15 Best Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin, According to Experts
Because wearing sunscreen daily is a must.
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If you've heard it once, you've heard it a million times: wear your sunscreen. Along with protecting the skin against harmful sun rays that could potentially lead to cancer, applying sunscreen (and reapplying as directed) can help improve acne-prone skin's condition. "One effect of the sun is damage to the skin's outer protective barrier," which can lead to moisture loss," board-certified general and cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Rachel Westbay tells Seventeen. When acne-prone skin is dehydrated, the skin increases oil production to compensate for the lack of moisture. This is a recipe for disaster since we know that acne forms when the skin's follicles are clogged. And if that wasn't enough of an incentive, exposure to UV rays can "prolong the normal timeframe it takes for the redness and dark marks to fade naturally," Dr. Westbay adds. The best sunscreens for acne-prone skin protect against UV light, which triggers inflammation, "an already existing problem for acne-prone " skin.
"Acne is an inflammatory skin condition, and inflammation in the skin and UV exposure do not mix well," board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anthony Rossi adds. "This combination can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, aka dark spots that make people really unhappy with their skin complexion. These dark spots can sometimes be worse than the acne itself because it lingers for quite some time." And that's the ultimate faux pas for anyone looking to keep post-pimple blemishes at bay. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Aanand Geria, "There are two categories of sunscreen ingredients that are often combined to give the best protection to one’s skin." First up are physical blockers. "These ingredients sit on the skin’s surface and act as mirrors reflecting away the UV rays," Dr. Geria explains. "The second ingredient is chemical absorbers. These work to form a thin protective layer that absorbs the UV rays before they can penetrate one’s skin."
The quest for the best sunscreen can be tricky when you have acne-prone skin. Inflammation and clogged pores can often trigger painful breakouts, so board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marina Peredo has a list of ingredients she suggests looking out for when sunscreen shopping. "Ingredients such as zinc oxide, lactic acid, and niacinamide are great for acne-prone skin and won't cause further breakouts," Dr. Peredo explains. On the other hand, Dr. Westbay advises against sunscreens with pore-clogging ingredients like lanolin, cocoa butter, coconut oil, mineral oil, and squalene" because they can trigger breakouts. Along with clogged pores, Dr. Geria says that "some chemicals [found in sunscreens] also work to convert UV rays into heat, resulting in more sweat," in those with oily skin leading to more breakouts. Dr. Rossi agrees and recommends "physical sunblocks that contain active ingredients such as titanium or zinc dioxide" as "they are less irritating."
As you start your quest for protection from the sun that won't trigger breakouts and irritate hyperpigmentation, read ahead for the 15 best sunscreens to help acne-prone skin shine bright.
Jasmine Washington is an Assistant Editor at Seventeen, where she covers celebrity news, beauty, lifestyle, and more. For the past decade, she has worked for media outlets, including BET, MadameNoire, VH1, and many others, where she used her voice to tell stories across various verticals. Follow her on Instagram.
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