For people with problem skin, summer isn't always the most enjoyable time of year; it's often accompanied by a lot of stress. Not every sunscreen is suitable for problem skin, and some products can cause a severe eczema outbreak. Sunscreens vary widely, and a high SPF doesn't necessarily mean the product is safe; many ingredients in creams can trigger an eczema outbreak. We've compiled some important tips to help you get through the summer feeling great.
How does solar radiation affect the skin?
Sunlight isn't inherently bad for eczema. In fact, in moderation, it's often beneficial for eczema-prone skin. Light therapy is one form of eczema therapy, but that doesn't mean your eczema will improve just by basking in the blazing sun under oil.
First things first: what is sunlight? There are three types of UV radiation emitted by the sun: UVA, UVB, and UVC. 95% of sunlight consists of UVA radiation. You won't burn from it, but this radiation penetrates deep into your skin and damages your DNA. This is also the type of radiation that causes skin aging. UVB radiation is the radiation that causes sunburn but also promotes the production of vitamin D, which we need to absorb calcium from food. The most damaging of the three is UVC radiation, which fortunately doesn't reach Earth.
To stimulate vitamin D production, simply getting on your bike or taking a short walk is enough. When exposed to the sun for extended periods, you should apply plenty of sunscreen to prevent damage. It's important to choose a product that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
How does sunscreen work?
Sunscreens can be divided into two groups: chemical and physical creams. Chemical sunscreens are the most commonly available and can be found at every drugstore. These creams are usually thin and spread easily, allowing them to be quickly absorbed into the skin. This is where chemical sunscreens work their magic; they penetrate the skin, absorbing harmful UV rays and neutralizing them. Chemical sunscreens can contain many different ingredients, with common ones being: Octocrylene, Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Homosalate, Helioplex, and Oxybenzone. The latter ingredient, in particular, should be avoided. These creams are easy to apply, absorb quickly, and effectively combat UVA and UVB rays, particularly those that prevent skin aging. The downside is that ingredients like Octocrylene, Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Homosalate, Helioplex, and Oxybenzone often cause skin irritation. In addition, the cream loses its effectiveness due to sunlight, which means that you have to keep applying it throughout the day to stay protected.
Physical sunscreen works differently. It forms a layer on the skin and blocks radiation. These products can be recognized by the ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Physical sunscreen works immediately after application and offers better protection against radiation than chemical sunscreens. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider: because the sunscreen forms a layer on the skin, you will often see a white film. Furthermore, the sunscreen clogs pores more than chemical sunscreens and is therefore less suitable for people with acne.
What does the SPF number mean?
The skin can protect itself from the sun for 10 minutes. If you're exposed to the sun without protection, your skin starts to burn after 10 minutes. The number after the Sun Protection Factor can be multiplied by the 10 minutes of protection you already have. With SPF 10, you can therefore be exposed to the sun for 100 minutes.
This is how it works in theory. In practice, however, it often doesn't work quite that way. Water, sweat, sand, and contact with towels or other fabrics significantly shorten this time.
It's possible that your eczema skin actually benefits from sunlight and reduces your symptoms. However, make sure you protect your skin with the right sun protection products and avoid the harsh midday sun between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. You absolutely want to avoid sunburn, which will dry out, peel, and eventually become very itchy.
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