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With summer in full swing, it’s time to lather up sun protection on your face and body. Unfortunately, some people may have had a negative experience with using sunblock in the past, from pimples to more severe breakouts. However, it’s still important to use the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin and shield yourself from the UV rays.
No one should ever skip sunscreen. Frequent sun exposure can dehydrate the skin, kickstart oil production and block the pores. This series of events would actually trigger acne in the long run, which is why it’s imperative to look for a product that works for you.
You can take other precautions with your acne-prone skin, like practicing regular application after a couple of hours to refresh your own personal sunshield. Cleansing and removing the remnants of the sunscreen at the end of the day can also be good for avoiding spots.
Everyone can still have a different reaction to sunscreen, which is why it’s important to patch test and see what works for you. Nevertheless, here’s the general consensus of the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen Dry Touch SPF 60 is perfect for acne-prone skin. It is non-greasy and melts into the skin perfectly, absorbing pore-clogging oil to help fight back breakouts. It’s also free of fragrances and oxybenzone, which is ideal for even the most sensitive skin.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen has been all the rage for makeup lovers. It works as a beautiful, gripping primer with zero white cast. However, thanks to its SPF 40, you can also use it on its own. It’s weightless, scentless, and quite oil-free. You also get the benefits of filtering out blue light from your phone and other devices.
The Brownkind Sheer Sunscreen SPF 40 is a skin care product that deserves so much more love— non-greasy and zero fragrances. It absorbs and disappears on anyone’s skin for seamless UV radiation protection. It also keeps environmental stressors at bay while improving the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
The Innisfree Daily Defense Invisible Sunscreen has always been one of the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin, and it’s also been a gateway into trying out Korean skin care. It contains sunflower seed oil and green tea to nourish and hydrate the skin. There’s also cica to soothe the skin while protecting you from UVA and UVB rays.
Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen Lotion is marketed for people with acne-prone skin. It offers SPF 50 and plenty of water resistance. Ironically, the sunscreen itself has a water-light texture that dries down matte after application. Similar to other products on the list, its ingredients list excludes fragrance and oxybenzone.
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46 is often recommended by dermatologists for people who struggle with acne or rosacea. Its properties calm sensitive skin while protecting it from sun damage. The formula is also lightweight and silky to the touch, making it a great primer under foundation or concealer or just as a base on its own.
The Brush On Block Sheer Genius Mineral Sunscreen plus Moisturizer also warrants a spot among the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin. It has SPF 50 that can really block out UVA, UVB and blue light all at once. The hyaluronic acid really boosts hydration to maximize moisture. Plus, it’s quite a sustainable product due to its vegan and reef-friendly formulation.
The Kiehl’s Better Screen UV Serum SPF 50+ is a great facial sunscreen that really gives your skin UV protection. The thin texture that it has makes it ideal for acne-prone skin since it absorbs much faster. It’s also formulated with collagen peptide to visibly fix fine lines and even out your skin tone and dullness.
Bioré UV Aqua Rich Daily Hydrating Facial Moisturizer with SPF 50 is a non-comedogenic skin care product that works well for people with acne. The hyaluronic acid provides a boost of moisture while protecting your skin from UV rays. It’s been vetted for people with sensitive skin and clogged pores as well.
The Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing UV LOCK SPF 45 is another Korean skin care holy grail for many people. It checks all the boxes for acne-prone skin since it’s being oil-free and lightweight. The protective UV barrier can also work as a shield for makeup. The organic and non-toxic formula also makes it reef-safe.
With numerous options, it may seem easy to conclude that you can use any sunscreen if you have acne. Some people could find success with this, but you may want to look for oil-free physical sunblock in stores or online instead.
Sunscreens of this nature would provide maximum sun protection while boosting moisture, which would remove the risks of dehydration and excessive oil production. You can still experiment, though, as everyone’s skin reacts differently.
There is no specific prescription for SPF for acne-prone skin. That said, people with this skin type may have more sun sensitivity than others. You should use SPF 50 or higher if you have extended outdoor activity. SPF 30 on the regular already works well in blocking out UV rays. Remember to reapply after a certain amount of time.
Sun protection is vital, no matter your skin condition. Use the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin to shield your face and body from sun damage. Share with us your favorites from the list, or your own personal recommendations!
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