Spring is upon us, and in many parts of the world, it is already here! While this season brings about the joys of blooming flowers, cheerful birds, and warmer weather, there are also some challenges it presents. Some might point out the pollen in the air or the bugs popping out, but another bother can be the sun. After spring-forward daylight savings, the sun is out for longer during the day, which is great news for those who hated the sun setting at 4pm in the winter. However, if you haven’t been diligent about sun protection during the colder months, now is the time - especially if you have rosacea-prone skin.
Rosacea is characterized by redness and inflammation of the skin, primarily the face. Check out our blog post titled, “Beyond the Blush: Navigating Triggers and Treatment Options for Rosacea”, to learn more on how to manage rosacea triggers and natural treatment options!
The National Rosacea Society surveyed their patients to identify the top trigger for their rosacea flare-ups, and about 81% of them named, you guessed it, sun exposure. This factor is closely tied to the visible blood vessels and severe redness associated with the disorder. It is important for those with rosacea-prone skin to practice daily sun protection. If this is you, look for a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, as not all sunscreens provide protection against both, and aim for an SPF of 30 or higher. Given the sensitivity of rosacea skin, lean more towards non-chemical sunscreens that contain zinc or titanium dioxide to prevent the possibility of irritation.
LEMYKA's Mineral Sun Lotion UV Shield Moisturizer is a great option, as it is a non-chemical, mineral based sunscreen. We intentionally have ZnO as the only UV active ingredient, as it is safe for babies 6 months and older, but is formulated to avoid the chalky aftereffect that most sunscreens with ZnO have.
It is a lotion-like sunscreen, so it is breathable and non-greasy, perfect for those who struggle with combination or acne-prone skin. Our Mineral Sun Lotion not only protects the skin from the sun, it has ingredients such as aloe vera, niacinamide, and vitamin E to help relieve sunburn. Once you find your perfect sunscreen, make sure to wear it every day, rain or shine. Make sure to apply after cleansing and moisturizing in your skin-care routine. In cases of intense sun exposure, reapply every 2 hours.
We also want to note that, while sunscreen can protect the skin from UVA and/or UVB rays, they are not able to avoid infrared radiation. This is what we perceive as heat. While it does not cause sunburn or skin damage in the same way UV rays do, it can aggravate redness and discomfort in skin for those who have rosacea. It is recommended for these individuals to wear wide-brimmed hats and/or sunglasses whenever they can to avoid this!
