The Best Sunscreens To Use If You Have Psoriasis

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If you have psoriasis, you might be confused about sunblock use. As an inflammatory condition that involves scaly patches on the skin (per the Mayo Clinic), psoriasis causes flare-ups that can be further irritated by just about anything. While you're probably best off not wearing tons of foundation or concealer when dealing with a psoriasis outbreak, applying the right sunscreen is crucial, too. Even if you're scared to antagonize the flare-up and cause even more redness and dry patches, sunblock is important for safeguarding your delicate epidermis.

As dermatologist Dr. Laura Ferris shared with Psoriasis, "while many who suffer from psoriasis find that the sun helps to improve their skin's appearance, there are dangers from too much exposure." Just like for anyone else, spending time in the sun might trigger a sunburn and increase your chance of skin cancer down the line. Dr. Ferris added that "patients with psoriasis may also be at higher risk of skin cancer due to the medications they take," and severe sunburns might trigger a psoriasis flare-up. 

While you shouldn't apply any product to broken skin, you should go for SPF 30 and over. And as per WebMD, you should also think about wearing a hat while outdoors. As Dr. Mehmet Oz told Share Care, UVB light "may help to improve your skin condition" through that all-important vitamin D, but you should still always use sunscreen when basking in the rays. Still, your chosen SPF should be tailor-made for sensitive skin.

If you want sunscreen with natural components that won't harm your skin or the planet, look no further. While many of us are now interested in organic formulas, anyone dealing with an inflammatory condition like psoriasis can benefit from super-clean products with a pronounceable ingredient list, too. As Dr. Jacqueline Schaffer told Healthline, if you have psoriasis, "make sure there are no parabens, no formaldehyde, and no other really strong preservatives that can be damaging to the skin." 

Looking for a sunscreen that's environmentally friendly while also being kind to your skin? All Good Zinc Sunscreen Butter — SPF 50+ ($10.99) is the perfect pick for you. As explained by SheKnows, this formula's "minimal" ingredient list is "reef-friendly," so you can feel great about not harming the planet as you swipe it on. It's soothing, too, combining coconut oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E to lock in moisture. And it's water-resistant for 80 minutes, so feel free to take a long dip in the ocean with it — the physical 25% non-nano particle zinc oxide is supremely effective.

Or, try Coola Mineral Body Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 ($28) if you're looking for a clean, spray-on sunblock that won't budge after a long day. This is mineral-based, chemical-active-free, non-harmful, and fragrance-free for zero risk of flare-ups. Their "Plant Protection Complex" imbues skin with algae and aloe, and as Dr. Orit Markowitz told Everyday Health, it's "easy to apply."

If you have kids, you probably want to have sunscreen on hand that you can swipe on them if need be. Even if they don't have psoriasis, a sunblock you can both share should have a minimal ingredient list, and be made especially for sensitive skin. Fragrance-free with zero irritants, our favorite child-friendly sunscreens are just as effective on your psoriasis — a two-in-one, so to speak. Keep these in your bag for unexpected outings or long, sunny car rides.

Sun Bum is an end-all sunscreen brand we adore, combining quirky packaging with a beachy feel. The products are high-quality, finding the line between creamy and lightweight. Their Baby Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion ($13.99) is an incredible option for anyone dealing with psoriasis, whether or not you have kids. While the rest of the brand's products have a coconut-tinged scent, this is completely fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Apart from non-nano zinc, this contains coconut oil, shea, and cocoa butter for super-smooth skin. Free of sulfates, dyes, and silicones, this is a great option for patients dealing with psoriasis, dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman tells Everyday Health.

CeraVe Mineral Baby Sunscreen SPF 45 ($17.86) is another fantastic, baby-friendly buy, completely unscented with a paraben, sulfate, and fragrance-free formula. This protects your skin with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide and brings in hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides to protect the skin's natural moisture. It's even proven to be suitable for eczema and is non-irritating.

Most people who have psoriasis have sensitive skin that's prone to redness, dryness, or that unwanted, sudden patchiness. Still, some of us have extra sensitive skin, so we need formulas that are tailor-made to be supremely gentle and soothing. While all the sunscreens on this list are great for skin sensitivities, these take it to the next level.

Try Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30 ($34) for something that's gentle on your complexion without compromising skin-glowy benefits. An Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner, this sunscreen contains 20% zinc oxide for non-chemical solar protection. Other winning ingredients? Sunflower shoot extract and astaxanthin-rich algae both work as functional antioxidants, fighting off free radicals that harm the skin. Plus, the raspberry seed oil is another antioxidant that offers serious hydration, too. As per SheKnows, your sensitive skin will love this, especially with the brand's famous "no suspicious ingredients" pledge. You'll reach for this daily!

We're obsessed with Alba Botanica Fragrance-Free Sunscreen Lotion — SPF 30 ($8.99), a cost-effective product that doesn't sacrifice quality. This is fragrance-free and made especially for sensitive skin types, blending zinc oxide with soothing aloe vera, green tea, and chamomile. It will combat redness and irritation while offering great sun protection to boot. SheKnows also recommends this sunblock, citing its lightweight approach, and moisturizing shea butter component. You can breathe easy when applying this product— it's free of parabens and sulfates, and is also environmentally friendly.

Lastly, you might prefer a psoriasis-friendly sunblock with über-cute packaging — the kind of product that's on every beauty editor's wishlist. Sure, you still need something that's suitable for super-sensitive skin and won't give you flare-ups. But there are a couple of options we found that give you skin-saving benefits and have beauty lovers' seal of approval around the world.

Supergoop! Glow Oil SPF 50 ($38) is an oil that glides onto your skin and won't clog your pores. Dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose explained to Everyday Health that she loves this product, considering it a "fan-favorite" in the psoriasis community because of its "smoother application." This won't irritate delicate skin and is made with soothing cucumber, grapeseed oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and shea butter. This oil boosts your skin's natural radiance and is activated by simply rubbing it on your complexion. It will never feel greasy and works great under makeup. Plus, it's water-resistant for 80 minutes so this will be our go-to come summertime.

We're obsessed with cult-classic EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 ($37), also recommended by Dr. Murphy-Rose in her conversation with Everyday Health. Elta MD's sunscreen is used by tons of celebrities, with Kourtney Kardashian and Drew Barrymore both admitting to using it daily (per People). Suitable for all skin types, this provides oil-free moisture with hydrating niacinamide. 9% zinc oxide and 7.5% octinoxate work to fight the sun's rays, while the entire formula is tailor-made for acne-prone or easily irritated skin.