Be Cautious with Sunscreen in Makeup: A Guide for Psoriasis Warriors

For individuals living with psoriasis, protecting the skin from sun damage is crucial. While sunlight can sometimes help alleviate psoriasis symptoms by slowing down skin cell turnover, too much exposure can exacerbate the condition, leading to painful flare-ups. Sunscreen is an essential part of skincare, but for those with psoriasis, not all sunscreens are created equal. Many sunscreen ingredients in makeup products can irritate sensitive, psoriasis-affected skin, which is why it’s important to choose carefully.

In this article, we’ll explore the importance of sunscreen for psoriasis warriors, why certain sunscreen ingredients in makeup can be problematic, and which options are best suited for sensitive skin.

The Importance of Sunscreen for Psoriasis

Sunscreen plays a vital role in preventing sunburn, skin damage, and long-term risks like skin cancer. For psoriasis warriors, sunscreen is even more important because psoriasis patches are more vulnerable to environmental factors, including ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, many people with psoriasis find it challenging to incorporate sunscreen into their routine, especially when dealing with flare-ups or using makeup on affected areas.

Psoriasis can make the skin more sensitive to UV rays, especially if you’re undergoing certain treatments, such as phototherapy or using topical medications that increase photosensitivity. While a little sunlight may help ease psoriasis symptoms, overexposure can worsen inflammation and cause new plaques to form. For this reason, it’s essential for psoriasis patients to wear sunscreen daily—even when it’s part of their makeup.

Why Sunscreen Ingredients in Makeup Can Cause Problems

Many makeup products, including foundations, BB creams, and tinted moisturizers, include SPF as part of their formulation. While this might seem like a convenient way to get sun protection and coverage in one step, some sunscreen ingredients commonly found in makeup can irritate psoriasis-prone skin.

Chemical sunscreens, such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene, and homosalate, absorb UV rays and then release them as heat. While these chemical filters provide adequate sun protection, they are often associated with skin irritation, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or conditions like psoriasis. Here’s why:

1. Increased Skin Sensitivity: Chemical sunscreens can increase the skin’s sensitivity to light and heat, which is already a concern for people with psoriasis. The added heat from chemical reactions on the skin can lead to more irritation and may worsen psoriasis lesions.
2. Potential for Allergic Reactions: Some chemical sunscreen ingredients, particularly oxybenzone, have been linked to allergic reactions in individuals with sensitive skin. For psoriasis warriors, this increases the likelihood of flare-ups, redness, and discomfort.
3. Fragrance and Preservatives: Many makeup products with chemical sunscreens also include fragrances and preservatives, which can further irritate already inflamed skin. Psoriasis patches are highly sensitive to these additives, which may exacerbate the condition.
4. Chemical Absorption: Chemical sunscreens need to be absorbed into the skin to be effective, which can be problematic for those with psoriasis. The broken or compromised skin barrier in psoriasis-affected areas may allow these chemicals to penetrate more deeply, causing irritation or an allergic response.

The Benefits of Physical Sunscreens for Psoriasis-Prone Skin

Rather than using makeup with chemical sunscreens, individuals with psoriasis should look for products that contain physical (mineral) sunscreens. These include ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays away rather than absorbing them. Here’s why physical sunscreens are a better choice for psoriasis warriors:

1. Gentle on Sensitive Skin: Physical sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are much less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions compared to chemical filters. These ingredients create a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, making them ideal for people with sensitive or inflamed skin.
2. Non-Comedogenic and Hypoallergenic: Most physical sunscreens are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores or contribute to breakouts. They are also often hypoallergenic, making them suitable for individuals with sensitive skin conditions like psoriasis.
3. Soothing Properties: Zinc oxide has natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe psoriasis patches while protecting them from harmful UV rays. This makes zinc oxide-based sunscreens particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with redness, swelling, and irritation.
4. Immediate Protection: Unlike chemical sunscreens that require about 20 minutes to become effective, physical sunscreens provide immediate protection after application. This is helpful for individuals who want to apply makeup and sunscreen quickly without waiting for it to activate.
5. Reduced Risk of Flare-Ups: Since physical sunscreens don’t penetrate the skin or generate heat, they’re less likely to aggravate psoriasis patches. By sitting on the skin’s surface, they protect without triggering the inflammation or irritation that chemical sunscreens may cause.

How to Choose Makeup with Psoriasis-Friendly Sunscreen

If you have psoriasis and are looking for makeup products with built-in sun protection, it’s important to choose those with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active sunscreen ingredients. Here are some tips for selecting the right makeup products for your skin:

1. Look for “Broad-Spectrum” on the Label: Make sure the product offers broad-spectrum protection, meaning it shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Broad-spectrum physical sunscreens are essential for comprehensive protection.
2. Choose Fragrance-Free Products: Many individuals with psoriasis are sensitive to fragrances. Look for makeup that is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and designed for sensitive skin. This will minimize the risk of irritation or triggering a flare-up.
3. Opt for Mineral-Based Formulas: Mineral-based makeup often contains natural physical sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These formulas are also typically free from harmful chemicals, preservatives, and irritants, making them a safer option for psoriasis-prone skin.
4. Check the SPF Level: Ensure the makeup has an SPF of at least 30 for daily use. This level provides adequate protection against everyday sun exposure without being too heavy on the skin.
5. Patch Test New Products: Always patch-test new makeup or skincare products on a small area of skin before applying them to your face. This is particularly important for individuals with psoriasis, as you’ll want to ensure that the product won’t cause irritation or worsen your condition.

Conclusion

For psoriasis warriors, sun protection is essential to maintaining skin health, but it’s important to be cautious about the sunscreen ingredients in your makeup. While many makeup products contain chemical sunscreens that can irritate sensitive skin, physical sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are much gentler and less likely to trigger flare-ups.

When selecting makeup with sunscreen, look for broad-spectrum protection, opt for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic formulas, and focus on products with physical sunscreens that provide a protective barrier without causing irritation. By making smart choices about the makeup and sunscreen products you use, you can protect your skin while managing psoriasis symptoms effectively. Always consult with your dermatologist for personalized advice on skincare and sun protection tailored to your specific needs.