Why it's important to wear sunscreen as a rosacea sufferer

After what feels like the longest winter of our lives, summer is finally here. With covid restrictions a thing of the past, many are gearing up for their best summer yet. Travel is back on the cards, terraces are open and heading to the beach on a hot day is no longer a taboo activity. Normality is (kind of) restored, hallelujah!

If you suffer with rosacea, you might have a slightly different attitude to this time of year. With sun and heat being a major trigger for many of us, it can throw shade on the summer spirit a little. That being said, even though I suffer from rosacea myself I still really love the summer time and look forward to it coming around every year. 

With many different SPF brands available in drugstores, online and in clinics it's hard to know which is the best sunscreen for rosacea, we're here to give you some guidance on which may best suit your sensitive skin. 

Why you need to wear sunscreen everyday

It’s no secret that in the hot summer months covering up with a high factor SPF is a wise move. Now that we’re coming into the warmer, sunnier weather it’s pretty much essential to slather on the SPF every day. 

When it’s a hot day and you plan on being outside by the pool or at the beach, use at least an ounce of SPF on your body. This is around a shot glass full. Put it on half an hour before going outside and reapply every 2 hours. In the height of summer, try to limit your sun time between 10am - 4pm when the rays are the strongest.

But even when the leaves have fallen and the flip-flops are packed away, you may be tempted to also pack away the sunscreen for a few months. Here’s a tip which might be obvious to some: never ever pack the SPF away. There’s a common misconception that sunscreen is only necessary when it’s warm out. This might just be the biggest myth of skin care there ever was.

Skincare experts recommend wearing sunscreen on exposed areas every day you plan on spending any time outdoors, especially if you have rosacea or facial redness. Wearing an SPF of at least factor 30+ sun, rain or snow is one of the best things you can do for your rosacea skin.

Finca's guide to choosing the best sunscreen for rosacea

As with everything you put on your sensitive rosacea skin, there are certain things to watch out for when making your choice to avoid flare-ups.

• Is it a physical or chemical sunscreen? Physical sunscreens will either have zinc oxide or titanium oxide as the active ingredient. The difference is that they deflect the rays from skin rather than allow them to penetrate the skin and turn into harmless byproducts
• Watch out for fragrances or artificial ingredients
• Make sure it offers broad spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays
• Make sure you are going for a minimum of SPF 30
• A good rule of thumb is when it is also suitable for children
• If you plan to be in water or sweating make sure it is also water resistant

Switch out chemical for a physical sunscreen

Chemical sunscreens soak up and absorb the rays from the sun, whereas a physical sunscreen deflects the rays from your skin.

People sometimes choose chemical sunscreens as they can be seen as less messy and easier to apply. They are also the most common sunscreens and are easier to come by.

Physical sunscreens are a better option for those who suffer with rosacea or sensitive skin. They provide better year-round protection and broad-spectrum UVA and UVB coverage. Physical sunscreen also last longer on your skin, meaning less re-application. 

Our physical Finca Skin Organics Tinted Sunscreen has SPF 30+ and uses the active ingredient Zinc Oxide, the only sunscreen ingredient FDA-approved for children under 6 months. It also contains just seven edible-grade 86%-certified organic ingredients and is completely petrochemical free.

Be aware UVA rays can penetrate glass

If you’re not the outdoorsy type when it’s cooler outside you may feel like giving the sunscreen a miss for a day or two. Beware – if you’re in your car or near windows in your house you’re probably still at risk. While UVB rays are mainly blocked by glass, 60% of UVA’s can permeate your windows leaving you vulnerable even when indoors. Try turn the visor down when driving in your car to protect your face. 

Increase your protection by eating right

When it comes to protecting your skin, a high SPF should be your first step. To further your protection though, eating the right food can be a huge help. Make sure to get your 5 a day in terms of fruit and vegetables. The antioxidants found in these foods help to combat free radicals and sun damage. Many dermatologists believe that the major antioxidants (A, C, and E) can help decrease the risk of sun and other environmental damage by disarming wrinkle-causing "free radicals" -- unstable molecules that damage cells.

Getting your greens in also works wonders for rosacea, so all around another good idea. Don’t over-do it with processed foods, dairy, simple carbs and sugar, as these foods may further contribute to sun damage and reduce protection.

The Ozone layer thins in winter

The Ozone layer is the earth's natural protection from harmful UV rays. UV rays are the rays that are known to cause problems to the skin. This protective layer is actually stronger in the summer months but offers less protection in winter. In the summer you are susceptible to sunburn but in winter you are at risk of both sun and wind burn, both resulting in increased facial redness and rosacea flare ups.

The plummeting temperatures and strong winds that can be known to agitate and dry out the skin and also allow the UV rays to have clearer access to your skin. Although you mightn’t physically see the effect of the winter rays on your skin, they are still at work causing premature wrinkling, ageing, redness and irritation for rosacea skin.

Snow can significantly increase your exposure to harmful UV rays

When you wake up one day and see a winter wonderland outside your front door, of course you’ll want to go out and enjoy it. When going out in the snow it’s still really important to make sure you’re protected with your high factor SPF as the snow can reflect 80% of UVA rays, almost doubling your risk of exposure.

Our Finca Skin Organics SPF 30+ Tinted Sunscreen 

If you happen to be on the lookout for a sunscreen for rosacea skin, we have you covered. Our tinted sunscreen with SPF 30+  helps to reduce the appearance of redness while offering protection against harmful UVA/UVB rays. 

The sunscreen is physical; it sits on top of the skin, unlike chemical sunscreens which penetrate the skin and may cause irritation to sensitive faces. Physical sunscreens are recommended by dermatologists for people with sensitive skin.

The majority of sunscreens on the market today have at least 25 ingredients, such a long list increases the chances of skin irritation. Ours has only 7 ingredients, which means it's perfect for sensitive skin types. We’ve also added a tint which you have 2 shades to choose from as tint helps to further tone down redness.

• Contains non-nano zinc oxide; the safest form of UV protection

• A short, plant-based ingredient list

• Formulated by a rosacea sufferer for rosacea sufferers

So there you have it, an overview on why SPF is important in all weather types especially if you have rosacea. I hope this has given some insights and tips on how you can stay protected and pick a sunscreen suitable for you. Stay safe and have a great summer!

All Finca Skin Organics products are made using a minimal, plant-based ingredients list and formulated by me, a rosacea sufferer.

The Finca Skin Organics range has undergone a Harley Street clinical study. After using our products, 87% felt the appearance of their skin significantly improved. 

View the entire range of Finca products here or find out what subtype your skin is.

When in doubt, always refer to your doctor or dermatologist as the condition differs for everyone. It’s always best to talk to your dermatologist first and work out your treatment plan together.

If you have any queries regarding your rosacea or how to use our products get in contact with us, we'd love to hear from you.

Love from Ireland,

Finola

*Clinical evaluation by Harley St. dermatologists on 23 subjects after 8 weeks of use.