The ideal sunscreen for your acne

With summer approaching, it's time to tackle the common beauty dilemma: finding the ideal sunscreen for acne. Sunscreen is an essential part of any skin care routine, but for those who suffer from acne it can sometimes come with unpleasant side effects. The problem is that some sunscreens tend to clog your pores, causing pimples that we want to get rid of.

But does this mean we should stop using sunscreen altogether? Certainly not! Especially if you already use products to treat acne, your skin can become hypersensitive to the sun. This is especially true for people who use creams with ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinol. Even if you are being treated by a doctor and use oral antibiotics or isotretinoin (vitamin A), this can increase the risk of hypersensitivity to sunlight.

Don't worry, there is a solution! In this blog we take a closer look at what you should pay attention to when buying sunscreen. We'll show you that you can reap the benefits of sun protection without worrying about making your acne worse. So prepare to shine and protect your skin, because with the right sunscreen, an acne-free summer is within reach!

What should you avoid?

Acne-prone skin is naturally sensitive, so it's important to avoid ingredients that can cause irritation and worsen acne. Here are some things to look out for:

– Golden rule: avoid oils for oily acne-prone skin, such as coconut oil, almond oil, olive oil and sesame oil. These oils contain a lot of oleic acid. Although essential fatty acids help maintain a balanced pH level (i.e. 5.5), people with oily, acne-prone skin already have a surplus of these free fatty acids. Using products high in oleic acid can lead to an inflammatory response in the skin, resulting in more blackheads and pimples.

Still a fan of oil? Don't worry, there are also oils that are suitable for acne-prone skin, such as sunflower oil or safflower oil. These oils contain little oleic acid but are rich in linoleic acid, which is beneficial for acne-prone skin. Linoleic acid helps regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation, making it a valuable ingredient in the fight against acne.

– Clogging Ingredients : Why would a manufacturer use pore-clogging ingredients in a skin care product? The answer lies in the seductive properties of some ingredients that give a product a smooth and elegant feel. Unfortunately, those same properties have a tendency to slide into your pores and stay there, clogging them and causing acne breakouts.

It's important to be aware of some of these clogging ingredients commonly found in cosmetic products. Ingredients such as Myristyl Myristate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isopropyl Isostearate and Potassium Chloride may give a smooth and silky feel to the product, but they have the potential to clog your pores and cause acne.

– Tinted sunscreen : Are you looking for a tinted sunscreen to protect your skin and get a beautiful, natural tan at the same time? Then pay close attention to the ingredients. Many tinted sunscreens contain the ingredient D&C Red, which can clog pores and cause acne breakouts. But don't worry, there's a great alternative to achieve that radiant complexion without aggravating your acne: loose mineral powders.

Instead of using a tinted sunscreen, you can apply a loose mineral powder after applying your sunscreen. These powders are lightweight and do not contain any pore-clogging ingredients. They provide natural coverage and give your skin a healthy glow, without the risk of breakouts and clogged pores.

– Fragrance/perfume: The wonderful scent of sunscreen can be tempting, but it can also have adverse effects on your skin, especially if you suffer from acne. Fragrances and perfumes that are often added to sunscreens can cause irritation and allergic reactions. It is therefore best to avoid perfumed cosmetics completely, regardless of whether you have sensitive skin or not. These fragrances can disrupt the skin barrier, cause inflammation and worsen acne breakouts. It's important to remember that the focus should be on protecting and caring for your skin, not on having a scented sunscreen.

In summary, choosing the right sunscreen for acne-prone skin is essential to protect your skin without causing further outbreaks. When selecting a sunscreen, it is important to avoid oils and clogging ingredients, as well as fragrances that can cause irritation. Instead, look for products specifically designed for acne-prone skin, such as low-oleic oils and loose mineral powders for a beautiful complexion.

Finding the perfect sunscreen for acne-prone skin may require some trial-and-error, but with these tips you'll be well on your way to healthy, protected skin all summer long.

So get outside, enjoy the sun and don't forget to apply that acne-friendly sunscreen liberally for a worry-free summer!

Author: Sofie Dewitte