Chances are you’ve heard it over and over: Don’t skip sunscreen if you want to avoid dark spots, sun damage, and signs of aging. The only caveat: thick formulas can clog pores, which can lead to pimples. “Sunscreen is important because many acne medications make your skin sensitive to sunburn,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital. “The right sunscreen can give a mattifying effect and protect the skin without worsening breakouts.”
According to dermatologists, it is essential to use sunscreen every day, and especially when you have acne-prone skin. “Our faces are constantly exposed to UV rays and UV rays increase the risk of skin cancer and skin aging,” says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
IN THIS ARTICLE Prevent acne while using sunscreen | The best sunscreens for acne prone skin
Broad-spectrum sunscreen is known to help fight UVA rays, which cause signs of aging and discoloration. This is especially helpful for people with acne prone skin who use products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) like salicylic acid for acne or retinol treatments.
While it’s tempting to skip sunscreen if you have oily, acne-prone skin, it could cause long-term skin problems, including:
- Skin cancer: UVB rays can cause sunburn and malignant melanoma, according to a report from the University of Iowa hospitals and clinics.
- Photosensitivity: A “high skin sensitivity or unusual reaction when your skin is exposed to UV radiation from sunlight or a tanning bed,” according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
There are two reasons why sunscreen-related outbreaks occur:
- Pore occlusion by comedogenic materials: Greasy and heavy sunscreens can block pores and cause breakouts.
- Sensitivity reaction to ingredients that block UV rays: “An ingredient in sunscreen, whether it’s an active ingredient, preservative, or emollient, can cause irritating contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, or other hypersensitivity reaction. This could appear as an itchy rash or as little bumping, “says King.
How to prevent acne while using sunscreen
The good news is that pimples are avoidable if you keep some professional tips in mind when selecting the best sunscreen for acne-prone skin.
First: check the sunscreen label and make sure it says non-comedogenic – this tells you that the formulation has been tested and proven not to clog pores, explains Robyn Gmyrek, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Park View Laser Dermatology. Two popular non-comedogenic sunscreen ingredients to consider are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Then pay attention to the active and inactive ingredients in sunscreen, which can contribute to clogged pores that lead to acne. “The oils in SPF can clog pores, while minerals can irritate sensitive skin types, inflaming the skin and causing inflammatory lesions,” says Patricia Wexler, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Wexler Dermatology in New York. .
Professionals recommend that you stay away from sunscreens with ingredients rich in emollients like:
- Vitamin E
- Coconut
- Mineral and soybean oils
- Bee wax
- Lanolin
- And cocoa butter
Wexler also suggests that anyone with acne-prone skin adhere to fragrance-free sunscreens, silicones, and sodium lauryl sulfates, which can irritate the skin or clog pores.
Also, be careful about expiration dates and how you store your sunscreen. “If the sunscreen has expired or the ingredients have been exposed to direct sunlight and high temperatures, then heat and sun can break down the chemicals and render them ineffective and potentially irritating to the skin,” says King.
Another way to prevent pimples is to wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser, especially after sun exposure. “Apply a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid or niacinamide (vitamin B3) to decrease inflammation and restore the skin’s barrier function,” says Wexler. He also advises acne-prone skin to be treated with salicylic acid lotion or local treatment when necessary: apply a charcoal mask if you are prone to comedonal acne or call your dermatologist if papules and pustules arise.
Below, the dermatologists we consult recommend your favorite chemical and mineral sunscreens that won’t cause breakouts at various prices.
Which sunscreen is best for acne-prone skin?
1. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
King recommends this non-comedogenic, sensitivity-free, oil-free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free sunscreen for acne-prone skin. “With zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid and niacinamide, it helps calm and protect sensitive skin types prone to breakouts associated with acne and rosacea,” she says.
Gymrek and Wexler are also fans of this SPF that contains niacinamide (also known as vitamin B3), which helps the skin retain moisture and lactic acid, helping to “diminish shine and clean pores,” causing This lightweight sunscreen “is ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin.” “It is light and dries quickly, so you can apply it to my face, neck and chest before dressing all year round. This is my daily sunscreen and is ideal for acne prone skin,” adds Gmyrek.
2. Neutrogena Clear Face Breakout Free Liquid Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55
Neutrogena sunscreen is “an ultralight oil-free lotion that won’t get you out. It’s specially formulated for people with oily, acne-prone skin,” says Zeichner. It also contains one of its favorite active ingredients: avobenzone, which it describes as an “organic sunscreen filter that is extremely effective in providing broad-spectrum UV protection.” Gmyrek is also a fan of this “lightweight but waterproof” sunscreen that is non-comedogenic, oil and fragrance free.
3. Solara Suncare Time Traveler Ageless Daily Face Sunscreen
“This all-mineral sunscreen has a lightweight formula that leaves skin looking matte and doesn’t block pores,” says Zeichner. There is also squalane, which has anti-inflammatory properties and ceramides to help maintain the skin’s moisture balance.
4. Isdin Eryfotona Actinica
King recommends this 100% mineral broad spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen that is waterproof for up to 40 minutes. “It contains antioxidants and DNA repair enzymes, which means it is repairing and protecting at the same time. The texture is light and easy to use,” he says. Vitamin E-enriched sunscreen for acne-prone skin also contains 11 percent zinc oxide, so you don’t have to worry about this sunscreen leaving a white tint on your face. “Zinc oxide is a UV mineral blocker that also has a calming effect on the skin. In fact, it is the main ingredient used in diaper rash creams to protect babies’ bottoms, ”adds Zeichner.
5. Brush on sunscreen powder with mineral block
King calls this sunscreen “an excellent choice for oily, acne-prone skin” and notes that it is excellent for reapplication and touch-ups “without spoiling your makeup.” “It absorbs excess oil, so it can serve a dual purpose as a finishing powder, extending the life of your makeup and providing sun protection. And it’s portable, convenient, and won’t leave white residue on your clothes,” she says.
The ingredients found in this sunscreen are beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin. “It is all mineral (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as well as antioxidants to protect against free radicals) and protects against infrared rays. And it is ideal for body areas as well, and easy to apply to acne prone areas like shoulders and chest, “King adds.
6. Skincare Intellishade TruPhysical Tinted Moisturizer Review
When you only have a few minutes to get ready for your next Zoom meeting, use your fingers to mix this tinted 5-in-1 moisturizer with SPF 45. Beyond broad spectrum sunscreen, this acne sunscreen has more than 20 ingredients good for you as vitamin C for a shine effect and peptides to help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. “It’s a zinc oxide and titanium dioxide physical sunscreen and I like the consistency and light coverage,” says King.
7. Supergoop! Sunscreen sunscreen SPF 40
King calls this cruelty-free, reef-safe vegan sunscreen a “great choice” for acne-prone skin. “It is a hydrating primer that contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and niacinamide to help increase moisture in the skin, sea lavender for antioxidant protection and cocoa peptides to help protect from blue light,” he says.
8. La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral Ultra-Light Fluid
“I love this ultra-light formula for its ease of application. It is rich in antioxidants for added protection, fragrance and paraben free and excellent for acne prone skin,” says Wexler. This non-greasy sunscreen contains the brand’s patented Cell-Ox Shield to help combat environmental damage to the skin. If you have acne-prone skin, add this sunscreen to your beach bag: Non-comedogenic SPF is waterproof for up to 80 minutes.
9. Neutrogena Sensitive Skin-Face Mineral Broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 50
Wexler recommends this “100% mineral,” very thin liquid “sunscreen that is waterproof for up to 80 minutes. This gentle formula is non-comedogenic, oil and hypoallergenic free, para-aminobenzoic acid and fragrance free, making it safe enough for someone with acne and sensitive skin to use on a daily basis. Just be sure to follow Zeichner’s suggestion to apply a quarter-size scoop of SPF to your face and reapply every two hours or immediately after sweat or swim.
10. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
“This sunscreen keeps skin dry, even in hot and humid conditions, making it ideal for oily, acne-prone skin,” says Wexler. The waterproof sunscreen blends well with makeup and contains avobenzone, one of Zeichner’s active ingredients for SPF recommendations.
11. Neutrogena Sport Face Oil-free Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 70+
According to Gmyrek, you don’t have to sweat to wear a sunscreen formulated for outdoor activities. She advises people with acne-prone skin to seek SPFs designed for sports because “they are generally more alcohol-based.” Gmyrek’s selection is made with benzyl alcohol, which has antimicrobial properties. This inexpensive option offers protection against UVA rays (which cause signs of aging) and UVB rays that burn the skin.
