The 6 Best Sunscreens for Vitiligo, According to Derms

If you have vitiligo — an autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose their color — wearing sunscreen regularly is important because you're more prone to sunburn.

With vitiligo, your immune system essentially attacks your pigment-producing cells, which prevents them from making melanin and causes a loss of pigmentation in those areas of skin, explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center.

"Melanin is our skin's natural sunscreen — areas of skin without it are particularly at risk for both sunburn and sun-related UV damage," Dr. Zeichner says.

(Despite this, people with vitiligo appear to have a ‌lower‌ risk of getting skin cancer, according to a September 2018 study in the ‌Journal of Investigative Dermatology,‌ although experts aren't quite sure why.)

Everyone should be choosy when it comes to sunscreen, but especially those with vitiligo, as their skin may be more vulnerable and more sensitive.

We chatted with dermatologists, who broke down the most important features of sunscreen for someone with vitiligo. Our top picks are based on their criteria, including:

• SPF
• Ingredients
• Consistency
• Availability
• Cost

Find more information on how we choose and cover products here.

Like most dermatologists, Kseniya Kobets, MD, director of Cosmetic Dermatology and assistant professor at Montefiore-Einstein, recommends a mineral or zinc-based sunscreen for those with vitiligo, because these products tend to be less irritating and more protective.

"Zinc-based SPF can sometimes be challenging since they can leave a white tint and look chalky, which is why I often recommend EltaMD UV Clear," she says. "It is readily accessible, absorbs easily and feels good on most skin types."

It's also fragrance-free and contains sodium hyaluronate to hydrate the skin.

The mineral sunscreen is both water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, which makes it a great choice for when you know you'll be outdoors exercising or enjoying the pool or a body of water.

"This sunscreen dries transparent and offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection," says Mariano Busso, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami.

It's also paraben- and fragrance-free, so it's ideal for sensitive skin and won't exacerbate your vitiligo symptoms.

When it comes to sunscreens that are safe for use on your face, Dr. Busso recommends this mineral-based, broad-spectrum sunscreen, which contains moisturizing ingredients including ceramides and hyaluronic acid, both of which help support a healthy skin barrier.

This sunscreen also gets the stamp of approval from both the Skin Cancer Foundation and National Eczema Association.

It's difficult to find a spray sunscreen that's mineral and won't cause irritation for those with sensitive skin. That's what makes this product by Sun Bum so unique.

It's a mineral sunscreen containing SPF 50 that sprays onto your skin so you can apply easily and liberally.

It protects your skin with zinc oxide and leaves a matte finish that doesn't shine or shimmer in direct sunlight.

If you have vitiligo on your face, a tinted mineral SPF like this one by Coola can help partially shield some of the contrast in the light and dark patches of skin, Dr. Kobets says.

It's formulated with natural ingredients, including organic shea butter, cucumber extracts and phyto-protectors such as plankton, which boost the level of protection your skin gets from the sun's harmful UV rays.

This SPF has a nice matte finish and goes on smooth.

If you're looking for a mineral sunscreen that won't cause redness and irritation but will protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays without using skin-absorbing chemicals, this is a great one to try.

It's non-greasy, water- and sweat-resistant and contains a broad-spectrum SPF 50 lotion.

"What stands out to me when it comes to this sunscreen is its use of natural ingredients, such as citrus and basil, as both can provide a hydration boost to your skin," says Dr. Busso.

Vitiligo occurs when the cells that produce melanin — the pigment that determines the color of your skin, hair and eyes — die or stop functioning.

This, Dr. Busso explains, can put you at an increased risk for sunburn and skin damage because melanin provides some protection from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

For this reason, sunscreen use is paramount in protecting the skin.

Here are some features dermatologists recommend looking for when shopping for a sunscreen for vitiligo.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends everyone use a sunscreen containing SPF 30 or higher, including those with vitiligo.

However, Dr. Busso points out that higher SPFs, such as 50 or more, may provide better protection, particularly for skin areas that are more exposed to the sun, such as your face, shoulders and chest.

The consistency of sunscreen can influence how well it is applied and absorbed, explains Dr. Busso. For vitiligo-prone skin, he recommends opting for an SPF that is both lightweight and non-greasy.

"It should be easy to spread across the skin and absorb without leaving a white or grayish residue, which can be more visible on skin with color variations," he says.

Mineral sunscreens, such as those that contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as their main ingredient, sit on top of the skin and deflect UV radiation that way as opposed to chemical sunscreens that are absorbed into the skin.

Mineral sunscreens are frequently suggested for sensitive or reactive skin, such as skin that is prone to vitiligo, because they are less likely to cause irritation, Dr. Busso says.

Because people with vitiligo tend to have sensitive skin that's reactive, seeking sunscreens that are free from potential irritants like perfumes, parabens and certain preservatives can cut down on irritation.

Additionally, Dr. Busso recommends seeking out sunscreens that contain antioxidants such as vitamins C and E.

"Antioxidants can offer additional defense against environmental harm, and other natural ingredients like aloe vera and niacinamide can soothe the skin," he says.