Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Of all beauty products, this is a must-have for everyone. Whether the weather is sunny or rainy with overcast skies, dermatologists suggest applying an SPF — yes, that includes you, even if you suffer from hormonal breakouts or cystic acne. Not only does it protect against harmful rays that could potentially lead to cancer, sunscreen can also help improve skin conditions, especially acne-prone skin.
“Acne is an inflammatory skin condition, and skin inflammation and UV exposure don’t mix,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anthony Rossi. “This combination can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, i.e. dark spots that make people really unhappy with their skin tone. These dark spots can sometimes be worse than the acne itself because they persist for some time.”
Finding the best sunscreen can be tricky when you have acne-prone skin. Inflammation and clogged pores can often trigger painful breakouts, which is why board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marina Peredo has a list of ingredients she suggests looking for. “Ingredients like zinc oxide, lactic acid, and niacinamide are great for acne-prone skin and don’t cause further breakouts,” says Dr. Peredo.
Dr. Rossi agrees. “I recommend physical sunscreens that contain active ingredients such as titanium or zinc dioxide. They are less irritating than chemical sunscreens.” Some SPFs contain additional ingredients that soothe and calm irritated skin. Others can go overtime as a makeup base or daily moisturizer.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner also offered a beauty-friendly option. “A lot of people prefer tinted sunscreens because they provide cosmetic camouflage to help cover pimples. Tinted sunscreen often means you won’t have to wear makeup too.”
From top-selling SPFs to sustainable drugstore finds, here are 12 sunscreens to help acne-prone skin shine.
1
Editor’s Choice
Moisturizing Sun Lotion SPF 30
Packed with natural ingredients, this moisturizing, broad-spectrum sunscreen has SPF 30 and fights hyperpigmentation and dark spots. This is one of my all time favorites because it always leaves my skin glowing.
2
Extra Care Non-Greasy Sun Cream SPF 50
Tired of sunscreens that leave a greasy film? Look no further than Paula’s Choice. This body sunscreen is fortified with antioxidants and leaves a matte finish instead of a heavy, oily finish.
3
Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen
This BB here is dermis approved. According to Dr. Zeichner, it “provides broad-spectrum protection in an all-mineral formula that won’t make you break out. It has a universal tint that evens skin tone and doesn’t leave white marks on skin.”
4
Golden Rays Sunscreen
Whether you’re taking to the field like KINLÒ founder Naomi Osaka or relaxing indoors, this non-comedogenic sunscreen is lightweight and won’t clog your pores.
5
Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Long-lasting, smooth SPF that’s so safe even babies can use it? Tell me more! In addition to fighting the sun’s harmful rays, this family goodie is infused with plant extracts that hydrate and calm.
6
Self Defense Mineral Sun Fluid SPF 34
Jessica Alba’s Honest Company is always going to succeed with a clean beauty contestant. Self Defense is infused with minerals that also fight blue light rays from all screen time.
seven
Invisible Sun Cream SPF 40 PA+++
Silvery, pasty finish? We don’t know her. The gel formula infused sunscreen from Supergoop! can also be used as a daily makeup base.
8
invisible shield
Glossier’s Invisible Shield is a beauty staple for a reason. Its lightweight, water-gel formula is less like a heavy sunscreen and more like a serum. Plus, it’s durable enough to wear with makeup.
9
Body Sun Cream
Native is known for creating clean alternatives to beauty issues, so often they have sunscreen on deck. With non-nano zinc oxide acting as the only active ingredient, this sunscreen can be applied all over the body without leaving any residue.
ten
Anethelios Clear Skin Sun Cream
La Roche-Posay formulated this baby with acne-prone skin in mind. Infused with Cell-Ox Shield technology, Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen absorbs excess oil and fights breakouts.
11
EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 (1.7 oz.)
A doctor-approved beauty staple? Introducing 411. Eltamad Skin UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is infused with Niacinamide, which reduces the appearance of skin blemishes and signs of congestion. So not only will you get protection from the sun, but you can also get relief for skin conditions like rosacea.
12
Daily Facial Moisturizer, SPF 50+
This Cetaphil Daily Moisturizer is a clutch option if you’re looking to simplify your beauty routine. You can get protection from the sun with proper nutrition. Sounds like the perfect two-in-one to me.
Jasmine Washington
Jasmine Washington is associate editor of Seventeen, covering beauty and pop culture.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and uploaded to this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content on piano.io
