When you live with vitiligo, the sun can feel like both friend and foe. While sunshine lifts our spirits and helps us make vitamin D, it also presents specific risks for those with depigmented skin. We were fortunate enough to be joined Dr. Alia Ahmed, Consultant Dermatologist who shared her tips with us on how people with vitiligo can protect themselves in the sun—while still enjoying life outdoors.

Here a breakdown of what she shared with us:

Sunlight contains different types of ultraviolet radiation (UVR):

Both UVA and UVB can increase the risk of skin cancer—a key concern for people with vitiligo, especially when skin lacks melanin, our natural UV protector.

There are so many brands of sunscreen available, here are the key things to consider when selecting a brand and type of protection for your skin.

Many forms of sun protection carry a UVA star rating on the bottle. Ranging from 0 to 5, this rating indicates the percentage of UVA radiation that’s absorbed by that particular sun protection, compared to UVB. The higher the star rating, the better the protection against UVA rays. The lowest recommended star rating for UVA protection is 4.

Sun protection factor (SPF) directly measures protection against sunburn caused by UVB rays. A practical example is that if you take 10mins to burn in the sun, SPF 20 increases that 20 times to result in sunburn of the same intensity (so 200 minutes), SPF 50 increases that 50 times (500 minutes). 

When looking at SPF we are not only concerned with how much UV radiation is blocked, but also how much UV can be transmitted onto our skin to cause damage. Sunscreens with SPF 15 (blocks 93% of UVB rays) allows 7% of UV radiation to hit our skin. Sunscreens with SPF 30 (blocks 97% of UVB rays) allow 3% of UV radiation to hit our skin. Put simply the UV transmission rate is cut by around half. Therefore SPF 15 is half as effective as SPF 30 at allowing UV penetration through to the skin. 

Chemical sunscreen works by absorbing UV light and releasing it as heat. The ingredients commonly used in chemical sunscreens are oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. Chemical sun creams are thinner in texture than mineral sun creams, and are designed to be absorbed into the skin. They don’t work immediately and need to be applied before you plan to go out in the sun. Chemical sunscreens also need to be reapplied regularly. If you have sensitive skin or a condition like eczema, you might find that chemical sunscreens have an irritating effect.

Mineral sunscreen sits on the skin and creates a physical block, helping to deflect UV rays. The main ingredients in mineral sunscreens are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Unlike chemical sunscreens, mineral sunscreens can provide immediate protection after application, and tend to last longer. They also tend to be less irritating on sensitive skin. A downside to this type of sun cream is that they can leave a white cast on the skin.

Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours when in the sun (or more if physically active). Make sure to top up protection especially after swimming or sweating. Be careful when using clear or spray sunscreen as it can be easier to miss areas when applying these.

About 1/4 to 1/2 of people studied do not apply sunscreen adequately, so they are not receiving the right level of protection.

If you work indoors and sit away from windows, you may not need a second application. Monitor how often you are going outside though, even if for a short walk. It might be helpful to keep extra sunscreen in your workspace just in case.

The ultraviolet light that penetrates through windows is UVA light. This is responsible for causing signs of skin aging. Check the level of UVA cover in your sunscreen. Make sure it gives you broad-spectrum or UVA protection (4 and above).

The safest method is to apply sunscreen daily as part of your skincare routine, regardless of whether you plan to be outdoors or not. 

Sunlight helps our body to produce vitamin D through the skin. It is also difficult to determine how long would be needed for a person to make the daily recommended amount of vitamin D.

To ensure adequate vitamin D levels, diet and supplements are good sources. Vitamin D fortified foods include yoghurts, margarine and cereals, oily fish is naturally rich in vitamin D.

Small amounts of incidental sunlight that you get through daily activities may help to boost your vitamin D levels; just exposing your face, forearms, hands, lower legs should be enough.

If you are at high risk of skin cancer (fair skin, personal or family history of skin cancer, more than 50 moles, on immunosuppressants), you should protect your skin in the sun, and aim to get vitamin D from diet and supplements like multivitamins or cod liver oil. 

✅ Wear protective clothing
✅ Use SPF 50+ with high UVA protection
✅ Reapply every 2 hours
✅ Seek shade, especially midday
✅ Ask about vitamin D supplementation

Living with vitiligo doesn’t mean hiding from the sun—it means learning to enjoy it wisely.