Rosacea is a common skin condition that primarily affects people over age 30. According to WebMD, Rosacea affects 14 million adults in the U.S., but only 1 in 4 people have even heard of it. Symptoms may include facial flushing, redness, thickening of the skin, spots, and swelling. The inflammation can also extend into the eyes. While there is no cure for rosacea, you can manage its symptoms. If left untreated, symptoms may worsen.
Sun exposure is one of the most common rosacea triggers. In fact, applying sunblock to the face when going outdoors is the number one solution in treating rosacea. To help prevent flare-ups, many rosacea sufferers make an effort to shield their sensitive skin from the sun. For the full benefit of sunblock, it’s important to apply sunblock daily, even in cool and cloudy weather. And, because skin affected by rosacea is very sensitive to chemicals, you’ll need to find a quality sunblock for rosacea that doesn’t irritate the skin.
If you’re one of the million Americans who suffer from rosacea, you’ll want to find an effective sunblock that protects your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. The best sunblock for rosacea is one that offers broad-spectrum protection while being gentle enough for daily use.
What to Look for in a Sunblock for Rosacea:
- Daily Use: As previously mentioned, you’ll want to find a sunblock that is designed for daily use. This typically eliminates products that are designed for “beach use” or “highly waterproof” products.
- Antioxidants: While antioxidants are not necessary for skin protection, they can help to nourish and sooth inflamed skin.
- High Zinc Levels: If possible, avoid sunblock products that contain more than 17 percent zinc. These thicker products can be hard to wash off, often causing more irritation during removal.
- Organic: Many rosacea sufferers find that their skin becomes further inflamed when using chemical-heavy sunblock products. If your skin is extra sensitive, consider a natural or organic sunblock.
1. Obagi Rosaclear Skin Balance Sun Protection
With an SPF of 30, the Obagi Rosaclear Skin Balance Sun Protection product offers adequate sun protection with a soft tint that helps to eliminate minor skin imperfections. What makes this the best sunblock for rosacea is its gentle, chemical-free protection with just the right amount of beneficial ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Sun exposure and possible UV damage can trigger a rosacea flare-up. This product is effecting in preventing symptoms and help reduce existing symptoms. It’s specifically designed for individuals with inflamed or irritated skin and can also be successfully used on individuals with acne-prone skin.
What Other Users Are Saying:
- Great for reddish skin
- I like that this sunscreen’s not sticky
- Is gentle on my sensitive skin
- Not too heavy and very effective
- I always come back to this sunscreen!
- Only sunscreen I can wear
2. Eltamd UV Clear SPF 46
If you have rosacea, you want a sunscreen designed exclusively for your face. The Eltamd UV Clear SPF 46 is a broad spectrum of facial sunscreen that calms and protects irritated, inflamed, and acne-prone skin. The lightweight, oil-free formula can be worn alone or under makeup without interfering with its effectiveness.
With an SPF of 46, you can rest assured that your skin will remain protected against harmful UVA and UVB rays which can cause extensive damage to the skin. The formula is smooth and moisturizing, helping to keep pores free of buildup while reducing shine. To prevent further irritating the skin, this sunscreen is fragrance free.
What Other Users Are Saying:
- I’m obsessed with this SPF
- Light with a high SPF
- Not oily and goes on smooth
- Works well on my sensitive skin
- Best sunblock for rosacea
- Worth every penny
3. Dermalogica Super Sensitive Shield Sunscreen
The Dermalogica Super Sensitive Shield Sunscreen is an ultra-calming formula with an SPF of 30. This broad-spectrum sunscreen is exclusively designed for individuals with skin that is usually irritated by the ingredients in other standard sunscreens. What also makes this product the best sunblock for rosacea is its UV smart booster technology.
The chemical-free sunscreen and combination skin treatment uses mineral UV-blockers zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to help skin that is easily irritated by sun exposure. It is also effective on skin that has also been damaged by the sun. No artificial fragrances, colors, or parabens are used in this product.
What Other Users Are Saying:
- Best sunscreen ever!
- Perfect for coverage and doesn’t break me out
- Love the calming lavender smell
- Very lightweight on my skin
- This is my favorite facial sunscreen
- I use this sunscreen on my whole family
4. Sun Bum Signature Sunscreen
If you need a sunscreen that offers better protection than your standard variety, consider the Sun Bum Signature Sunscreen. This broad spectrum sunscreen comes in a variety of product sizes and offers premium UVA and UVB protection. It’s also water resistant for up to 80 minutes, which is the highest possible rating out there.
What makes this a great sunscreen for someone with rosacea is its paraben-free, paba-free, oil-free, and fragrance-free formula. It’s also oxybenzone-free, hypoallergenic, and has been approved and recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation. You’ll also find a hefty amount of vitamin E, which helps to soften and soothe irritated skin.
What Other Users Are Saying:
- This stuff is like magic
- Definitely protects your skin from the sun
- It’s non-greasy and doesn’t run into my eyes
- Love that it’s clear with no smell
- Better than most other sweat-proof sunscreens
- Thick and provides great coverage
5. Blue Lizard Australian Face Sunscreen
Blue Lizard is one of the top sunscreen brands out there and the reason is simple. It’s a high-quality product that works well, whether you have normal skin or suffer from rosacea. The Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Face Daily Moisturizer has an SPF of 30 and is rich in antioxidants.
This broad-spectrum sunscreen offers both UVA and UVB protection and is paraben-free, fragrance-free, and oil-free. It contains only 8% zinc oxide, making it lightweight and easy to remove. The sunscreen also acts as a gel-formulated daily moisturizer, which helps to soften and nourish your skin without adding an additional step.
What Other Users Are Saying:
- Light and efficient daily sunscreen
- My dermatologist recommended this
- Doesn’t have that greasy suntan lotion feel
- This is my favorite sunscreen/lotion yet!
- Doesn’t come off when you sweat
- This sunscreen works great on my sensitive skin
