Can Sunscreen Cause Acne?

June 07, 2024

By: Truly Beauty

Acne-prone skin needs sun protection too. Find out how to protect your skin without breaking out.

If your current sunscreen is making you break out, chances are the formula is comedogenic and clogging your pores. On the plus side, there are non-comedogenic sunscreens that are less likely to cause acne. 

Below, we show you the best sunscreen for acne-prone skin and how to keep your skin safe without breaking out.

Our Recommended Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin

Solar Baby SPF 45 Invisible Sunscreen Oil

Solar Baby SPF 45 Invisible Sunscreen Oil

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Lightweight and silky, this invisible SPF melts into skin and doesn't feel greasy while providing full broad-spectrum protection to keep your skin safe in the sun.

"I tried it and absolutely love it. My skin feels so silky smooth after applying it, not greasy and it smells SO good!!" - Nicole G.

Can Sunscreen Cause Acne?

Daily SPF is an imperative step in any skincare routine. It protects your skin against harmful UV rays, lowers your risk of skin cancer and sun damage, and prevents sunburns, skin irritation, and premature aging. But does sunscreen cause breakouts?

According to dermatologists, some types of sunscreen can cause acne. Particularly the generic sunscreens designed for the body are more likely to clog pores and trigger blemishes. That’s because formulations intended for the body tend to be thicker, heavier, and a lot more clogging. Many of them contain pore-clogging ingredients like mineral oil and silicones that can congest the pores and potentially cause pimples.

Fortunately, many brands now formulate sunscreens especially for the face. Some sunscreens even contain acne-fighting ingredients that can help you combat breakouts while simultaneously offering sun protection.

Using the right sunscreen doesn’t just protect your skin from the sun’s rays, it can also prevent further breakouts, since new research has shown that the sun can actually trigger breakouts and worsen acne scarring. So whatever your skin type—don’t skip SPF!

Does Sunscreen Make Acne Worse?

If you’re using a comedogenic sunscreen or a sunscreen with irritating ingredients, it could make acne worse. Especially in the summertime, when there’s an increase in sweat and sebum on the skin, oily skin and acne-prone skin types can experience an acne flareup when using a heavy, comedogenic sunscreen.

For that reason, it’s important to choose a non-comedogenic sunscreen that’s fragrance-free and oil-free so it won’t clog your pores, irritate your skin, and possibly exacerbate acne.

Generally speaking, most of the active ingredients found in sunscreens are unlikely to directly trigger breakouts. However, when excess oil and dead skin cells become trapped in the pores, it provides the perfect environment for C. acnes bacteria to thrive. And that’s when breakouts and blackheads appear.

Read Next: Is SPF 30 Enough?

Why Do I Get Acne After Using Sunscreen?

If your current sunscreen is making you break out, it could be because the formula is too heavy for the skin and comedogenic (meaning it clogs pores). Alternatively, some of the ingredients in your sunscreen might be irritating your skin and ultimately triggering breakouts.

There are two main types of sunscreen formulations: chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients such as oxybenzone and avobenzone which absorb UV rays. While they are not directly linked to acne, some people may experience irritation from these ingredients.

Mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which physically block UV rays. Acne-prone skin usually tolerates these skincare ingredients, but certain formulations may contain pore-clogging substances.

How to Use Sunscreen If You Have Acne-Prone Skin

Having acne-prone skin doesn't mean you should skip sunscreen. In fact, daily SPF can help prevent post-acne marks from darkening and protect your skin from inflammation caused by UV exposure. The key is applying it correctly.

Step 1: Start With Clean Skin

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil, sweat, dirt, and leftover skincare products. Applying sunscreen to clean skin reduces the risk of clogged pores and helps your SPF absorb evenly.

Step 2: Apply Your Acne Treatments First

If you use acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or niacinamide, apply them before sunscreen. Give your products a minute or two to absorb before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Apply a Non-Comedogenic Sunscreen

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that's labeled "non-comedogenic," "oil-free," or "won't clog pores." Apply about two finger lengths of sunscreen to your face and neck to ensure adequate protection.

Step 5: Reapply Throughout the Day

Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours when you're outdoors, and after sweating or swimming. If you're concerned about excess shine, try a lightweight gel sunscreen, SPF mist, or mineral powder sunscreen designed for acne-prone skin.

Step 6: Remove Sunscreen Thoroughly at Night

Leaving sunscreen on overnight can allow oil, dead skin cells, and product residue to build up in your pores. At the end of the day, cleanse your skin thoroughly to remove sunscreen and reduce the likelihood of breakouts.

What Type of Sunscreen is Best for Acne?

If you're acne-prone, look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that's lightweight, non-comedogenic, and comfortable enough to wear every day. Gel, fluid, and lightweight lotion formulas are often less likely to feel greasy or contribute to clogged pores.

Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide can be a good option for sensitive or acne-prone skin, but the best sunscreen is ultimately the one that protects your skin without causing breakouts.

Glowing Skin Starts With Solar Baby

Our top pick is Truly's Solar Baby SPF 45 Invisible Sunscreen Oil with Vitamin C + Bakuchiol. Even though it's an oil, it's weightless on the skin and not at all greasy. 

Designed to deliver broad-spectrum protection without the heavy feel of traditional sunscreens, it's ideal for anyone looking to shield their skin from sun damage while maintaining a radiant glow.

Read next: How Long Does Sunscreen Last?

Feature photo by cottonbro studio, Pexels

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