The short answer is no, sunscreen doesn’t cause acne. Acne is a condition in which the pores become clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. It’s often linked to hormonal fluctuations but using the wrong skincare products (including sunscreen) can block your pores or irritate your skin , leading to an increased risk of breakouts.

Whether sunscreen is likely to contribute to acne comes down to the formulation. Certain ingredients like mineral oil and certain emollients are considered comedogenic—they can block the pores. If the formula itself is too heavy, greasy, or water-resistant , that can also cause issues with clogged pores and skin irritation.

In some cases, it’s an individual issue. If your skin is sensitive to a particular ingredient, for example, some sunscreens might clog your pores while others don’t. It’s all about finding a product that works for your skin type

Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, you may benefit from switching to a sunscreen appropriate for acne-prone skin . These formulas are generally lightweight and made without ingredients that tend to clog pores.

Here are some tips for choosing sunscreen for acne-prone skin:

• Look for non-comedogenic formulas . These products are formulated without comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients like oil.

• Opt for mineral-based sunscreen . Chemical sunscreen can increase sweating, leading to more oil and sweat getting trapped in the pores.

• Choose a product formulated for facial use . Sunscreen made for facial use tends to be more lightweight and less likely to clog the pores.

• Look for anti-inflammatory ingredients . Ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide may help reduce inflammation and prevent breakouts.

When making changes to your skincare routine, it’s important to patch test new products. Apply a small amount of your new sunscreen to a small, discreet area of skin that typically doesn’t see sun exposure. Monitor for any immediate reactions within 15-30 minutes and check the spot periodically over the next 24 hours.

If you notice any redness, itching, burning, or swelling in the area, discontinue use of the product. For very sensitive skin, it may be wise to wait 48-72 hours to make sure you don’t experience a delayed reaction.

When you struggle with clogged pores or frequent breakouts, it can be tempting to minimize your use of skincare products to prevent reactions. While it’s a good idea to avoid stressing your skin, sun protection is a must.

With the right product and application technique, you can enjoy long-lasting sun protection without clogging your pores. Here are some tips to optimize protection while minimizing breakouts:

1. Cleanse and tone before applying sunscreen . Start your day with clean skin and consider applying an acidic toner to promote healthy skin pH and help combat acne. Let the toner absorb into your skin before moving to the next step in your routine.

2. Consider using a moisturizer with SPF . After cleansing and toning, you should be applying moisturizer. By choosing a moisturizer with SPF, you can skip the additional step of wearing sunscreen and minimize the number of products you’re putting on your skin.

3. Choose a product with at least SPF 30 protection . Even if you’re not staying out in the sun for long, experts recommend a minimum sun protection factor of 30. Remember, you can always layer products like an SPF 15 moisturizer paired with a sunscreen SPF 15 or higher.

Apply a generous layer and reapply regularly . Avoid the temptation to skimp on sunscreen to avoid clogging your pores. Inadequate coverage can lead to sun damage which may exacerbate breakouts, so apply a thick layer and reapply every two hours.

There are countless sunscreen formulas on the market but if you have oily or acne-prone skin, it’s important to shop smart. Look for a lightweight, noncomedogenic formula that delivers long-lasting sun protection without sitting heavy on your skin. Here are some of our top picks from Exclusive Beauty Club:

Formulated specifically for acne-prone skin, this lightweight formula contains hydrating and skin-soothing ingredients in addition to delivering SPF 46 protection. This EltaMD UV Clear Untinted Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen features transparent zinc oxide which provides sun protection gentle enough for all skin types without leaving a white cast.

As an added bonus, this sunscreen is enriched with hydrating hyaluronic acid and skin-soothing niacinamide to calm irritated skin while delivering lasting sun protection.

If you’re looking for an oil-free everyday sunscreen suitable for acne-prone skin, look no further than this SkinMedica Essential Defense Everyday Clear SPF 47 Sunscreen . It delivers powerful UVA/UVB protection without leaving your skin feeling greasy. It’s fragrance-free, noncomedogenic, and gentle enough for sensitive skin.

For flawless sun protection without unwanted shine, give this SkinMedica daily wear sunscreen formula a try.

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Skin that has already sustained some damage needs special care, and that’s exactly what this ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion offers. It’s a fast-absorbing, lightweight mineral sunscreen that delivers SPF 50 protection without feeling heavy or greasy.

What makes this formula unique is the inclusion of patented DNA Repairsomes which are clinically proven to help repair existing sun damage.

ooking for a sunscreen that helps repair and disguise the visible signs of aging? This Revision Skincare Intellishade Matte sunscreen is lightly tinted to give your skin that flawless look while anti-aging ingredients get to work under the surface. This sunscreen is formulated to correct, protect, conceal, brighten, and hydrate the skin.

If you want a sunscreen that does more than just protect your skin, choose one clinically proven to help repair it like this Revision Skincare formula.

For sun protection that leaves your skin with a healthy glow, try Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 Glow . This lightweight mineral sunscreen delivers SPF 50 protection along with a pearlescent glow to give your skin a boost of youthful radiance. Plus, it’s water-resistant, making it perfect for days at the beach.

Don’t settle for a sunscreen that merely sits on your skin when you can enjoy one that makes you look luminous with this Sunforgettable formula from Colorescience. 

If you’re tired of sunscreen leaving your skin feeling greasy or triggering breakouts, it may be time to make a switch. The wrong product can clog your pores or cause irritation but skipping the sun protection isn’t the solution. Consider switching to a sunscreen formulated for acne-prone skin and follow the tips above to apply it properly.

When it’s time to upgrade your sun protection game, head to Exclusive Beauty Club to find your perfect formula. You’ll find a wide range of sunscreens suitable for oily and acne-prone skin as well as all your other skincare essentials. And be sure to check out the Exclusive Beauty Club blog for product recommendations and skincare tips.

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