Rosacea Skin Care: Sunscreens

Being sun smart is good practice for everyone, in particular for those with rosacea. The sun is one of the most common triggers of rosacea flare-ups. Selecting a quality broad spectrum (UVA and UVB) sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor of 15 (SPF15) that is not oily is recommended. You may even want to try products made for children, which are generally milder.

Sunscreens are broadly divided into two groups: chemical and physical.

Chemical sunscreens are made from synthetic substances that effectively absorb UV radiation. Chemical sunscreens produce a chemical reaction when exposed to UV rays which produces heat. Physical sunscreens, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, are made from mineral particles that reflect UV rays, similar to a mirror, and they tend to cause less skin irritation. Physical sunscreens, unlike chemical screens do not produce heat when exposed to UV light. The only disadvantage is that physical sunscreens leave a whitish and sometimes fluorescent appearance due to the fine particles in the formulation.

It is extremely important for those with rosacea to maintain proper sun protection, considering that the heat of the sun, as well as UV exposure (especially UVA, which penetrates deeper) can aggravate the skin and result in increased redness, as well as long-term damage to blood vessels. With the vast range of available options, you can find combination products that moisturize and provide sun protection, or even contain medication.