
Purito boasts a complete absence of harmful, synthetic substances, even though it is a traditional sun blocker. The company uses patented technology to exclude common chemicals used in most traditional UV sunscreens such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, and uses only EWG green level 1 and 2 ingredients.
The formula contains about 70% moisturizing ingredients with four different UVA and UVB sun blockers, so it can substitute your moisturizer. The hyaluronic acid and Centella Asiatica extract maintains the natural skin’s elasticity and keeps it healthy. This is very important for rosacea skin because it lacks natural balance.
But what makes it a superb sunscreen is the highest broad-spectrum protection grade (PA++++) with SPF 50+ UV protection. The lightweight structure is easy to apply; it absorbs quickly and has the highest water-resistance level.
Pros
- Sunscreen and moisturizer with SPF 50+ protection
- Contains antioxidants and hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free (not even essential oils)
- It calms the skin and moisturizes it
- Easy to apply and leaves no white cast
Cons
- There have been reports of allergic reactions
iS Clinical Eclipse SPF 50 Plus Perfectint
Ok, we admit, you’ll have to splurge a bit of your fortune, but if you want to pamper your face with one of the poshest, clinically tested sunscreens for rosacea among the other skin conditions, then it won’t be in vain. Its scientifically advanced formula makes this physical sunscreen very lightweight, luxurious, and transparent.
The leading UV blocking ingredients are titanium dioxide, and micronized zinc oxide blended with pure vitamin E. The blend of botanical ingredients nurtures and moisturizes the skin. At the same time, the broad-spectrum SPF 50 prevents the harmful UV rays from penetrating your skin. It is water-resistant for 80 min, and the matte finish is a perfect base in case you’d like to add some makeup.
Pros
- Broad-spectrum SPF 50+
- Botanical formula with micronized zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
- Free of parabens, fragrances, harmful chemicals
- Silky-smooth, matte finish
- Easy to apply, no white cast
- Contains antioxidants to prevent skin damage
Cons
- Pricier than the rest of the products on the list
La Roche Posay Anthelios Clear Skin
One of the most dermatologist-recommended brands, La Roche Posay, offers a zinc-based formula, free from oils, oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens fragrances. Formulated with the proprietary Cell-OX Shield technology, it provides UVA/UVB filters with SPF 60 and a rich blend of antioxidants.
The sunscreen is a bit thicker when you apply it, but it gets quickly absorbed, delivering dry-touch, matte finish. The combination of perlite and silica absorbs the sebum without clogging your pores. It is suitable for all types of sensitive skin, including rosacea and acne-prone skin.
Pros
- Broad-spectrum SPF 60 oil-free sunscreen
- Dermatologist/allergy-tested
- Free of harmful chemicals, PABA, and paraben
- Fragrance-free
- Dry, matte finish
- Suitable for sensitive skin, including rosacea
Cons
- Contains avobenzone
Our Top Choice for Tattoo Sunscreen is:
Sunscreens for rosacea have several unique features that make them best for this condition. In addition to providing maximum UVA and UVB protection to your skin, they need to be adapted for those skin types with exceptional sensitivity and need special protection from harmful ingredients.
The best sunscreen for rosacea is Avène Tinted Compact, thanks to its ultimate UV and blue light protection, based on zinc oxide that creates a barrier on your skin. The fragrance-free formula is rich with antioxidants and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. It is easy to apply, covers the skin redness that rosacea causes, and provides the best protection for this skin condition
FAQ
Can sunscreen make rosacea worse?
Yes, it can. Those sunscreens that contain chemical substances like avobenzone, octinoxate, or oxybenzone, fragrances, alcohol can cause rosacea flare and make the condition worse.
Does wearing sunscreen help rosacea?
If you suffer from rosacea, wearing sunscreen is a must. This particularly refers to golfers who spend hours outside. A good sunscreen will prevent rosacea flare-ups, and it will prevent your skin from sunburns and irritation.
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