Learning that you or someone you know has vitiligo can feel overwhelming. And finding products that can be used on vitiligo-affected skin may feel daunting at first.
Sunscreen is just another item to add to a list of products that are hard find when you have vitiligo.
The trick is to learn what your skin needs to protect itself when you have vitiligo.
Once you understand how it works, then your search becomes less intimidating. There are many questions you will need to ask yourself when searching for products.
Is sunlight good for vitiligo?
You may find yourself wondering if you should even venture out into the sun with this skin condition. The answer is layered. Sunlight can be good for vitiligo, but you must be sufficiently protected at all times.
This means that you need to follow the Skin Cancer Foundation’s guidelines and wear UV protective clothing, hats and sunglasses, and seek shade when possible.
On top of those things, however, you must always be sure to protect your vitiligo with a broad spectrum sunscreen.
Don’t feel dazed by the prospect of searching for another skincare product. Let me help you conduct an organized and easy search that will lead you to the perfect sunscreen for your skin!
After thorough research into what is needed to properly protect skin with vitiligo against the sun, SimplySunSafe recommends thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ as the best sunscreen for vitiligo. Keep reading for a detailed buyer’s guide, comparison table, and in-depth reviews of the top 5 sunscreens for vitiligo.
Buyer’s Guide
With vitiligo, you want to be sure that your skin is always properly protected while exposing it to the sun. There are a few must-have features that you should always search for in your vitiligo sunscreen:
Broad spectrum protection
The most important thing for you to remember about sunscreen for any purpose, is that you want it to provide broad spectrum protection.
This means that you will receive balanced protection against both UVA and UVB rays, which is important because each type works differently.
- UVB rays damage the outer layer of your skin and cause you to tan or burn
- UVA rays penetrate the deepest layer of your skin (the dermis) and cause premature aging
Exposure to both types of rays increases your risk of skin cancer, which is why you want to be properly protected at all times.
While you will expose your skin to the sun with vitiligo, you need to make sure that you do not burn. Broad spectrum protection will help you with that.
Finding a sunscreen with broad spectrum protection will be relatively easy for you, as they are plentiful and available everywhere.
To recognize whether a sunscreen provides broad spectrum protection or not check the label and the ingredients list.
The label may have words such as ‘broad spectrum’ or ‘UVA/B’, indicating sufficient protection.
You can also take a look at the ingredients list and search for zinc oxide and/or titanium. Sunscreens with zinc oxide protect against the full range of UVA/B rays and are always excellent choices.
Best SPF for vitiligo
Do you fully understand the meaning of the Sun Protection Factor (SPF)?
Don’t worry, I didn’t either!
It is a somewhat elusive concept, it seems, but knowing how it works will greatly help you in your search for the best sun cream for vitiligo. Let me explain it to you simply:
The SPF rating tells you what fraction of the sun’s rays will reach your skin if you have properly applied the sunscreen.
This means that if you’re wearing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30, then only 1/30th of the sun’s rays will reach your skin. This sounds very promising, but don’t get carried away!
Just because you’re wearing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30, it doesn’t mean that you can stay out in the sun 30 times longer than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen.
You really want to be careful about this with vitiligo because you don’t want your skin to burn!
There are many factors that influence the effectiveness of SPF such as the time of day, amount of sunscreen properly applied, and reflections from surfaces like water and sand.
Check out this table below to get a clearer idea of the protection you receive with different SPF ratings:
| SPF Rating | UVB Protection |
| None | 0% |
| 2 | 50% |
| 15 | 93% |
| 30 | 97% |
| 50 | 98% |
| 100 | 99% |
So as you can see, there really is very little difference between an SPF rating of 30 and one of 100.
How do you choose which SPF rating to use when you have vitiligo?
SimplySunSafe agrees with the experts and suggests that you always choose sunscreens with SPF ratings no lower than 30 and no higher than 50 for all your sun protection purposes.
And remember to reapply at least every 2 hours, no matter what SPF rating you choose!
Physical is better than chemical
When searching for a vitiligo sunscreen, it is helpful to know that sunscreens can be divided into two main categories – chemical and physical.
The differences between these categories lie in the active ingredients and in the way they work to protect your skin.
- Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays as they reach your skin
- Physical sunscreens reflect UV rays before they reach your skin
There are many reasons to choose physical sunscreens over chemical ones for all sun protection purposes. They work immediately upon application, last longer, are less likely to cause irritation, and have a longer shelf life.
On top of this physical sunscreens stop more light (and UV radiation) across a broader spectrum. What does that mean? They’re better sunscreens!
If you’re still on the fence, listen to this:
Chemical sunscreens often contain ingredients that mess with your hormones!
The worst of these is called oxybenzone and is still legal despite concerns expressed by the FDA.
SimplySunSafe advises you to avoid sunscreens that have this ingredient. The safest vitiligo sun protection will always be a physical sunscreen!
Sun therapy for vitiligo
Does sun exposure make vitiligo worse?
The answer is not as simple as you might guess!
If you’re not careful in the sun with vitiligo, you will burn quite easily, worsening your condition.
However, there are special treatments used for vitiligo using prescription light sources that mimic sunlight.
According to Vitiligo Support International, doctors may suggest that patients use real sun exposure if prescription light sources are not available to them.
The prescription light sources are safer than exposure to sunlight because they do not expose vitiligo to the same risk of burning and skin cancer as the sun’s UV rays do.
That is why if you are planning to expose your skin to the sun as therapy for vitiligo, it is absolutely vital that you are sufficiently protected with a broad spectrum sunscreen.
You must be cautious and expose your skin to the sun in moderation because burning your skin can worsen vitiligo. It is advised that you start slowly and build your exposure time gradually.
You are looking to create a pink color on your skin, not red, like a burn!
Make sure that you are wearing an effective broad spectrum sunscreen at all times if you choose to use sun therapy for vitiligo!
Suitable for daily use
Now that you know that sun therapy is a viable option in helping you manage your vitiligo, you want to search for a sunscreen that will be suitable and reliable for daily use.
What is appropriate for daily use on your skin is unique to you! So there are a few questions to ask yourself as you being your search:
- Do you want a sunscreen that can be worn on your face and body daily?
- Will you wear makeup on top of your sunscreen?
- What other skin sensitivities do you need to accommodate?
Knowing these details will help to streamline your search for a sunscreen for vitiligo.
Any sunscreen that you plan to use daily will need to be effective, but also gentle enough not to cause your skin any irritation.
SimplySunSafe has provided you with 5 suitable options for daily use in this guide!
Water resistant
You may be thinking that water resistance isn’t necessary unless you’re going swimming, but take a moment to reconsider.
If you plan to expose your skin to the sun for gradually increasing amounts of time as a part of your sun therapy for vitiligo, then you will sweat.
That is why you may want to consider choosing a water resistant sunscreen to use on your skin with vitiligo. Sunscreens are available with water resistance for 40 or 80 minutes.
The preference is yours, however, it may be wiser to choose a sunscreen with 80 minutes of water resistance to protect you sufficiently during your sun therapy.
Water resistant sunscreens provide another dimension of protection against the sun for vitiligo!
Best Sunscreen for Vitiligo Comparison
 thinksport Sunscreen |  BADGER Sport Sunscreen |  California Baby Super Sensitive |  Vanicream Sunscreen |  EltaMD UV Pure | |
| SPF | 50+ | 35 | 30 | 30 | 47 |
| Broad spectrum | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (20%) | Zinc Oxide (22.5%) | Titanium Dioxide (12%) | Zinc Oxide (6%) & Titanium Dioxide (3.4%) | Zinc Oxide (10%) & Titanium Dioxide (5.5%) |
| Water resistance | 80 minutes | 80 minutes | 80 minutes | 80 minutes | 80 minutes |
| Price | $ | $$ | $$$ | $$ | $$$ |
5 Best Sunscreens for Vitiligo
After extensive research into how to protect skin with vitiligo against the sun which included discussing issues with customers, reviewing customer feedback, examining manufacturer specifications, and participating in skincare forums, SimplySunSafe has compiled a list of the 5 best sunscreens for vitiligo.
Each sunscreen provides physical, broad spectrum protection with an SPF rating of 30 or greater. They are all water resistant and suitable for daily use!
1. thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+
Thinksport Sunscreen is SimplySunSafe’s choice for best sunscreen for vitiligo patients. One of the safest sunscreens on the market, thinksport was the first to pass the Whole Foods premium care requirements.
This product provides you with broad spectrum protection through its active ingredient zinc oxide (20%).
Thinksport’s formula is very gentle and will not cause irritation to your skin, even with daily use on your face and body.
The formula is thick, requiring a good rub in, and leaving a slight white cast on your skin. This can be covered up with makeup if you find it unsightly.
Thinksport provides 80 minutes of durable water resistance, which is excellent during the warmer months, or if you choose to try sun therapy for your vitiligo. Sweating and water activity won’t negatively affect your sun protection with thinksport.
The formula’s high SPF rating will also be helpful for your more photosensitive skin.
Another reason to try thinksport when you have vitiligo is that it is available in equally gentle formulas for kids and babies. Check out thinksport Kids and thinkbaby.
This means you have options for any member of the family with vitiligo!
- Suitable for daily use
- High SPF
- 80-minute water resistance
- Available for kids and babies
- Thick formula
2. BADGER Sport Sunscreen SPF 35
Another excellent choice for sun protection for vitiligo is BADGER Sport Sunscreen SPF 35. This sunscreen provides reliable broad spectrum protection with its active ingredient zinc oxide (22.5%).
Irritation will not ever cross your mind with BADGER Sport. It is an extremely sensitivity-friendly formula, with a total of only 5 natural ingredients – making it great for daily use on your face and body.
The high concentration of zinc oxide does make the formula quite thick and cause it to leave a white cast, so that’s something to keep in mind.
But like thinksport, BADGER’s formula works well under makeup so you can cover up the white cast, if you’d like.
BADGER also provides the strongest sun protection possible by supplying 80 minutes of water resistance. Rest assured that you will be well protected even when sweating or engaging in water activities.
Another family-oriented company, BADGER also provides options for any member of your family with vitiligo.
You can find BADGER Kids and BADGER Baby, both of which are gentle yet effective sun protection options.
- Simple formula
- 80-minute water resistance
- Available for kids and babies
- Thick formula
- White cast
3. California Baby Super Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 30+
SimplySunSafe’s next choice for sun protection for vitiligo is California Baby Super Sensitive.
This sunscreen provides you with broad spectrum protection through its active ingredient titanium dioxide (12%).
As its name suggests, California Baby Super Sensitive has a formula that is gentle and non-irritating on even the most vulnerable skin.
California Baby Super Sensitive is vegan and fragrance-free leaving no room for any irritiation!
It is a thick and creamy formula that needs to be rubbed in very well, but will provide excellent protection to your skin with vitiligo.
Using it daily on your face and body is a no-brainer, and you even get 80 minutes of water resistance to bring the sun protection to its highest level.
This is a great option for vitiligo and I suggest testing it out to see if it might be the product for you!
- Designed for sensitive skin
- 80-minute water resistance
- Vegan and fragrance-free
- Thick formula
- No zinc oxide
4. Vanicream Sunscreen SPF 30
Vanicream Sunscreen Lotion is another reliable sunscreen for vitiligo patients.
You will receive broad spectrum protection through its active ingredients zinc oxide (6%) and titanium dioxide (3.4%), and find your skin very moisturized!
Vanicream is specially designed for use on sensitive skin so there is no need for you to worry about experiencing irritation with this formula.
It is very thick and creamy, which is great for dry skin and may be a preference of yours! Just keep in mind that Vanicream may leave your skin feeling heavy if you try to apply makeup on top of it.
You are granted the bonus of 80 minutes of water resistance with Vanicream, making it ideal for daily use throughout the year. It is also available in an SPF 50 formula for those with paler or more sensitive skin.
Give it a try for yourself!
- Formulated for sensitive skin
- 80-minute water resistance
- Available in SPF 50 formula
- Very thick formula
- Doesn’t work well under makeup
5. EltaMD UV Pure Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 47
SimplySunSafe’s final recommendation for use on skin with vitiligo is EltaMD UV Pure. This sunscreen is a SimplySunSafe favorite that is very reliable.
You will receive broad spectrum protection with its active ingredients zinc oxide (10%) and titanium dioxide (5.5%).
EltaMD’s formula is lightweight and great for sensitive skin. You will not experience any irritation and it contains ingredients that will soothe any tenderness or soreness on your skin.
It may leave a slight white cast, but it works very well under makeup, so you can easily cover it up, if you so choose!
EltaMD will transition easily into your daily skincare routine and can stay there all year long, as it provides 80 minutes of water resistance.
The high SPF rating provides extra coverage for those with paler skin, as well!
EltaMD may be last on this list, but it is a great option worth trying out!
- Suitable for daily use
- 80-minute water resistance
- High SPF
- May leave white cast
Conclusion
This guide was written for people seeking the best sunscreen for vitiligo. I hope that by reading this guide, you gained knowledge about what is necessary for proper sun protection with vitiligo, and found a product that fits your unique needs!
SimplySunSafe recommends thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ but all 5 of the products listed are safe and effective for use with vitiligo!
Now that you have learned more about what you’re searching for, it is a good time to test out different sunscreens. By doing trial runs, you will be able to better understand how your skin reacts to varying formulas. After running your tests, you will be able to make the most informed decision about which sunscreen to use with your vitiligo!
I love learning new things and hearing about new products from others! So if you use or know of another sunscreen for vitiligo, please share it with me in the comments. I will check it out and maybe even add it to the list!
If you’d like sunscreen recommendations for other skin conditions, SimplySunSafe has a range of guides including dark spot sunscreen and physical sunscreen for melasma. Just go to the top of this page and search for a condition to find the recommendations you’re looking for.
Photo credit: James Heilman, MD / CC BY-SA 3.0
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