Harsh sun rays can wreak havoc on our skin, and sunscreen lotions or creams are indispensable for stopping it. But there is a myth that wearing sunscreen gives acne and breakouts, especially in people who have oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. So, what’s the truth? Does sunscreen clog skin pores and make acne worse? How to choose the right sunscreen if you are struggling with breakouts? Well, we’ve got you covered in this post. Let’s discuss the connection between sunscreen and acne and how to resolve the issue successfully.(1)(2)
Does Sunscreen Cause Acne?
This is a million-dollar question for all of us. We don’t want to get our skin burnt by the sun’s rays or not be ready to impact our complexion by skipping the sunscreen. But at the same time, we also want to keep those pesky breakouts at bay. So, we must learn whether our sun safety products are causing us acne. Well, the answer is ‘It depends.’ You should be careful about the type of SPF you are applying to your skin, as some of them can clog pores, resulting in acne. They will dry up your skin, irritate it, and cause outbreaks to give you an imperfect appearance. However, it is not valid for all the sunscreens available, as many brands have products to meet the specific needs of oily, acne-prone skin.
Choosing Sunscreen For Acne-Prone Skin
As said before, not all sunscreen lotions/creams cause acne/ breakouts, and the key is to choose the right one for your skin type. We tell you how to pick the most suitable sunscreen for yourself so that you do not end up getting acne:
Non-Comedogenic
Instead of ‘oil-free,’ look for the term ‘non-comedogenic’ on the label while purchasing your sun safety products. A non-comedogenic product is specifically designed for oily, acne-prone skin so that the pores don’t get blocked and the skin doesn’t develop acne. The unique formulation of such products can prevent the skin from drying up and stop further inflammation caused by the pimples.
Physical Vs. Chemical
There are two types of sunscreens, i.e., physical and chemical, available on the market. Physical sunscreens (containing titanium dioxide zinc oxide) are always better for acne-prone skin as they do not clog the pores due to their powdery texture and reflect or block the UV rays, protecting them from the sun. Being loaded with chemical compounds, chemical sunscreens absorb the sun’s rays and sink into the pores to clog them. This eventually leads to acne and breakouts.
Broad-Spectrum
A sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection is one with the capacity to block both UVA and UVB rays of the sun. According to scientists, these rays are equally damaging to our skin; hence, we must shield our skin from both. Surprisingly, physical sunscreens with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are known to have broad-spectrum SPF capable of averting acne.
Using Sunscreen On Acne-Prone Skin
Once you find the right sunscreen for your acne-prone skin, learning how to use it correctly becomes essential. Here is a basic guideline for you:
- Pay attention to your sunscreen’s SPF (Sun Protection Factor) number. It should always be at least 15 or more for the maximum protection. However, it would be best to choose SPF between 30 and 50 as it has greater drying capacity and considerably prevents acne.
- If you have oily skin, stick to a physical sunscreen with a powdery base, as it will create a physical barrier to the sunlight without giving you a greasy feel. If this makes your whitish complexion look bad, use a tinted sunblock with ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, etc.
- If you have super oily skin, top your sunscreen with an oil-absorbent powder so the excess oil doesn’t block your pores.
- If you use a physical sunscreen, you can apply it before going outside as it starts working on the skin immediately. However, if you are using a chemical sunscreen, make sure that you apply it at least 15 to 30 minutes before exposure to the sun.
- Be generous while applying sunscreen, even if you have oily, acne-prone skin. In the case of a chemical sunscreen, you need to reapply it every 2 hours. Otherwise, you can reapply the sunscreen whenever you get wet due to sweating.
Everyone, irrespective of dry, oily, or sensitive skin, needs to apply sunscreen. Therefore, skipping it is certainly not a good choice. All you need to do is pick the most suitable one and use it as best as possible.
Summary
Sunscreen is crucial for protecting the skin from sun damage, but concerns about acne arise, especially for oily and sensitive skin. The impact depends on the sunscreen type. Non-comedogenic options designed for acne-prone skin prevent pore blockage. Physical sunscreens (with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) are preferable as they reflect UV rays, while chemical ones may clog pores. Choose broad-spectrum SPF, apply generously, and reapply every 2 hours for effective protection without causing acne.
