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Does Sunscreen Cause Acne?
Putting on sunscreen every day is really important for your skin. It helps prevent skin cancer and keeps your skin looking young, no matter what type or colour it is. But if you have sensitive skin that's prone to acne, you might be nervous about using anything on your face. You might worry that sunscreen could make your acne worse or cause it in the first place, and that might stop you from using it like you're supposed to.
Since dermatologists strongly recommend putting on sunscreen every day, they say you should do it more than once if needed. But it's important to choose the right sunscreen for your acne skin type.
Before discussing that, let's dive into what further to expect:-
- Does Sunscreen cause Acne?
- How to choose the right sunscreen for acne-prone skin?
- What ingredients to avoid while choosing Sunscreen?
- Take Away
- FAQs
Does Sunscreen cause Acne?
Yes, sunscreen can sometimes make acne worse. Some sunscreens have ingredients that can block your pores and make your skin more likely to break out. These ingredients are called comedogenic.
Not only can these ingredients clog your pores, but some sunscreens also make your skin absorb sunlight, turn it into heat, and release it. This can make you sweat more, and the sunscreen ingredients can trap the sweat in your skin, which might make your acne worse.
Also, if you don't store and apply your sunscreen properly, like leaving it in a hot car or in the sun, the ingredients can break down and cause more breakouts. So, it's essential to choose the right sunscreen and store it the right way to help avoid making acne worse.
How to choose the right sunscreen for acne-prone skin?
If you want to use sunscreen without making your skin break out, here's what our experts suggest. First, choose sunscreens made for the face because they are lighter and might have things like niacinamide that can actually help prevent acne.
Next, check the ingredients. Not all sunscreens are good for everyone. Some might have things that can make acne worse, but others can make it look better. Our experts recommend these things for people who often get acne:
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a good ingredient for acne-prone skin. It helps with acne, reduces how much oil your skin makes, and can make your skin look better. You can find it in face sunscreens.
Zinc oxide
This is in sunscreens made with minerals. Zinc oxide can help with acne because it fights inflammation (that's when your skin gets red and swollen) and controls how much oil your skin makes.
LipoChroman
LipoChroman is recognized for its dual benefits in protecting the skin from free radical damage and alleviating inflammation. Free radicals, which are unstable chemicals that can destroy skin cells, have been linked to a variety of skin problems, including acne.
By neutralizing these free radicals, LipoChroman contributes to reducing inflammation, a common feature in acne development. This anti-inflammatory action not only aids in calming the skin but also suggests a potential role in managing acne.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E offers valuable support for acne-prone skin through its antioxidant properties. Acting as a powerful antioxidant, Vitamin E shields skin cells from damage caused by free radicals, addressing oxidative stress that is linked to acne development.
Furthermore, Vitamin E is important in encouraging skin repair and regeneration, which helps to maintain a healthy skin barrier.
What ingredients to avoid while choosing Sunscreen?
Aside from looking for ingredients that fight acne, our experts suggest staying away from things known to cause acne. Some of these are added to sunscreens to make them feel nice on your skin, while others are specific types of sunscreen. If a certain sunscreen gives you a bad reaction, check the ingredients and try something else.
Avoid sunscreens with heavy, thick ingredients: Portela says sunscreens with thick ingredients can make acne worse. Examples are coconut oil, cocoa butter, mineral oil, and beeswax.
Say no to chemical SPF filters: Hale says chemicals like avobenzone in sunscreens might cause trouble for acne-prone skin. Go for a mineral-based sunscreen instead.
Take Away
If you have acne-prone skin, it's important to use sunscreens without ingredients that can cause acne. Luckily, there are sunscreens with things like niacinamide and zinc oxide that can actually help prevent and treat acne. So, choosing the right sunscreen to protect your skin without causing breakouts is easier than ever.
P.S.:- It's important to cleanse your face and moisturize before applying sunscreen to your face especially if you have acne-prone skin. Always look out for salicylic-based cleansers and matter moisturizers for better results.
FAQs:
Q. Can sunscreen cause acne?
Ans. Sunscreen typically does not cause acne; in fact, it plays a crucial role in protecting the skin from harmful UV rays. However, certain ingredients in sunscreen formulations may be comedogenic for some individuals, potentially leading to breakouts. Choosing non-comedogenic sunscreens and those labelled "oil-free" can help minimize the risk of acne while still providing essential sun protection.
Q. How to get rid of acne from sunscreen?
Ans.If you suspect that your sunscreen is causing acne, consider the following steps to address the issue:
Choose Non-Comedogenic Sunscreen: Opt for sunscreens labelled as "non-comedogenic" and "oil-free" to reduce the likelihood of clogging pores.
Patch Test: Before applying sunscreen to your face, conduct a patch test on a small area of skin to ensure it doesn't cause breakouts or irritation.
Select Mineral Sunscreens: Mineral sunscreens are less likely to cause acne than sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Cleanse Thoroughly: Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to remove sunscreen at the end of the day. This helps prevent the accumulation of product on your skin.
Double Cleansing: If you wear makeup or multiple layers of sunscreen, consider double cleansing. Begin with an oil-based cleanser to break down items before removing residue with a water-based cleaner.
Q. Is sunscreen good for acne?
Ans. Sunscreen is beneficial for acne-prone skin as it shields against UV damage, preventing sunburn and minimizing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It safeguards collagen, and elastin, and reduces inflammation, particularly important for those using acne treatments. Choose non-comedogenic, oil-free formulations with ingredients like zinc oxide.
