{"id":4966,"date":"2022-07-11T11:54:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-11T11:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scratchsleeves.com\/?post_type=scratchsleeves-blog&p=4966"},"modified":"2026-04-22T14:27:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T14:27:21","slug":"sonnenschutzmittel-fur-ekzemer-kinder-top-tipps","status":"publish","type":"scratchsleeves-blog","link":"https:\/\/scratchsleeves.com\/de\/scratchsleeves-blog\/sunscreen-for-eczema-children-top-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Sonnenschutz f\u00fcr Kinder mit Ekzemen: Die besten Tipps"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Summer: the time when all kids (not just the itchy ones) get covered from top to toe in white gloop! The sun is really important in the creation of essential Vitamin D, but it also emits harmful UV rays and dries out the skin. With the skin\u2019s moisture gone, eczema is more prone to flare up and the inevitable scratching can open up old (or new!) wounds. Sunscreen can be a convenient way to restore skin moisture at the same time as protecting your child from the sun. However, harsh chemical ingredients could make the situation itchier. We share our sunscreen tips for eczema children, including a guide to understanding the label on your sunscreen.<\/strong> <\/p>\n
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Types of sunscreen (and what they mean for eczema)<\/h2>\n

Some minerals such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, act as a physical sunblock. They reflect UV rays so that they aren\u2019t able to penetrate the skin. Sunscreens can be made by adding these mineral powders to a cream. In the past, these sunscreens left the characteristic white sheen to the wearers but modern processing has been able to reduce the particle sizes so that now they are not nearly as obvious.<\/p>\n

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Sunscreens can also contain organic chemicals, with names such as avobenzone or oxybenzone. Instead of physically deflecting UV light, these molecules absorb UV radiation through their chemical bonds. As the bonds absorb UV radiation, the components of the sunscreen slowly break down and release heat.<\/p>\n

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The key difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens is that chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin whilst those containing minerals sit on the skin and act as a barrier. The mineral formulations often work better for eczema kids as the active ingredient aren\u2019t absorbed into the skin. This means that they have less opportunity to irritate. In addition, the mineral formulation reflects the light rather than converting it into heat. As a result they are often much more comfortable for children whose eczema is aggravated by heat. The vast majority of sunscreens for children have either chemical or combination formulations. However, it is possible to find mineral-only sunscreens.<\/p>\n

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Which is best for eczema kids: Mineral or chemical sunscreen?<\/h2>\n

For school-going children, mineral sunscreens have the advantage that they don\u2019t need to be reapplied as frequently. This is because the mineral particles don\u2019t break down in the same way as the chemical-based sunscreens. As result you can apply them at the beginning of the school day and be reasonably confident that your child will be protected throughout the day. The downside of mineral-based sunscreen is that they can leave their trademark white sheen on the skin. Personally, I find this really useful it highlights the bits I\u2018ve missed on my wriggly and impatient offspring. The kids are not so convinced.<\/p>\n

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As with all things eczema, what works for one person may not work for the next. It\u2019s worth patch testing<\/a> new sunscreens in a small area for 24 hours before using them on the whole body. If you are using a chemical or combination formula make sure that the area you test is exposed to light so that the chemical sunscreen ingredients are broken down and you can be sure that your little one is not allergic to the by-products of the light to heat reaction.<\/p>\n

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Things to watch out for when applying sunscreen on eczema-prone skin<\/h2>\n