Summertime means fun in the sun, but for those with lupus, it can also mean flare-ups and increased sensitivity to sunlight. To help you enjoy the season without fear of a flare, we've gathered the seven best sunscreens for lupus.
Whether you're looking for a mineral sunscreen that won't irritate sensitive skin or a physical sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection, we've got you covered. We've even included a few SPF-loaded makeup products for those who want a little extra coverage.
So enjoy the summer sun worry-free with our roundup of the best sunscreens for lupus.
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The Benefits of Sunscreen for Lupus
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including skin problems. Many people with lupus are sensitive to sunlight and need to take special precautions to protect themselves from the sun's harmful rays. Wearing sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect yourself from the sun's damaging effects. Here are six benefits of using sunscreen for lupus:
Sunscreen can help prevent flares: Many people with lupus experience flares, or periods of increased disease activity, in response to sun exposure. Wearing sunscreen can help reduce the risk of flares by protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
Sunscreen can help prevent skin damage: Lupus can cause a wide range of skin problems, including rashes, sores, and inflammation. Sun exposure can make these problems worse and lead to permanent damage. Wearing sunscreen protects your skin from the sun's damaging effects.
Sunscreen can help to prevent photosensitivity reactions. Photosensitivity is a common symptom of lupus, and it means that your skin is extra sensitive to sunlight. If you use sunscreen, you can help to avoid triggering a photosensitivity reaction.
Sunscreen can help prevent premature aging: Sun exposure can cause premature aging of the skin, including wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. Wearing sunscreen can help protect your skin from the sun's damaging effects and keep it looking young and healthy.
Sunscreen can help protect your eyes: Lupus can also cause problems with the eyes, including inflammation and damage to the retina. Wearing sunglasses and sunscreen can help reduce the risk of these problems.
Sunscreen can help you feel better: People with lupus often feel better when they avoid sun exposure. Wearing sunscreen can help you stay out of the sun and avoid triggering flares or other symptoms.
These are just a few of the benefits of using sunscreen for lupus. If you have lupus, be sure to talk to your doctor about the best ways to protect yourself from the sun's damaging effects. And don't forget to reapply sunscreen before you go outside!
1. Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen. Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ Zinc Oxide Sunscreen That Protects and Hydrates Sensitive Skin. Lightweight, Non-Greasy and Reef-Safe
Zinc Oxide Sunscreen That Protects and Hydrates Sensitive Skin. Lightweight, Non-Greasy and Reef-Safe
Our Review
The best sunscreen for lupus is the one that will protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun while also being gentle enough not to irritate your sensitive skin. This sunscreen from Biossance ticks all those boxes, and more! Not only is it broad-spectrum, meaning it will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays, but it's also SPF 30 PA+++, which means it's extremely effective at blocking out the sun's harmful rays. It's also lightweight and non-greasy, so it won't clog your pores or leave your skin feeling greasy. And last but not least, it's reef-safe, so you can feel good about using it knowing that it won't harm our precious coral reefs. So if you're looking for the best sunscreen for lupus, look no further than Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen!
Pros
- Perfect for sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free
- Moisturizes skin
- Easy to apply
Cons
None to mention
2. DRMTLGY Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 46. Universal Tint. All-In-One Face Sunscreen and Foundation with Broad Spectrum Protection Against UVA and UVB Rays
All-In-One Face Sunscreen and Foundation with Broad Spectrum Protection Against UVA and UVB Rays
Our Review
If you have lupus, it's important to choose a sunscreen that will provide the best protection against both UVA and UVB rays. And while there are many sunscreens on the market that claim to do just that, we've found that DRMTLGY Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 46 is the best option for those with this autoimmune disease.
Not only does this all-in-one sunscreen and foundation offer broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, but it also has a universal tint that helps even out your skin tone. Plus, it's non-comedogenic so it won't clog your pores or cause breakouts.
So if you're looking for the best sunscreen for lupus, we highly recommend DRMTLGY Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 46. It's a great all-in-one option that will help protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
Pros
- Perfect for sensitive skin
- Moisturizes
- Light-weight
- Goes on easily
- High SPF
- Easy to apply
Cons
None to mention
3. TiZO3 Facial Mineral Sunscreen and Primer, Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 40 with Antioxidants, Sheer matte finish, Fragrance-Free, Oil-Free, Dermatologist-recommended
With Antioxidants, Sheer matte finish, Fragrance-Free, Oil-Free, Dermatologist-recommended
Our Review
If you have lupus, you know that finding the right sunscreen can be a challenge. You need something that will protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays but won't make your lupus flare up. That's where TiZO comes in. TiZO's Mineral Sunscreen and Primer is a great option for those with lupus. It has a broad spectrum SPF of 40, meaning it will block out both UVA and UVB rays. And, because it's tinted, it provides some coverage for those days when your skin is feeling extra sensitive. Best of all, it's oil-free and fragrance-free, so you don't have to worry about it irritating your skin. Give TiZO a try the next time you're looking for a sunscreen that will work for you and your lupus.
Pros
- Perfect for sensitive skin
- Nice matte finish
- Non-greasy
- Stays on all-day
- Goes on smoothly
- Only a little is required
Cons
None to mention
4. EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin and Acne-Prone Skin, Oil-Free Mineral-Based Sunscreen Lotion with Zinc Oxide
For Sensitive Skin and Acne-Prone Skin, Oil-Free Mineral-Based Sunscreen Lotion with Zinc Oxide
Our Review
This is the best sunscreen for lupus. It is oil-free, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free. It contains zinc oxide which provides broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. This sunscreen is also recommended by the Lupus Foundation of America.
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen is also available in a tinted formula that provides sheer coverage while still allowing your skin to breathe. The tinted formula contains titanium dioxide which provides physical sun protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It is non-comedogenic, oil-free, and fragrance-free.
Pros
- Value for money
- Great for acne-prone skin
- Light-weight
- Non-greasy
- Absorbs quickly
- A little goes on a long way
Cons
Only a little is required
5. Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Resistant Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 70, Oil-Free and PABA-Free Fast-Absorbing Sunscreen Lotion, UVA/UVB Sun Protection, SPF 70
With Broad Spectrum SPF 70, Oil-Free and PABA-Free Fast-Absorbing Sunscreen Lotion, UVA/UVB Sun Protection, SPF 70
Our Review
Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Resistant Sunscreen Lotion is the best sunscreen for lupus. It is oil-free, PABA-free, and absorbs quickly into the skin. It provides broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. SPF 70 is the highest level of sun protection available in a sunscreen lotion. Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Resistant Sunscreen Lotion is also water resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it ideal for swimming or sweating.
Pros
- Perfect for sensitive skin
- Easy to apply
- Pleasant fragrance
- Water-resistant
- Great price
Cons
None to mention
6. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen, 1.7 oz - SPF 40 PA+++ Reef-Friendly, Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen & Makeup Primer - Weightless, Invisible, Oil Free & Scent Free - Beard Friendly - For All Skin Types
Reef-Friendly, Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen & Makeup Primer - Weightless, Invisible, Oil Free & Scent Free - Beard Friendly - For All Skin Types
Our Review
When it comes to finding the best sunscreen for lupus, you want to make sure that you find a product that is reef-friendly, broad-spectrum, and oil-free. You also want to make sure that it is scent-free and beard-friendly. This Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen ticks all of those boxes and more. It is a great choice for all skin types, including those with lupus.
This sunscreen is made with zinc oxide, which provides excellent protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It is also free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and artificial colors. This makes it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
The Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is also lightweight and invisible, making it perfect for everyday use. It can be worn under makeup or alone. It is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great choice for activities such as swimming or sweating.
Pros
- Perfect for sensitive skin
- Goes on smoothly
- Spreads easily
- Reef-safe
- Light-weight
- Long-lasting
Cons
None to mention
7. CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30 | Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide | Sheer Tint for Healthy Glow
Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide | Sheer Tint for Healthy Glow
Our Review
If you have lupus, you know that finding the right sunscreen is a must. And while there are many great sunscreens out there, we think CeraVe's Tinted Sunscreen is the best for those with lupus. First and foremost, it contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are two of the most effective ingredients for protecting against UV radiation. They work together to provide broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Also, it's very hydrating thanks to its unique formula that includes ceramides. This is important because people with lupus often have dry skin, which can be made worse by sun exposure. CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen has a sheer tint that gives your skin a healthy glow. This is great because people with lupus often have skin that is prone to inflammation and redness.
Pros
- Perfect for sensitive skin
- Blends easily
- Easy to apply
- Only a little is required
- Moisturizes
- Light-weight
Cons
None to mention
Buyers Guide:
What to Look for When Buying Sunscreen for Lupus
When you have lupus, it is important to take extra care of your skin. That means choosing the right sunscreen is essential to protecting yourself from the harmful sun's rays. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one is best for you? Here are six things to look for when buying sunscreen for lupus:
- Broad-spectrum protection: Look for a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, which means it offers UV protection and also protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.
- SPF 30 or higher: The SPF, or sun protection factor, is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect your skin from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. For lupus patients, it is important to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Water-resistant: Because lupus can cause photosensitivity, it is important to choose a sunscreen that is water-resistant so you can still enjoy activities like swimming without worrying about your skin getting burned.
- Non-irritating: Lupus can also cause inflammation, so it is important to choose a sunscreen that is non-irritating and won't aggravate your skin.
- Fragrance-free: Many sunscreens on the market are fragranced, but for lupus patients, it is important to choose a fragrance-free option to avoid any further irritation.
- Physical or chemical? Sunscreens can be either physical or chemical. Physical sunscreens contain ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that physically block UV light from reaching the skin. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, contain ingredients like avobenzone and oxybenzone that work by absorbing ultraviolet rays before they can damage the skin. For lupus patients, it is generally recommended to choose a physical sunscreen over a chemical one.
With these six things in mind, you should be able to find the best sunscreen for your lupus. Be sure to talk to your doctor or dermatologist if you have any questions about which sunscreen is right for you.
How to Use Sunscreen for Lupus Patients
If you have lupus, it is essential to take measures to protect yourself from the sun. UV exposure can cause flares and make your symptoms worse. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Here is a guide on how to use sunscreen for lupus:
- Step One: Choose the Right Sunscreen
When selecting a sunscreen, it is important to choose one that has an SPF of at least 30 and provides both UVA and UVB radiation protection. If you have sensitive skin, look for a sunscreen that is labeled “hypoallergenic” or “for sensitive skin.”
- Step Two: Apply Sunscreen liberally
Be sure to apply sunscreen liberally and evenly to all exposed skin. It is best to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outside. If you are swimming or sweating, be sure to reapply every two hours.
- Step Three: Wear Protective Clothing
In addition to applying sunscreen, it is also important to wear sun protective clothing when you are outdoors. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants made of tightly woven fabric. A wide-brimmed hat can also help protect your face and neck from the sun.
By following these steps, you can help protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun. Remember, it is also important to avoid peak sun exposure times (between ten am and four pm) whenever possible. If you must be outdoors during these times, be sure to take extra precautions.
Conclusion
That’s it for our list of the best sunscreens sets for lupus. We hope you found this helpful! Let us know in the comments if you have any questions or want to recommend your favorite sunscreen set for people with lupus. Stay safe in the sun and don’t let lupus keep you from enjoying your summer days!
