A: Some people with acne-prone skin do their best to avoid sun protection products fearing that the oils and chemicals in the creams will block their pores and make skin worse. Others don’t like the fact that some sun protection products make their skin look shiny.
Effective sun protection is essential for all skin types and skins prone to blemishes and acne are no exception. In fact, choosing the right sun protection can be even more important for acne-prone skin as it is particularly prone to hyperpigmentation.
The trick is to choose products that have been specially formulated for acne-prone skin and that have been clinically and dermatologically proven to give skin the protection it needs without blocking pores, adding sheen or triggering and exacerbating acne.
Choose light creams, fluids or gels. A lighter texture doesn’t mean you need to compromise on high protection. Look out also for products labelled ‘non-comedogenic’ – this means they don’t contain ingredients that might block pores and trigger blemishes.
The active ingredients in several medical acne treatments − e.g. Benzoyl Peroxide, Tretinoin, Adapalene and Azelic Acid − can heighten skin sensitivity to UVA and UVB rays. If you are undergoing medical treatment, it’s important that you practice ‘safe sun’. Limit the time you spend outdoors, avoid the sun during its most intense hours, wear protective clothing whenever possible. Choose a high sun protection factor such as SPF50 and be sure to apply it on sunny ☀ and cloudy 🌥days alike.
