Vitiligo and the sun

SUNSCREENING IN VITILIGO TREATMENT

Using creams with SPF (sun protection factor) can be considered an important step in the comprehensive treatment and care of vitiligo. However, this is not a treatment in the narrow sense (that is, it does not restore the pigment).

Why is this important

✅ Protecting depigmented areas of the skin
With vitiligo, the skin loses melanocytes - cells responsible for the production of melanin, which protects the skin from ultraviolet rays.
👉 Depigmented areas are extremely vulnerable to UV radiation and easily burn even with moderate sun exposure.

✅ Preventing disease progression
Sunburn can stimulate the Koebner phenomenon - the development of new vitiligo lesions at the site of skin damage.

✅ Increased effectiveness of the main treatment
For example, phototherapy (NB-UVB, PUVA) requires strictly controlled irradiation. Uncontrolled exposure to the sun can reduce the effectiveness of treatment or cause complications

✅ Cosmetic effect and comfort
SPF helps maintain an even skin tone and prevent redness, peeling, and burning sensations.

Which SPF to use

✅ SPF 50+ — preferred for exposed, depigmented areas

✅ Choose products with a broad spectrum of protection — from UVA and UVB rays

✅ Apply the product 15-20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2-3 hours or after swimming/sweating.

Physical (mineral) filters are indeed preferred for vitiligo and hyperpigmentation, especially on the face,

because they 👇

✅  are less irritating to the skin

✅  do not aggravate depigmentation

✅  are well tolerated by sensitive and damaged skin.

📌 Physical filters

Look in the composition 👇

• Zinc Oxide (zinc oxide)
• Titanium Dioxide (titanium dioxide)

They are usually used in SPF creams marked "mineral", "physical", "for sensitive skin", "for kids", "broad spectrum".

🔝 List of good creams with physical filters (suitable for the face)

💊 Pharmacy / dermatological brands