9 Sun Allergy Travel Essentials, From a Dermatologist

If you’ve never heard of a sun allergy, you’re not alone. This idea was foreign to me until a few weeks ago, when I broke out in hives nearly every day of vacation. Each time I laid out to tan, my chest would become red, bumpy, and itchy — and by the end of vacation, I had given up on tanning entirely. My diagnosis? Solar urticaria. 

Solar urticaria is a skin condition characterized by the presence of hives or welts during sun exposure. Essentially, it’s an allergy to the sun. 

In the past, I haven’t taken sun protection too seriously. Of course, I apply (and reapply) sunscreen when I go in the sun, but I haven’t been nearly as religious about sun protection as I am now. To survive the upcoming sunny months without an inordinate amount of hives, I sought advice from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Morgan Rabach. She supplied me with recommendations for those of us with solar urticaria, but of course, anyone sensitive to the sun can benefit from these tips. In fact, I’d argue that everyone should be doing all they can to protect themselves from sun damage — and most of these tips apply to everyone.

Whether you’re dealing with a skin condition, warding off sun damage, or managing everyday sun exposure, keep reading for nine expert-backed recommendations to keep you protected this summer, including sunscreens, stylish UPF clothing, and more.

Isdin SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen

Rabach recommends choosing a sunscreen that boasts a “high SPF” (she defines that as 30 or higher) and protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Plus, it should include titanium or zinc, because they work instantly on the skin and are “often better tolerated by individuals with sensitive skin.” 

This Isdin sunscreen checks all the boxes, and it’s one of Dr. Rabach’s favorites. It’s zinc-based and contains antioxidants plus DNA repair enzymes that help repair existing damage. Remember to apply it “generously” to all exposed skin, and reapply it every two hours or after sweating or swimming.

Neova SmartSkincare Silc Sheer 2.0 Tinted Sunscreen

While Dr. Rabach recommends mineral sunscreen, it can rub off or sweat off if you have an active lifestyle. If that sounds like you, she recommends this tinted option that contains both physical and chemical sunscreen. One reviewer who works outside said their skin looks “flawless” when they apply this product, adding that they find this sunscreen to be worth the investment, considering their history of skin cancer. It’s important to note that this sunscreen will likely only look seamless on lighter skin tones. 

G4free UPF 50+ Long-sleeve Shirt

Dr. Rabach’s “most important recommendation” for those with solar urticaria is to avoid direct sun exposure. This means limiting time under peak sunlight, hanging out in the shade, and wearing protective clothing. She recommends long-sleeve shirts with higher UPF ratings, which help block the sun. 

I found this sporty long-sleeve at Amazon, which is breathable, quick-drying, and boasts a dermatologist-approved UPF 50+ rating. Whether you’re hiking, gardening, or hanging out with your sun-loving friends, this top will protect you from sun damage and keep you “cool and comfortable.”

Soothfeel UPF 50+ Button-down Shirt

Just because you’re staying protected from the sun doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. I’m snagging this beachy white button-down that looks sophisticated and blocks UV rays. I plan on pairing mine with wide-leg pants for a vacation-ready look. If you’re super sensitive to the sun, remember that you still need to apply sunscreen underneath clothing, per Dr. Rabach’s instructions.

Furtalk Wide-brim Sun Visor Hat 

Sun hats are one of the best ways to keep your face protected from the sun, and shoppers love this $18 option from Amazon. It’s packable, stylish, and “provides great sun protection.” In fact, one shopper wrote they typically “don’t like hats” but reported wearing this one after “many skin cancer surgeries.”

OutdoorMaster UPF 50+ Beach Umbrella

Dr. Rabach advises patients with solar urticaria to “seek as much shade as possible.” When you can’t find any shade, this beach umbrella helps you make your own. This is the best one we’ve tried: It’s simple to set up, portable, easily adjustable, and has a UPF rating of 50+. Plus, it held up well over two years of testing. 

Zyrtec 24-hour Allergy Relief Tablets

If you don’t have solar urticaria, keep scrolling. Dr. Rabach recommends that those of us with the skin condition take antihistamines prior to sun exposure, since the anti-allergy medicine “may help prevent flare-ups.” This summer, I’ll add Zyrtec to my morning routine to prevent being red and itchy throughout the day. 

Cortizone 10 Intensive Moisture Anti-itch Cream

Dr. Rabach recommends a steroid cream to calm the skin and prevent further irritation. This one is known to provide “quick relief from itchy skin conditions.” Plus, its 2-ounce size means you can easily take it in your carry-on luggage as you head to a sunny destination. Steroid creams are also recommended to ease the discomfort of sunburns, so even if you aren’t dealing with a tricky skin condition, this cream will still come in handy after sun exposure. 

FlexiKold Gel Ice Pack

Whether you’re dealing with a sun-induced rash or treating a standard sunburn, cold compresses can ease inflammation and discomfort. This best-selling ice pack has over 49,000 five-star ratings, and reviewers rave that it provides relief for “severe rashes” and sunburns.

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