We all know wearing sunscreen is key to protecting our skin and keeping it safe from harmful UV rays. But if your skin breaks out when you wear sunscreen, it can be tempting to skip this skin care step. And if you have sensitive, acne-prone skin, the fear of sunscreen making your skin worse can have you avoiding the sunscreen aisle altogether. Daily sun protection is so important for preventing skin cancer, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging, so finding a sunscreen that works for you is pretty much a non-negotiable. We’ve rounded up application tips to avoid breakouts, plus our favourite budget-friendly sunscreens that won’t break you out.
Why Do Sunscreens Break You Out?
There are generally two reasons why a sunscreen will break you out. First, it’s made with comedogenic, pore-clogging ingredients that lead to, you guessed it, clogged pores. And second, a skin sensitivity to chemical UV-blocking agents that irritates delicate skin. It’s really important to look at the ingredients in your sunscreen. Some sunscreens are formulated with known acne-causing ingredients such as oils and butters (coconut oil, shea butter, coconut butter, etc.), chemical SPF filters like avobenzone, and added fragrance, which increases the risk of irritation, often leading to acne. Avoid these ingredients at all costs to decrease your risk of breakouts.
5 Sunscreen Application Tips to Avoid Breakouts
1. Only Use Face Sunscreen
If you’re only buying body sunscreen and applying it to your face, it’s almost guaranteed to break you out. Many sunscreens that are formulated for the body are made with comedogenic ingredients and oils, which can wreak havoc on your complexion. Face sunscreens are typically made with gentler ingredients and tend to have less or no fragrance to avoid irritating the skin. Make sure to only use sunscreens that are specifically formulated for your face, that are oil-free, and non-comedogenic.
2. Apply Sunscreen to Clean Skin
Make sure you’re always applying sunscreen to clean skin. If you apply it to your skin without cleansing it first, it can mix with oils and dirt that have built up on your skin over night or throughout the day. This buildup can set in and clog pores, making your skin more prone to blackheads and breakouts. Apply your sunscreen after washing and moisturizing your face and before applying makeup.
3. Choose an Oil-Free Formula
Any sunscreen you use on your face should be oil-free. Heavy, occlusive sunscreens should be avoided as they can clog your pores and contribute to breakouts. Some products are more occlusive than others, which can exacerbate your breakouts further if you find yourself sweating in the summer. While there are different face sunscreen formulas available (lotions, creams, sticks, powders, etc.), a lightweight, sheer lotion is your best bet.
4. Double Cleanse at Night
Since sunscreen is made to protect your skin from UV rays, it’s often formulated with extra staying powers. If you’re not properly removing it off of your skin at the end of the day, it can mix with oil and sweat overnight, clogging your pores. To do a double cleanse, first use an oil-based cleanser such as the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil to break down sunscreen and makeup, then use a more traditional cleanser such as the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser to wash away the oil and sunscreen byproducts. You can also use micellar water, which is known to be great for removing sunscreen and dead skin cells.
5. Apply Added Protection with Antioxidants
Antioxidants fight skin-damaging free radicals from the environment, including those emitted from UV light. This makes them an ideal building block for ensuring your sunscreen is protecting your complexion. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, are a great addition to sunscreen, as they can help prevent further UV damage. Some antioxidants, such as milk thistle plant also stop bacteria from entering the pores, giving your skin the barrier it needs before sunscreen application.
5 Sunscreens that Won’t Break You Out
1. Neogen Dermatology Day Light Protection Airy Sunscreen SPF 50
This lightweight sunscreen soothes, moisturizes and controls sebum, keeping your skin hydrated even under harsh sunlight. The non-comedogenic formula includes 20 types of plant extracts to rejuvenate your skin. It’s a non-greasy formula that will give you an airy finish without stickiness to keep you feeling fresh all day.
2. La Roche-Posay Mineral Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen SPF 50
La Roche-Posay’s cult-favourite mineral sunscreen has SPF 50 and is formulated with sensitive skin in mind. Made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, it combines antioxidants to protect skin from free radicals. It’s fast-absorbing and non-greasy with a matte finish, making it the perfect base for makeup application.
3. Dermalogica Clear Start Clearing Defence SPF 30
This non pore-clogging formula combines moisturizer with SPF to protect breakout-prone skin from environmental stress. It works with the skin’s natural microbiome to reduce shine, while antioxidants combat the effects of pollution. It’s an ultralight formula with a long-lasting matte finish, sure to get you through the sunniest, sweatiest days.
4. Hero Force Shield Super Light Sunscreen SPF 30
This sunscreen serves up SPF 30 with a smooth, skin-like finish that won’t clog your pores. Zinc oxide blocks UV rays and the formula blurs redness with a sheer green tint. It’s super hydrating without being greasy and absorbs quickly with a makeup-gripping formula.
5. Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 35
This broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen has a creamy texture with a skin-like finish that’s not too dewy and not too matte. Along with SPF 35, it contains antioxidants, including moringa seed extract and sea fennel extract. These help fight off environmental and blue light damage to protect your skin against UV rays and premature aging.
If you tend to break out when you use sunscreen, try these tips and products from here on out. Remember, everyone’s skin is different so it’s important to find the sunscreen that works best for you!
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