Just like any dermatologist or skin care expert will tell you, SPF should be put on everyday whether you are going out and about or not. While the majority of people still refuse this crucial skincare step for fear that it’ll trigger breakouts, sun protection is nevertheless important for the entire acne-prone skincare regime. It is said that applying sunscreens can get rid of scars on the legs too. The good news is that there are tons of amazing formulas that not only won’t worsen the problem but might actually help improve it.
Your skin absorbs chemical sunscreens, which may trigger allergic reactions and irritation. Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin and deflect or scatter damaging UV rays away from the skin, hence better than the former. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 and above.
It’s crucial to choose a sunscreen that is non-comedogenic, which means that it’s designed to not clog pores. Coconut oil and fragrance are amongst the biggest NO NO! Look for sunscreens with a thinner, gel-like, or liquid consistency and that with a matte finish to avoid midday shine.
Tinted sunscreens are another viable option as they deliver better protection against visible light, which can usually trigger hyperpigmentation in areas of previously active acne lesions.
Always make sure your skin is clean before putting on SPF. Use an acne face wash that contains salicylic acid to cleanse your pores and gently exfoliate dead skin cells. Adding an acne-friendly moisturiser to your skincare regime will help avoid bacterias.
Now that you are given a heads up on what to look for in the best sunscreen for acne prone skin, let’s shop! Ahead, find 15 best sunscreen picks that provide sun protection and clear skin.
The best sunscreen for acne prone skin on the list, EltaMD UV Clear offers invisible, broad-spectrum protection from the sun’s harmful rays. The lightweight, fast-absorbing formula hydrates the skin with hyaluronic acid and leaves the skin looking sheer and shine-free. It contains lactic acid to gently exfoliate and help prevent breakouts.
Formulated with active ingredients such as zinc oxide, octinoxate and lactic acid.
Lightweight
Mildly exfoliates
Absorbs quickly
Pricey
Not only the second best sunscreen for acne prone skin on the list, Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration face sunscreen is one you can opt for when you’re on a budget. Contains shea butter and silk proteins, this smooth and weightless sunscreen moisturiser whilst offers SPF 30 protection. To ensure optimal results, apply it 15 minutes before heading outside.
Formulated with active ingredients such as Avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octocrylene.
Lightweight
Hydrates the skin
Doesn’t leave a white cast
Contains fragrance
Don’t underestimate the power of a drugstore sunscreen. Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturiser SPF 30 is free of irritating fragrance and pore-clogging oils. The smooth formula offers SPF 30 protection whilst reducing greasiness and leaving a matte finish.
Contains active ingredients avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene.
Affordable
Non-comedogenic
Matte finish
Leaves a white cast
If you’re looking for SPF over 50, opt for La Roche-Posay Anthelios. This french brand boasts a sunscreen that offers SPF 60 protection from both UVA and UVB rays. This oil-free and non-irritating formula delivers a sheer and matte finish, and is resistant to water for a good 80 minutes.
Formulated with active ingredients avobenzone, homosalate, and octisalate.
Non-comedogenic
Lightweight
Matte finish
Strong smell
Not suitable for sensitive skin
The best sunscreen for face Korean brand goes to Suntique I’m Pure! This non-greasy SPF 50 sunscreen that absorbs extremely fast and leaves behind a matte finish works like a charm. It contains cica (centella asiatica), a naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory herb that possesses healing effects.
Contains active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Calms inflammation
Lightweight
Dries quickly
Unpleasant scent
The best sunscreen for acne prone skin that can either be used as the primary source of SPF or as an added layer. ZitSticka MegaShade contains zinc oxide and gentle chemical compounds that provide the skin with full-spectrum sun protection. The clear, fast-absorbing formula can help prime your skin for makeup without clogging pores.
Contains active ingredients zinc oxide, octisalate, and octinoxate.
Hybrid formula
Non-comedogenic
Pricey
Glossier’s Invisible Shield is another best sunscreen for acne prone skin that is in water-gel formula. It absorbs incredibly fast and layarable with makeup. It is made with oily skin in mind, rest assured that it goes on like a serum without leaving your face feeling greasy.
Contains active ingredients avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate
Chemical SPF
Lightweight and quickly absorbed
Can be used under makeup
Pricey
Dermalogica’s Active Clearing sunscreen is a knight in shining armour for acne-prone complexions. You bet, it’s another best sunscreen for acne prone skin! Luxuriously lightweight and oil-free, this sunscreen offers SPF 30 protection. Infused with skin-pampering ingredients such as niacinamide, yeast extract, and caffeine, you can rely on this formula to help reduce the appearance of pores and deliver a shine-free finish.
Contains active ingredients avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate; and skin-loving ingredients niacinamide, yeast extract, and caffeine.
Lightweight
Mattifying
Pricey
Supergoop! has always been in the forefront of sunscreen. The brand’s Mattescreen caters for acne-prone skin with such a formula that offers lightweight, sheer mineral protection, and delivers a matte finish without that greasy sensation.
Contains active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Lightweight
Mattifying
Mattifying
If you’re planning on a beachside vacation, opt for a water resistant sunscreen like Sorei Sea Clearly. Reef-safe and antioxidant-enriched, this translucent gel offers SPF 50 protection and resists well to sweat and splashing for a good 80 minutes.
Contains active ingredients homosalate, octocrylene, octisalate, and avobenzone.
Reef-safe
Can be used on the face and body
Chemical SPF
This all-in-one product from UnSun is your face lotion, sunscreen, and tinted moisturiser. Being another best sunscreen for acne prone skin on the list, it comes in shades of medium dark and light medium, both of which give off just the right hint of colour and flatter a diverse range of skin tones. Lastly, it offers a sun protection of SPF 30.
Contains active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Doesn’t leave white a cast
Reef-safe
Contains coconut oil
If you have eczema, it’s about time you start worshipping CeraVe’s Hydrating sunscreen. This non-comedogenic, fragrance-free lotion delivers a SPF 50 mineral protection whilst working to restore the skin’s natural barrier with essential ceramides and skin-soothing niacinamide.
Contains active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Non-comedogenic
Restores skin barrier
May leave white a cast
Melanin-rich skin is susceptible to sunburn. With that, Absolute Joi came up with this SPF 40 hydrating cream moisturiser. Available in two tinted shades, this sunscreen goes on sheer and blends effortlessly with any skin care product or makeup without leaving behind a white cast.
Contains active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Non-comedogenic
Hydrating
Pricey
Catering for people with darker skin tones, Black girl sunscreen is a zinc-free formula that moisturises the skin and acts either as a lightweight makeup primer or a standalone face lotion.
Contains active ingredients avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene.
Affordable
Sheer formula
Doesn’t leave a white cast
Chemical SPF
You are supposed to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours to ensure optimal results, but of course it’s not the most convenient thing to do especially when you’re on the go. That’s why Sun Bum’s pocket-sized face stick is to die for! Glides on the skin smoothly and offers a broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection anytime and anywhere you go, this face stick is also water resistant.
Contains active ingredients avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, and octisalate.
Affordable
Easy to apply
On-the-go
Chemical SPF
Contains fragrance
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