Experts and consumers alike have different opinions when it comes to skin care, but one universal truth is that SPF is a non-negotiable. Whether you’re hitting the beach or working from home, SPF should be a never-skipped part of your skin-care routine in order to protect the skin from UV and blue light rays that can cause skin cancers, sun damage, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and more.
But, if you’re someone who struggles with acne-prone skin, finding an SPF that doesn’t cause excessive breakouts can be a difficult task. Some SPF formulas are too oily or thick for acne-prone skin, and can cause irritation even though they’re protecting from UV rays. This doesn’t mean that acne-prone individuals should skip sunscreen, though. Ahead, experts walk us through the best sunscreen formulas for protecting acne-prone skin and keeping it clear.
Acne Prone? Don’t Skip Sunscreen
“Choosing the right SPF for acne-prone skin can be tricky, especially because clients with acne issues want to avoid putting a lot of product on their skin,” begins medical aesthetician and founder of Skincare by Amy Peterson Medspa, Amy Petereson. “Even a moisturizer often feels like too much for these clients. It is very important to use SPF especially with acne prone patients, though, in order to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and post-inflammatory erythema (PIE).”
President of the skin cancer foundation, Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD adds that “if you have acne-prone skin, you should be extra-vigilant about protecting yourself from the sun. Unprotected sun exposure can cause dryness, which in turn can trigger excess oil production. Oil clogs pores and can cause more pimples.” While navigating SPF for acne-prone skin can be hard, here are a few simple tips and tricks to make the search easier.
Sunscreens for Acne: How to Choose
Look for broad-spectrum, non-comedogenic formulas
As Peterson explains, “these types of sunscreens are less likely to clog pores and trigger breakouts,” making them an ideal candidate for those with acne-prone skin. “At The Skin Cancer Foundation, we believe the best sunscreen is the one you will use every day,” Dr. Sarnoff adds. “What matters most is that you are choosing a product that is labeled broad-spectrum and has an SPF of at least 30. You can also look for a product that is labeled noncomedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores.”
Choose a mineral sunscreen or one with skin-clearing ingredients
“Mineral sunscreens, like those containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, sit on top of the skin and physically block UV rays, making them less likely to irritate sensitive skin,” Peterson notes. “Sunscreens that are specifically formulated for the face may include different combinations of skin-care ingredients along with UV filters,” adds Dr. Sarnoff, who recommends “trying a moisturizing sunscreen product that also includes niacinamide, for example, which can address both sun protection and acne concerns.“
Consider your skin type
“If you have dry skin, you may prefer a hydrating sunscreen,” Peterson says. “If you have oily skin, a mattifying sunscreen may be a better choice.” Dr. Sarnoff reiterates this thought, noting that oil-free or matte sunscreens are often popular amongst acne-prone individuals since they protect the skin without leaving a greasy finish or clogging pores with excess oil.
Acne-Safe Sunscreens: 7 to Try
Here, our skin-care experts and renowned dermatologists reveal their top picks for acne-safe sunscreens and SPF formulas that won’t cause breakouts.
