Are you someone who suffers from acne breakouts from time to time, especially during the summer? Are you having trouble choosing the best sunscreen for acne-prone skin? Well, you donโt have to worry anymore as we bring to you some of the top picks by dermatologists to help with this acne issue. With our breakdown of each sunscreen, you will be able to choose the best one in no time.
Why Do You Need A Sunscreen For Your Acne-Prone Skin?
Acne is a problem that a surprisingly large number of populations suffer from. One of the major reasons for it is the exposure to sunlight. However, despite knowing this main reason, most people still hesitate to use sunscreen. There is a non-scientific belief that the use of sunscreen actually causes an acne breakout. They couldnโt be farther from the truth. You need to have a skincare routine that involves the use of quality sunscreen. Some of the benefits of using sunscreen are:
- First and the most beneficial is the UV-rays protection which can cause permanent damage to human skin. Common issues include aging or in the worst cases skin cancer. For your acne-prone skin, UV exposure can result in hyperpigmentation โ darkening of the acne scars. Even after a pimple is healed, a dark spot will remain.
- Many skin treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide and retinoids, can actually worsen your acne condition. These ingredients can make the skin sensitive to sunlight. Without proper sun exposure protection, your skin will become highly sensitive, and your acne will worsen.
iii. A good sunscreen product effectively maintains your skin barrier, making your skin healthier and younger. With a damaged skin barrier, you will feel irritation and have frequent acne breakouts.
What Ingredients Your Sunscreen Should Have?
The selection of a sunscreen is a critical task with you looking for certain ingredients. Some of the key ingredients you should look for in a sunscreen include:
- A sunscreen with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide works great for acne-suffering skin types. It sits atop your skin to reflect sunlight and minimize irritation.
- Look for a formulation that is oil-free to avoid adding extra skin oils, which can clog pores.
- Aloe vera, green tea extract, and Niacinamide are some of the ingredients that help with skin inflammationโideal for acne-prone skin.
- Always buy sunscreen that has the label โโNon-Comedogenicโโ. Their formulation will not cause clogged pores which prevents breakouts.
Top Picks For Sunscreen For Acne Prone Skin โ Recommended By Dermatologists
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen SPF 60
This product by La Roche-Posay has a formulation suited for oily skin types and acne sufferers. with a dry formula, you will get a matte finish when applied. This controls skin shine and doesnโt cause skin to appear greasy. With silica and perlite, you can rest assured that all the excess skin oils will be absorbed.
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen
This is a sunscreen product by CeraVe which employed the expertise of dermatologists to develop it. The mineral formula includes healthy minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which offer UV-ray protection. The ceramides are in abundance offering skin barrier restoration whereas Hyaluronic acid will strengthen the moisture barrier.
EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen
No list for best sunscreens would be complete without having this one. This is highly recommended by skincare aficionados and professional dermatologists. The Niacinamide-rich formula allows your irritated skin to be soothing and calm. The lightweight & oil-free texture of this sunscreen prevents it from clogging your pores. You get a powerful protection layer from both the UVA & UVB sun rays.
Drunk Elephant Daily Defense
The Umbra Sheer sunscreen by this brand has a surprisingly delightful 20% content of Zinc Oxide. The enriched quantity of antioxidants such as grape juice extract and astaxanthin are super effective in fighting those free radicals. The formulation is free from fragrances, silicones, and essential oils โ a well-suited sunscreen for acne-prone skin.
Neutrogena Liquid Lotion Sunscreen
This is a pocket-friendly sunscreen option by Neutrogena but the quality is unmatched in the market. The no-pore clogging and oil-free formulation prevents any skin breakouts like blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. The liquid formulation offers a quick absorption by the skin but is lightweight enough to not give that greasy feel to it. With the SPF 55 protection, your skin will have excellent sunlight protection.
Recommended Tips On Applying Sunscreen For Acne Suffering Skin
You still need to apply your quality sunscreen effectively to get the maximum benefit. Here are some tips by top skincare experts on the proper application of sunscreen.
- You should take a good amount of your sunscreen product and apply it on areas like the face cleansers, forehead, and neck. A rule of thumb is to use a sunscreen cream amount about the size of a nickel for the face.
- Remember to apply sunscreen every 2 hours if you spend a lot of time outside during the day. Be sure to have a bottle on your person at all times.
- Maintain a healthy skincare routine early in the morning, and it should end with sunscreen. Before you apply your sunscreen, let the other moisturizer or acne serum absorb fully.
- Like many, you will be tempted to mix sunscreen in your makeup products. Trust us, it doesnโt work, instead, the effectiveness of your sunscreen will be reduced. First, apply sunscreen and then put on your makeup.
Final Words!
Your work of finding the best sunscreen for acne-prone skin doesnโt have to be a difficult one. By knowing the right ingredients for a good sunscreen you will be able to choose a sunscreen that will keep your skin protected for a long time. We cannot stress this one point enough: Consistency. This is all it takes for an effective result. Do not worry about the weather or your plans for the day. Apply a good helping of sunscreen on a daily basis and your skin will show the results of your efforts.
