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If your skin is acne-prone, you might fear that sunscreen can make your skin even more prone to acne. Also, you might be wondering how to wear a heavy and thick cream every day before going out. But, the thing you will have to remember is that sun protection is important irrespective of whether your skin is acne-prone or not. It can do more for your skin in addition to sun protection.
What to Consider When Shopping for a Face Sunscreen For Acne?
When you plan to buy a face sunscreen for acne, you should consider the following factors to make sure that you will end up buying the best face sunscreen for acne:
- If your skin is sensitive, it is better to avoid sunscreens with PABA and oxybenzone
- Make sure that the product offers SPF 30 or higher protection
- Go for a product that offers broad-spectrum protection
- If your skin is very oily, you can choose a face sunscreen for acne that comes in the form of spray, gel or fluid
- Make sure to choose a product that is labeled oily free and non-comedogenic.
When you consider these factors, you will end up with the best face sunscreen for acne that will take care of your acne treatment as well besides providing sun protection.
With different choices available when you look for the best face sunscreen for acne, we have here shortlisted some of the products:
#1 Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60 from La Roche-Posay
This product from La Roche-Posay is not just a face cream but also a body cream. The product offers broad-spectrum SPF 60 protection from UVA and UVB rays. Fast-absorbing and non-greasy formula keeps the skin smooth and hydrated with a velvety texture. It suits all skin types including sensitive skin as it is free of paraben and oxybenzone.
For acne treatment, the product uses Cell-Ox Shied Technology that helps with its anti-oxidant property. This technology in addition to addressing the signs of aging also prevents sunburn and lightens skin tone. As far as acne is concerned, it addresses oxidative stress that otherwise triggers inflammation and acne.
Many users with acne-prone skin feel that this is the least greasy sunscreen for acne-prone skin ever.
RELATED: Top 10 Best La Roche-Posay Skincare
#2 Sunprise Mild SPF50+ Airy Finish Sun Milk from Etude House
This face sunscreen for acne has been made using 20 ingredients by Etude House. For UV protection, the product uses sunflower seed and carex humillis root extract.
For rejuvenating skin, acai berry and malpighia emarginata are part of this product. For soothing skin, the product uses mistetoe leaf, centella asiatic, and portulaca oleracea extract, while for hydrating hyaluronic acid, cactus and aloe vera are part of this product. The product works for acne-prone skin by preventing dehydration and by rejuvenating the skin. For gentle use by individuals with sensitive skin, the product uses 100% mineral ingredients.
Many users with acne-prone skin claimed that this sunscreen provides the right acne-treating besides bringing the best skin rejuvenation.
RELATED: Top 10 Best Etude House Skincare – Expert Reviews
#3 Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen from Shiseido
This product from Shiseido holds the pride of having the strongest sunscreen. Yes, the UV-protection veil in this product will get stronger when it gets in contact with heat, water or sweat. In addition to functioning as a sunscreen, this product will act as a primer for your makeup as well.
To hydrate your acne-prone skin, the product uses hyaluronic acid and glycerin as ingredients. Also, to improve elasticity, the product uses collagen as one of the key ingredients. With green tea extract as a key ingredient, this product addresses, the redness and irritation caused by acne. In turn, it quickens the process of acne healing.
Many users have stated that as against many sunscreens that cause acne, this face sunscreen for acne treats it. It offers SPF50+ protection.
RELATED: Top 15 Best Shiseido Skincare
#4 Clear Face Sunscreen For Acne-Prone Skin from Neutrogena
This product from Neutrogena is a face and body sunscreen lotion with broad-spectrum SPF 55 protection. Neutrogena has stabilized this product with Helioplex Technology.
Also, the active ingredient in this product is avobenzone that provides superior UVA and UVB protection. While keeping unnecessary skin problems at bay, this product leaves a matte and weightless finish and allows the skin to breathe.
This sunscreen has been dermatologist-tested for non-comedogenic, oil-free and so it will not clog pores. In turn, this product becomes ideal for individuals with acne.
Many users have stated that this product is ideal for melisma. Also, many have stated that it completely keeps acne under control.
RELATED: Top 10 Best Neutrogena Skincare
#5 UV Clear Facial Sunscreen from EltaMD
This product from EltaMD is a dermatologist-recommended for acne-prone skin and also for individuals with sensitive skin.
Zinc oxide in this product is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and it can also help with relieving the irritation and redness caused by acne in some individuals with moderate to severe acne. Further, it helps with bringing down the appearance of acne scars. Also, the broad-spectrum coverage that this product offers safeguards the skin against UVA and UVB Rays.
Many users of this product with acne-prone skin have stated that this product does not clog pores and in addition to providing acne treatment, it makes the skin look at its best. Even, those facing other skin issues like discoloration and rosacea will benefit from this product as claimed by many users.
RELATED: Top 10 Best EltaMD Skincare
#6 SPF50 Dynamic Skin Recovery from Dermalogica
This face sunscreen for acne from Demalogica provides daily SPF protection. To make sure that it addresses acne, this product is loaded with antioxidants. Also, the antioxidants present in this product will help with reducing the visible wrinkles and fine lines. It helps with hydrating and safeguarding the skin against UV lights.
To make it safe for acne-prone and sensitive skin, the product is free of cruelty, paraben, and gluten. Further, for vegan enthusiasts, this product can come in handy for acne treatment and sun protection. It prevents and cures acne by hydrating the skin effectively.
Many users of this product with acne have stated that it is the best for sun protection and acne treatment.
RELATED: Top 10 Best Dermalogica Products
#7 City Sunscreen Antioxidant-Rich Lotion from Supergoop
This silky-smooth formula from Supergood helps with fighting the signs of photoaging along with providing acne protection. Also, the good thing about this face sunscreen for acne is that it suits year-round usage including the summer and winter season. It addresses acne by hydrating and nourishing the skin. Further, this product has been power-packed with antioxidants to provide the right kind of acne-fighting support.
The hydroviton in this product provides 24-hour hydration to fight water loss and signs of dry skin. The antioxidants present in this product are vitamin B5 and vitamin E. the former functions as a natural conditioner for the skin, while the latter smooths and softens the skin.
Many users with acne have stated that apart from providing acne treatment, this product leaves their skin silky-smooth every time they use it.
#8 Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen with SPF50
This face sunscreen for acne encompasses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as key ingredients that function as a non-chemical sun-protection option. The sunscreen provides a powder-like matte finish that is never greasy as claimed by many users with acne.
To fight acne, this product encompasses a combination of antioxidants as ingredients. They are red algae, eucalyptus, and Kakadu plum. Australian Gold has created this product free of PABA, Phthalate, paraben, oxybenzone, oil, dye, and SLS to make it suitable for sensitive skin.
Many users have stated that this product lasts longer and does not create white casting and does not cause any breakouts on sensitive skin.
#9 Australian Sunscreen from Blue Lizard
To safeguard the delicate coral reefs and also to help individuals with acne-prone and sensitive skin, this product does not contain any octinoxate and oxybenzone. To provide sun protection, this product works by acting like thousands of tiny mirrors that reflect UV rays away from your skin before they get in. The product is free of fragrance and paraben and again this feature makes it ideal for sensitive skin.
This sunscreen has a water resistance of up to 40 minutes. In turn, your skin can stay protected for longer even if it sweats. The product contains dermatologists recommended broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30+. The mineral-active zinc oxide in this product offers true broad-spectrum protection. Further, this sunscreen uses smart bottle technology which will remind you to stay safe from the sun by turning into blue in harmful UV Light.
Many users of this product with acne have stated that they truly love the Smart Bottle Technology that this product uses that reminds them to keep their acne-prone skin safe from the sun.
RELATED: Top 5 Best Blue Lizard Products
Why Do You Need Sunscreen for Acne?
Sunscreen prevents dark spots, ageing signs and sun damage. Users with acne-prone skin need a non-greasy product to have a matte finish. Let’s find out why you need face sunscreen for acne and how to pick the right one.
Most sunscreen products have thick formulas. Users with acne-prone skin avoid such products because they do not want to deal with breakouts. Does it mean you should stop using sunscreen to protect your skin? No, you should wear sunscreen for protection against sun damage.
All dermatologists recommend people wear sunscreen daily. Users with acne-prone skin need to be a bit careful while selecting the product. If you got the best sunscreen for acne, it can offer the following benefits.
1. It helps you maintain an even complexion
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation has affected numerous people. Acne scars appear on the face and the scarred spot gets discolored. Suppose you are dealing with several acne, you may experience several scars on your face. Sunscreen can help you prevent this issue.
People use a variety of products to cure acne and get clearer skin. These products contain ingredients, such as salicylic acid and retinoids. When came in contact with intense sunlight, these ingredients lead to sun damage and sunburn.
Physical treatments can also affect the natural barrier of your skin and make it more vulnerable to sun damage. Dark and discolored spots can occur on your skin as a result of acne treatment. If you use sunscreen, it will help you prevent sun damage. besides, it can help you cure the acne problem faster!
2. It can prevent potential skin damage
Prolonged sun exposure will dry up acne. It can severely damage your skin’s protective layer and cause internal damage. The skin produces more oil to protect itself if it dries quickly. That extra oil blends with dead skin cells, dirt, and pollutants. It turns into greasy material that clogs pores and causes more acne.
As you can imagine, prolonged UV exposure can cause more breakouts and increase the risk of acne scars. Besides, you can experience redness and rosacea. Be a wise person and use acne-prone skin-friendly sunscreen to avoid the risk. The right product will prevent skin damage and help you treat existing acne quickly.
3. It can reduce the risk of premature ageing
Premature ageing is a serious concern. People start experiencing ageing signs in their 20s. Prolonged sun exposure is a major cause of this issue. Suppose you love to take a soothing sunbath or work outdoors, you must protect the skin with sunscreen.
The right sunscreen can effectively reduce the adverse effects of UVA and UVB rays. Your skin will be radiant, healthy, and youthful if you got the right face sunscreen for acne.
4. It protects you against cancer
Nobody wants to go out in scorching sunlight. Unfortunately, many people do not have the option of relaxing indoors. Their work demands outdoor operations. Since acne is painful and irritating, some people avoid sunscreen to prevent this skin issue.
Brands are producing high-quality sunscreen products for acne. They use non-comedogenic ingredients to keep pores clean. Such high-quality sunscreen products can effectively reduce the risk of cancer. Many women suffer from skin cancer due to sun exposure and sunscreen can prevent it!
5. Healthy skin
Just like a face cleanser, serum, and moisturizer sunscreen should also be an important part of your daily skincare routine. Make it a habit to use face sunscreen for acne and you can avoid many skin issues. Try it because it will help you save a lot of money on expensive skincare products.
How to Find the Best Face Sunscreen for Acne?
You know it is quite essential to wear sunscreen to protect the skin. It might still worry some users that regular use of sunscreen can be harmful to their skin. People with acne-prone skin might worry that the sunscreen will cause more breakouts! That won’t happen if you carefully choose face sunscreen for acne.
Assess the below-given factors to buy the right sunscreen product for your screen.
1. Buy a non-comedogenic product
All your skincare products should be oil-free, especially the sunscreen lotion. These products prevent the accumulation of greasy substances on the skin. The chances are high that sebaceous glands in your skin are producing excess sebum. A sunscreen with the oily ingredient can make the problem worse.
Search for non-comedogenic sunscreen products. These products contain ingredients that do not block pores. Regular sunscreen lotions have comedogenic ingredients, which make them harmful for oily and acne-prone skin.
If you shortlist the best non-comedogenic sunscreen product, you can keep skin breakouts at bay! Some users make the mistake of buying body sunscreen to apply on their faces. Don’t make that mistake. Buy non-comedogenic face sunscreen for acne!
2. Prefer sunscreen spray or gel instead of buying the lotion!
Sunscreen creams and lotions are much thicker than what a user with acne-prone skin needs. Lotions and creams are formulated for dry and normal skin types. Users with oily skin deserve a much thinner and equally effective product.
Try sunscreen spray or gel because these are quite lightweight. If the spray feels heavier than what you need, switch to the gel sunscreen. Facial skin absorbs the gel sunscreen quickly and its ingredients form a protective layer over the skin.
Unlike the sunscreen lotion or cream, you can use the gel on your scalp to prevent sun damage. It can protect your facial skin and also the scalp to prevent harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays. Do not hesitate if you are a man because the gel is much easier to apply on hairy skin than sunscreen lotion.
Sunscreen spray has become a popular alternative to lotion because it is lightweight and easy to apply. We don’t recommend it because it might contain comedogenic ingredients. Besides, you won’t know how much to spray on the face to get proper protection! Therefore, sunscreen gel is perfect for both men and women.
3. Does the sunscreen offer broad-spectrum protection?
Reputable skincare brands describe some key details on the product label. They reveal the list of ingredients, manufacturing date, ingredient types, and several other details. When it comes to buying sunscreen, top brands describe the type of protection their products offer.
You should search for products with broad protection. It means you need a sunscreen spray or gel that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
UVA rays can trigger the premature ageing issue. These rays can severely damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer! UVB rays cause tanning and sunburn issues. Skin experts consider UVB rays more harmful because they trigger issues of dryness, dark spots, discoloration, sunburn, etc.
You need protection against both types of UV radiation. Therefore, you should keep searching for a sunscreen product with broad-spectrum protection.
4. Check sun protection factor or SPF before buying the product!
Experts use SPF as a measure to assess how effectively the sunscreen product blocks UVB rays. If you do not check this measure before buying the product, you might end up with a useless product.
Sunscreen gels, sprays, and lotions are available with SPF 15, 30, 50, and higher. You should choose a product with SPF 30 or higher measure to block up to 97% UV rays! If your product’s sun protection factor is 15, it can block above 90% of UV rays.
It is a popular belief that SPF 50 sunscreens can block 100% UV rays, but there is no proof. However, an SPF 50 sunscreen product is equally effective as an umbrella!
5. Say no to Oxybenzone and PABA if you got sensitive skin!
If you got sensitive skin and also dealing with the acne issue, avoid PABA and Oxybenzone! These two ingredients should not be in your sunscreen product. Dermatologists believe that users with eczema, rosacea, psoriasis and sensitive skin should avoid irritants.
Active ingredients such as Oxybenzone can dry out acne and turn them into dark marks on your face. Skin irritation is another concern associated with poor-quality sunscreen products.
Natural sunscreen products are perfect for users with dry and sensitive skin. Ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are present in high-quality sunscreens that do not irritate the skin. These ingredients are sensitive skin-friendly and also good for acne-prone skin.
6. Can you use sunscreen with acne treatment?
Have your dermatologist prescribed an ointment or lotion to cure the acne problem? If yes, you should choose a face sunscreen product that doesn’t affect the cure. Consult with your dermatologist and then shortlist a product that goes well with the treatment.
You should apply the ointment or other acne-curing product and then wait for 20 minutes. It will give your skin enough time to absorb the product and then you can apply the sunscreen. Thus, you can continue the treatment and protect the skin from sun damage.
7. Try a face moisturizer for acne with SPF 30 or higher
If you can find a high-quality face moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher, it won’t be necessary to wear sunscreen. That moisturizer will hydrate your skin and block harmful UV rays.
Conclusion
Of course, the sun can provide you with vitamin D. But, you should be careful about the excessive UV rays from the sun. These rays can worsen your acne. So, to stay protected, it is better to choose a sunscreen based on your skin type. Here are some of our recommendations:
Oily Skin: Clear Face Sunscreen For Acne-Prone Skin from Neutrogena
Dry Skin: City Sunscreen Antioxidant-Rich Lotion from Supergoop
Sensitive Skin: Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60 from La Roche-Posay
So, take steps towards protecting your skin from the UV rays with one of these products besides getting acne treatment.
