Daily sun protection is a must for any skin type, but anyone with rosacea should be especially vigilant. Sun exposure was named a top trigger for rosacea flare-ups by 81% of patients in a National Rosacea Society survey and is also linked to the visible blood vessels (telangiectasia) and severe redness often associated with the disorder.
Understand the facts of sun exposure. Misinformation about sunscreen and sun exposure safety is rampant, so be sure to seek information from a trusted source. For example, wearing sunscreen will not impede your body’s ability to absorb vitamin D, and there is no such thing as safe tanning, including getting a “base tan.” There are two types of damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun: UVA rays penetrate more deeply into the skin and are more responsible for skin aging; UVB rays are responsible for sunburn. Both are implicated in skin cancers, although UVB rays seem to cause more serious melanoma.
Find the right sunscreen formula. Many, but not all sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB, and those that do are called “broad spectrum” sunscreens. Look for sunscreens that deliver broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with an SPF of 30 or higher. A formula designed for sensitive skin can help reduce the possibility of irritation. Many rosacea patients find that a “mineral” sunscreen (eg, one containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) is gentler on their skin; however, some people with sensitive skin prefer so-called “chemical” sunscreens. Above all, the best kind of sunscreen is the one you will put on every day. Additionally, the FDA recently approved a new active “chemical” sunscreen ingredient. Bemotrizinol has been safely in use in European and Asian sunscreens for years already, and we can expect new sunscreens on the market very soon.
Be smart — wear it every day. Apply sunscreen daily year-round, whether it's sunny or cloudy, cold or hot. The incidental exposure you get walking to your car or running errands can be just as damaging to skin over time as a day at the beach, especially considering that UVA rays can penetrate through windows. There are also broad-spectrum sunscreens available that are designed for redness-prone skin. These convenient, multi-function products may contain a green or flesh tint, so you can protect skin from the sun and help minimize visible redness at the same time. They also work well as a makeup primer.
The more the merrier. Though many makeup foundations and tinted moisturizers may offer some sun protection, using a separate product intended only as a sunscreen ensures that all areas of the face are well covered. Apply your dedicated facial sunscreen after cleansing, let it dry for three to five minutes, and then apply makeup over it. Be sure to reapply every two hours, but never mix foundation with sunscreen.
Protect your skin throughout the day. For intense sun exposure — a day spent outdoors, at the beach or by the pool — use an ounce of sunscreen (about a shot glass full) to cover the body. Sunscreen sprays, while convenient, can be more difficult to apply evenly to the skin than lotions, so if you use one, be sure to spray thoroughly to cover every part of your skin. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside so it has time to dry, and reapply it every two hours, particularly after swimming or sweating. Ideally, limit your sun exposure, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are at their peak intensity. And take note: high altitude, snow, water, concrete surfaces, some types of cloud cover and even eyeglasses can increase the effect of UV rays, so protect exposed skin throughout the year whenever you're outdoors.
Physically block the sun. Wear protective clothing such as a broad-brimmed sun hat, a baseball cap and/or sunglasses to minimize UV exposure. Look for materials with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating, including types of polyester, nylon and high-density polyethylene. And take advantage of shelter in the shade or under an umbrella.
For more useful advice on caring for skin with rosacea, visit these areas of the site: