There’s no one-size-fits-all in skincare. What works for one person may not necessarily have the same results for someone else. But it’s only natural to want the best! Luckily our team of licensed dermatology providers are regularly reviewing and assessing products on the market and are happy to offer a few recommendations! So here, you’ll find the products that hold up to our standards.

It’s important for everyone to safeguard their skin from excessive sun exposure to maintain good health. However, when you’re dealing with rosacea, it becomes especially vital to shield your sensitive skin from the sun’s harmful effects. Why? Because UV radiation has the potential to worsen the symptoms of this chronic condition.

Whether managing mild or severe rosacea, finding the right sunscreen is essential for your skin’s health. Here we’ll unpack what you need to know about rosacea and its potential triggers and introduce our 5 favorite sunscreens to shield your delicate skin from the sun’s harsh rays. 

Understanding rosacea 

Rosacea is a skin condition that mainly affects the face, causing redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps. While its exact cause isn’t known, genetics, immune responses, and environmental factors are believed to contribute.¹

There are four types of rosacea, each with distinct symptoms:²

• Erythematotelangiectatic: Persistent redness and flushing.

• Papulopustular: Resembles adult acne.

• Phymatous: Involves skin thickening.

• Ocular: Affects the eyes, causing dryness and irritation.

You can help get your rosacea under control through various treatments. Topical medications like ivermectin and azelaic acid can help; sometimes, antibiotics or beta-blockers like propranolol are prescribed.³ Maintaining a skincare routine with gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and high-SPF sunscreens is also essential to protect you from UV light.⁴

UV light and rosacea

Not only is UV light a known trigger for rosacea, but it might also contribute to its development.⁵ To manage your rosacea effectively, avoiding triggers like UV light is crucial.

You should make it a habit to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. This universal skincare recommendation is important for all individuals dealing with rosacea. It shields your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation, which can worsen your rosacea symptoms.⁶

How to protect rosacea-prone skin from the sun

Now that you know the sun can trigger rosacea, you need to understand how to protect your rosacea-prone skin from UV rays. To keep your skin protected, follow these recommendations:⁷

Daily sunscreen: Dermatologists recommend applying a gentle, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day. Look for fragrance-free sunscreens containing zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both to minimize skin irritation.

Shield your face: When outdoors during the day, consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat to provide extra shade and protection for your face.

Avoid midday sun: Stay out of the sun during the midday hours when the sun’s rays are strongest to reduce the risk of triggering rosacea symptoms.

Seek shade: Whenever possible, seek shaded areas to minimize direct sun exposure.

Taking these precautions can help manage rosacea symptoms triggered by sunlight. Also, it’s crucial to use the right moisturizers and sunscreens.⁸ Sunscreens containing physical or mineral filters such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are often well-tolerated by individuals with rosacea.⁹

Our 5 expert-recommended sunscreens for rosacea 

We’ve curated a list of the top 5 sunscreens that cater to your needs, providing protection and comfort. These sunscreens are carefully chosen to help reduce redness, minimize irritation, and shield your skin from harmful UV rays.

1. Curology's The Sunscreen: Gentle SPF 30 defense with no clog UV protection

What we like about it:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection with a non-greasy formula featuring 9.4% zinc oxide.

• This sunscreen is designed to be kind to acne-prone skin while providing UV defense.

It minimizes white cast, offering a silky, soft-focus finish suitable for daily use.

2. Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face Mineral Lotion SPF 50: Ideal for sensitive skin

What we like about it:

• Designed for sensitive skin, this fragrance-free mineral sunscreen is tinted to aid in visibly reducing redness and imperfections.

• It provides reliable SPF 50 protection while catering to your skin's needs.

3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50: Lightweight and fragrance-free 

What we like about it:

• Known for its sensitivity-focused products, this 100% mineral sunscreen is both fragrance and paraben-free.

• A lightweight solution that shields your skin effectively.

• Our medical expert, Elise Griffin, PA-C tells us: “As someone dealing with rosacea myself, I use this sunscreen daily, and it's been a great fit in my daily skincare routine!"

4. Paula’s Choice Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30: Best for visible redness reduction and antioxidant protection

What we like about it:

• Active Ingredient: Zinc oxide

• This lightly tinted sunscreen not only offers SPF 30 protection but also may help visibly reduce redness.

• Packed with antioxidants and appreciated for its lightweight feel.

5. MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50: Matte finish, antioxidant-rich, and safe for sensitive skin

What we like about it:

• This silky-smooth mineral sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection with a matte finish.

• Its weightless feel and sheer application make it ideal for sensitive skin, including rosacea and acne-prone individuals.

• Enriched with natural antioxidants, it effectively combats sun damage and free radicals.

Protecting your rosacea-prone skin from the sun’s harmful rays is essential for maintaining healthy and comfortable skin. These 5 expert-recommended sunscreens are tailored to provide excellent UV protection and features that specifically address the unique needs of individuals with rosacea. With these sunscreens, you can enjoy the outdoors while keeping your skin calm, radiant, and well-protected.

Expert tips to stay sun-safe 

Ensuring sun safety is crucial for you, regardless of your age, gender, or skin tone. Applying sunscreen consistently should be a top priority to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation, effectively preventing both skin cancer and premature aging. 

To ensure maximum protection, opt for a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum coverage, is water-resistant, and boasts an SPF of at least 30.¹⁰ It’s important to apply it daily, ideally around 15 minutes before heading outside, to ensure its effectiveness. Make sure to use an adequate amount, typically about one ounce, to cover all exposed areas of your body. 

And, don’t forget that regular reapplication is key, typically every two hours, and more often if you’ve been swimming or sweating.¹¹

Alongside your sunscreen, you should actively seek shade, particularly during the sun’s peak hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.¹² To enhance your sun protection, consider wearing protective clothing, including lightweight long sleeves, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses. Avoid tanning beds, and if you desire a tan, consider using self-tanners while continuing to apply sunscreen.¹³

Also exercise caution around reflective surfaces such as water, snow, and sand, as they can intensify sun exposure. Your lips should not be overlooked; protect them with lip balm or lipstick containing SPF 30 or higher.¹⁴

Try our Curology Lip Balm! We offer a nourishing vegan formula for your lips. With a simple, one-handed applicator, it’s designed for convenience. Crafted from natural oils and butters, it locks in lasting moisture. Opt for the broad-spectrum SPF 30 option for year-round UV protection.

Choosing the right sunscreen 

When choosing between chemical and physical (mineral) sunscreens, take your skin’s sensitivity into account. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and are easier to apply without leaving residue, while physical sunscreens reflect rays and are generally better suited for sensitive skin.¹⁵ Understanding the difference between UVA and UVB rays is essential; UVA rays contribute to skin aging, while UVB rays cause sunburn, and both can lead to skin cancer. Visible light can affect your skin, potentially causing hyperpigmentation, especially if you have a darker skin tone.¹⁶

By embracing these expert recommendations, you can reduce your risk of skin cancer and other sun-related skin issues, ensuring a safer and healthier relationship with the sun.

Treat your rosacea with Curology

Aside from using a good sunscreen, it’s important to receive proper treatment for your rosacea symptoms.

The good news is you can manage your rosacea effectively with Curology!*

Our personalized skincare solutions cater to your unique needs, providing targeted treatment to soothe and alleviate rosacea symptoms. If you’re seeking relief, try our rosacea treatment and experience the benefits firsthand. Our dermatology experts prescribe personalized formulations with carefully selected ingredients like niacinamide, azelaic acid, and metronidazole to help combat redness and inflammation associated with rosacea.¹⁷

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Start your skin quiz

Don’t let rosacea hold you back; take control of your skin’s health with Curology. 

Start with us today* and embark on a journey towards clearer, calmer skin!

P.S. We did the homework so you don’t have to:

1. Farshchian, M. and Daveluy, S. Rosacea. StatPearls. (2023, August 8).

2. Farshchian, M. and Daveluy, S. Rosacea. StatPearls. Ibid.

3. Farshchian, M. and Daveluy, S. Rosacea. StatPearls. Ibid.

4. Farshchian, M. and Daveluy, S. Rosacea. StatPearls. Ibid.

5. Farshchian, M. and Daveluy, S. Rosacea. StatPearls. Ibid.

6. Farshchian, M. and Daveluy, S. Rosacea. StatPearls. Ibid.

7. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Rosacea Triggers. (n.d.).

8. Morgado-Carrasco, D., et al. Impact of ultraviolet radiation and exposome on rosacea: Key role of photoprotection in optimizing treatment. J Cosmet Dermatol. (November 2021).

9. Morgado-Carrasco, D., et al. Impact of ultraviolet radiation and exposome on rosacea: Key role of photoprotection in optimizing treatment. J Cosmet Dermatol. Ibid.

10. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Sunscreen FAQs. (2023, October 19).

11. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Sunscreen FAQs. Ibid.

12. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Sunscreen FAQs. Ibid.

13. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Sunscreen FAQs. Ibid.

14. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Sunscreen FAQs. Ibid.

15. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Sunscreen FAQs. Ibid.

16. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Sunscreen FAQs. Ibid.

17. Del Rosso, J.Q., et al. Update on the Management of Rosacea from the American Acne & Rosacea Society (AARS). J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. (2019, June 1).

Kristen Jokela is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Curology. She obtained her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL.

*Cancel anytime. Subject to consultation. Results may vary.

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Kristen Jokela, NP-C