Sunscreen for Acne Prone Skin: Guide

Acne is the most common skin condition affecting so many people worldwide. Acne is faced by people of all ages, especially teenagers. For healthy and clear skin, today we have so many products for everyone. Sunscreen is a must for maintaining healthy skin and protecting it from harmful UV damage. Sunscreen helps protect the skin from sunburn, tanning, premature aging, and even severe conditions like sunburn. Out of all the skincare products available on the market, SPF is the most important. It is the only skincare product that should be used by all age groups irrespective of their skin type and skin concern. However, finding a good sunscreen for acne prone skin can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Today, the market is flooded with all types of sunscreen, but finding the right one for sensitive acne-prone skin can still be a challenging task. 
But fear not. In this blog, we will help you understand sunscreen better and bust some common misconceptions about it, guiding you to select the right product for your acne-prone skin. 

Understanding acne

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when pores get clogged with excess sebum, dirt, and dead skin, leading to the formation of whiteheads, pimples, and blackheads. Many factors trigger acne, and each one is different for every individual. Common factors are excess oil production, hormonal imbalance, dirt, bacteria, etc. Sunscreens are like barriers that protect the skin from UV damage. Even though sunscreen does not cause or trigger acne, some ingredients can cause it. By choosing the right sunscreen, you can protect yourself from UV damage without compromising your skin’s clarity. 

Also Read: Gel Based Sunscreen: Everything you need to know

Potential triggers of acne in a sunscreen

First up on the target are Comedogenic ingredients. Comedogenic ingredients clog pores, leading to breakouts. They trap sebum inside the pores and aggravate acne and pimples. So, look for sunscreens with noncomedogenic ingredients that do not suffocate the pores, allowing them to breathe freely.

Next up on the list are fragrances, oils, and aromatics. Heavy fragrances and aromatics in skincare products are a big no-no for all skin types. These ingredients usually cause irritation and allergic reactions, so it is better to avoid them. Today, there are plenty of products that are free from oils and fragrances and work great for oily and acne-prone skin. 

Silicones are next on the list of ingredients to avoid if you suffer from acne. Silicones are used in sunscreen to give the formulation a smooth and slippery texture. However, silicones are known for trapping dust, dirt, bacteria, and sebum, potentially aggravating acne. So look for sunscreens that are noncomedogenic, free from fragrances and silicones, oil-free, and gel-based.

Choosing the right sunscreen for acne prone skin

One crucial factor when choosing a sunscreen is the SPF and PA factors. Let's decode this for you. 

SPF, or Sun protection factor, refers to the sunscreen’s ability to shield the skin from UV B rays, which are responsible for sunburn and skin damage. PA indicates a sunscreen’s ability to protect the skin against UV A rays, which lead to premature aging and skin cancer. The higher the SPF and PA rating, the better the protection. Dermatologists recommend using SPF 40 or above to ensure optimal protection. 

Then, we have two types of sunscreen in the market. One is a mineral sunscreen, which contains ingredients like Zinc oxide and Titanium dioxide. These create a physical barrier on the skin that reflects all the UV rays away from your body. 
The other is a chemical sunscreen containing ingredients like Avobenzone and Ocrylene, which absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, offering a lightweight texture. 

It is often said that sunscreen for acne prone skin as they are noncomedogenic and gentle on the skin. Ingredients in chemical sunscreens can trigger acne and irritate sensitive skin. 

You can check out Light Up Beauty’s Gold Rush Vitamin C Sunscreen. It has SPF 60 PA ++++ protection with more than 6 UV filters that protect your skin from UV A, UV B, Infrared rays, and Blue light. It is ideal for all skin types, including acne-prone skin. Its lightweight, noncomedogenic, nonsticky, oil-free texture makes it suitable for acne-prone skin. It is India’s first-ever sunscreen that is infused with the Gold Standard of Vitamin C, aka THD Ascorbate, which is much more stable than your ordinary Vitamin C.

It is an oil-soluble form of Vitamin C that penetrates 3x deeper in the skin, which helps in reducing pigmentation and acne scars while protecting the skin from sun damage. It also contains a 1% ceramide complex that helps in repairing the skin barrier and keeps the skin hydrated. This sunscreen is an ideal match for all the acne-prone skin out there. You get all these international quality benefits for just Rs 499. What is not to love about this sunscreen?

Also Read: Your Ultimate Guide to Water Resistant Sunscreen

Application techniques

Using the proper application technique is just as important as choosing the correct formulation. Always follow the three-finger rule to apply a generous amount of sunscreen on your face and neck. Reapplying sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours is a must. Always use SPF on all the exposed parts of your body and not just your face to ensure complete protection. Another common sunscreen mistake is not applying sunscreen evenly on all the exposed areas. Pay close attention to areas prone to breakouts, such as the forehead, nose, and chin.

Be sure to blend the sunscreen evenly to avoid patchiness or missed spots. If you are someone who loves to sweat it all out or someone who loves swimming, it is advisable to use water and sweat-resistant sunscreen. Choose the correct SPF for yourself, and remember to wear sunscreen even if you are not stepping out in the sun during the day. Regularly check the expiry date of your sunscreen and replace it if it has expired. 

Tips to manage acne

To achieve healthy skin, it is essential to incorporate the right ingredients in your skincare routine. Look for ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids, which help control acne and reduce inflammation. Keep your skin clean and oil-free using a good cleanser. Light Up Beauty’s Dewdrop is the best face wash for acne and pimples with salicylic acid, blueberries, and butterfly pea flowers, which help control acne and reduce sebum while keeping the skin hydrated and glowing. It is a gentle cleanser that does not strip the natural oils off the face while removing all the dirt and dust.

 If you have sensitive skin, avoid prolonged sun exposure during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) when UV radiation is most vital. Seek shade whenever possible, especially if participating in outdoor activities. Remember to reapply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours to ensure maximum protection. If you think the problem is severe, seek professional advice from a dermatologist, and do not experiment with different products on your face alone. 

Also Read: Benefits of Sunscreen

Conclusion:

Finding the right sunscreen for acne prone skin can be tough. So, look for ingredients that are noncomedogenic and suitable for acne-prone skin. Remember, consistent sunscreen application is key to maintaining healthy, radiant skin for years to come. With the right sunscreen in your arsenal, you can confidently face the sun without compromising your skin’s clarity and health.