Understanding Ichthyosis & Choosing the Best Sunscreen Stick

Ichthyosis, a skin condition that’s characterized by dry, scaly skin, is a unique problem that requires special care – especially when it comes to sun protection. Of course, everyone needs sun protection, so it’s important to understand the unique needs of ichthyosis so you know how to choose the best sunscreen stick.

Anyone who has the condition will know that ichthyosis causes the skin to become dry and flaky, and this is caused by a defect in its natural barrier. This makes the skin more susceptible to sun damage and all the misery that comes with it. 

How to Find the Best Sunscreen Stick for the Condition

When trying to identify the best sunscreen stick for ichthyosis, the first thing you need to look for in the product is broad-spectrum protection. This makes sure that your skin is safe against both UVA and UVB rays – the former being able to penetrate clouds and cause damage on days when it’s cloudy. 

Other elements you need to consider are:

• An SPF Rating of At Least 30 – An SPF or Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 is essential when you have any kind of skin problem, as it will block up to 97% of the sun’s rays. Anything less than this level of protection and you’ll leave yourself susceptible to irritation. 
• Keeping Your Skin Hydrated – People with ichthyosis need to maintain hydration in their skin, so you should look for sunscreens containing moisturizers such as glycerin, lanolin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides. 
• Choose a Gentle Mineral Option – Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often recommended by dermatologists for sensitive skin conditions like ichthyosis. That’s because they’re much less likely to cause irritation as they sit on top of the skin, reflecting UV rays rather than being absorbed. 
• Avoid fragranced products – Some products come with a fragrance to make them more appealing to customers. However, these elements can cause aggravation, especially when talking about sensitive skin. Non-comedogenic products also won’t clog pores, so look for this feature on the label. 

When you account for these factors, you’ll end up with a product that suits sensitive skin and avoids aggravating your skin unnecessarily. Rather than having to avoid going outside and enjoying the sun as others do, you can protect yourself against sunburn while also ensuring that your skin doesn’t have to put up with anything it can’t handle. 

Remember, too, that you need to reapply the sunscreen every 2 hours liberally to all areas of your skin that will be exposed to the sun. Also, if you’re going into the water or sweating profusely, it will mean you’ve to do so even more often. 

Mineral Is the Best Sunscreen Stick Option Available 

So, let’s sum things up. When you want the right sunscreen for ichthyosis, you need a sunscreen that’s broad spectrum with an SPF of 30 or above. You also need a product that’s created using benign ingredients like zinc oxide – meaning a mineral product is your best option. 

Consider also that no sunscreen is able to block all UV rays, so you should look to combine sunscreen use with other things, such as wearing protective clothing and seeking shade, With the right sunscreen and by observing sun safety practices, people with ichthyosis can enjoy the outdoors while protecting their skin.