How can I protect my vitiligo from the sun?

Vitiligo is a condition which causes the de-pigmentation of the skin. Its distinct characteristic is the presence of white patches on the body.

Areas of vitiligo burn easily in the sun, and you should always protect your skin by using a sunscreen with a high UVA rating and an SPF of 50, applying it to the affected patches and the surrounding skin before exposure to the sun.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and don’t forget to apply to all the areas that are exposed to the sun, including tips of ears, feet and back of the neck. Top up after swimming, excessive sweating and towel drying.

It’s also recommended to avoid the sun between 11am and 4pm, when the sun is at its strongest, and to ensure your parasol or umbrella has a fabric UPF protection, which stands for ultraviolet protection factor. And, of course, a wide-brimmed sun hat is ideal for protecting your face and head.

People with Vitiligo can manage their condition by making lifestyle and diet changes, increasing their intake of vitamins A and B and using sunscreen every day. Vitiligo patches tend to burn quite easily so it is very important to protect them from the harmful rays of the sun and sufferers should always wear a high factor sunscreen every day, regardless of the weather. 

What’s the best sun protection if I have Vitiligo?

The best sun protection is a broad-spectrum, high factor sunscreen that is light yet effective on the skin and Techniblock ticks all the boxes.

The problem with high factor sunscreens is that they are often thick, sticky creams that leave a greasy residue on the skin. This makes them uncomfortable to wear and Vitiligo sufferers end up trying to avoid the sun at all costs or risk getting burnt because they can’t find a good quality, easy to use sunscreen to protect the delicate patches of skin that have lost pigmentation.

Techniblock is a light, breathable CFC-free aerosol spray. Clear and non-greasy, it won’t leave a sticky reside and is extremely resistant to water and perspiration.  The reef-friendly formula is free from oxybenzone and octinoxate and carries a PA ++++ rating, the highest UVA protection currently available on the sun protection market.

Developed in a world-class pharmaceutical laboratory in South Africa, and established for 30+ years, Techniblock was introduced to the UK market in 2009 and has become one of the leading high protection sunscreens in the UK and Europe.  The formula is free from oils, emulsifiers, artificial colour, preservatives and lanolin.  The UV filters are encapsulated in an ethanol spray that evaporates on contact with the skin, leaving behind only the ingredients needed to protect against sunburn. It absorbs quickly and easily to form an invisible but highly effective UV barrier that is extremely resistant to water and perspiration.

Techniblock is formally recognised by CANSA (the Cancer Association of South Africa) as a preventative measure against skin cancer and carries CANSA's SunSmart logo.

We have several customers with Vitiligo and their feedback has been very positive, confirming that Techniblock's high protection SPF 50 offers an ideal solution to protect the skin. It is gentle and light enough to use every day all year-round.