We have spoken about the importance of sunscreen in one’s skincare regimen at length. Regardless of the weather, you need to wear sunblock to prevent sun damage, ageing, hyperpigmentation, and premature ageing. However, this may be a wee bit challenging for folks with acne-prone skin. Wondering how? Well, first and foremost, ingredients such as coconut oil, cocoa butter, and mineral oil present in sunscreen formulations may sometimes congest your pores. Due to excessive perspiration, the sunscreen formula may melt off your face, flaring your acne. To help tackle the above concerns and more (discussed ahead), we are bringing you a roundup of the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin based on consumer reviews and the discretion of our skilled beauty editors here at Nykaa.
But before we move on, what are some pointers to bear in mind while sunscreen shopping for acne-prone skin and what is the right way to apply sunscreen? Let’s begin with the latter.
How Should You Apply Sunscreen?
According to industry experts, one should apply a generous amount of sunscreen 20 minutes before heading outdoors. For the face and neck, use the two-finger rule. Dispense the product in two separate lines on your index and middle fingers and gently massage it onto your face and neck until properly absorbed. — On account of a prolonged stay (outside), ensure to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours to fortify your sun protection.
Tips And Tricks To Using Sunscreen
- Use sunscreen every day, whether you are indoors, next to a window or outdoors.
- Opt for a broad spectrum formula of at least SPF 30 that shields you against UVA and UVB radiations.
- To further double down on sun protection —use wide-brim hats, caps, scarves or umbrellas to shield your skin from the harsh sun rays
- Go for a formula with SPF 30 and above, which blocks a colossal 97% of the total radiation exposure.
- Your lips also require sun protection so make sure to use an SPF-imbued lip balm to keep your pout healthy and happy.
What To Look For In A Sunscreen For Acne-Prone Skin?
- Light, Breathable Formula
If you struggle with acne, pick a light, breathable formula that doesn’t suffocate the skin. - Non-comedogenic
Look for an offering that doesn’t clog your pores – these formulations oftentimes feature acne-relieving ingredients like niacinamide and cica to help streamline your efforts to keep the zits at bay. - Fragrance-Free
Using sunscreen with a fragrance makes your skin more susceptible to irritation or in many cases, acne. - Humidity-Proof
To ensure that your sunscreen doesn’t pill under the relentless sun, opt for a water-resistant formula.. - Mattifying Effect
People with acne-prone skin should go for mattifying sunscreens which eliminates excess shine on the face, all while dwindling the appearance of pores.
10 Best Sunscreen For Acne Prone Skin
1. The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Aqua Gel With Spf 50 Pa++++ For Broad Spectrum
Key Ingredient: Hyaluronic acid
SPF: 50
Non-greasy, fragrance-free and dermatologically tested, this stellar offering from The Derma Co works well for acne or blemish-prone skin. The formulation dissolves into your skin like water, without leaving a white cast behind. The sunscreen features hyaluronic acid, a humectant which helps retain moisture in the skin and helps prevent the sebaceous glands from going into an overdrive mode.
2. MCaffeine Green Tea & Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++
Key Ingredient: Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide and Green tea
SPF: 50
The broad-spectrum sunscreen shields your skin against UVA and UVB rays. Caffeine and green tea extracts act as antioxidants which fight off free radicals swarming in the environment. This formulation is lightweight and water-resistant, making it an ideal pick for people with acne or acne-prone skin. The active components in the blend — niacinamide and hyaluronic acid work on diminishing the appearance of pigmentation spots and administering ample hydration to the skin, respectively.
3. Reequil Ultra Matte Dry Touch Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 PA ++++ UVA
Key Ingredient: Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide and Botanical extract Physalis Angulat
SPF: 50
Bestowed with the Nykaa Beauty Femina Award in 2022, the Reequil Ultra Matte Dry Touch Sunscreen Gel is one of the most sought-after sun care products on the website. The anhydrous silicone based formula grants you the highest degree of mattifying effect and a non-greasy feel. The presence of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide makes this lotion a perfect fit for acne prone skin. The velvety soft formula is non-comedogenic, water-proof and dermatologically tested. Plus, it doesn't leave behind the unwarranted white cast.
4. Cetaphil SUN SPF 50+ Light Gel
Key Ingredient: Aqua, tocopherol
SPF: 50
Boasting a combination of physical and chemical filters, the sunscreen by the humble yet efficacious drug store brand - Cetaphil protects your skin indoors and outdoors. The light, gel-like consistency is nourishing, sweat-resistant and non-comedogenic. Take a generous amount of this potent concoction and gently massage it into your skin— face, neck and limbs that might be exposed to the sun.
5. Thank You Farmer Korean Water Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++
Key Ingredient: Sunflower seed oil, bamboo water, African Walnut Oil
SPF: 50
If you skip moisturisers in the morning to avoid the motherlode of grease, the Water Sun Cream with SPF 50 and PA+++ hits two birds with one stone. It has a horde of moisturising and hydrating ingredients like sunflower see oil, bamboo water, and african walnut oil to soften the skin, strengthen the moisture barrier, and locks in hydration all while giving you lightweight sun protection.
6. SCINIC Enjoy All Round Airy Sun Stick SPF 50+ Pa++++
Key Ingredient: Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Green Tea Extract, Ectoin
SPF: 50
From the Land Of The Morning Calm, courtesy of Nykaa’s Cross-Border Store, this formidable sun protection formula gives you a non-greasy, matte finish that also controls excess sebum production. You can slip this air-light sunscreen into your backpack and apply it every 2 hours on account of continued sun exposure. Just a couple of swipes over the skin forms an invisible yet protective layer which shields the skin from sun damage and free radicals
7. Dr. Sheth's Centella & Niacinamide Oil & Acne Control Sunscreen
Key Ingredient: Centella, Niacinamide
SPF: 50
Dr. Sheth’s, a result-oriented skincare brand, presents a feather-light, gel-based SPF that reigns supreme for acne care on Nykaa. The ultra-matte finish of the formula leaves a dry yet velvety finish. Niacinamide in the brew, controls sebum production while Centella Asiatica extract has incomparable soothing properties.
8. Qurez Mattifying Sunscreen SPF 50 Pa+++ with Blue Light Protection | OXYBENZONE & OMC FREE
Key Ingredient: Aloe vera, Glycerine and Vitamin E
SPF: 50
The Querz Mattifying sunscreen guards the skin against UV rays and oxidative damage caused by blue light emitting from digital devices. It is, inarguably, the best pick for people spending hours working in front of a screen. Carrying potent ingredients in the mix such as aloe vera, glycerine and vitamin E and 5 UV filters— this sunscreen ought to find a spot in your summer beauty arsenal. With a mattifying yet moisturising effect, this sunscreen is the perfect go-to for people with acne-prone and sensitive skin.
9. Minimalist SPF 60 PA ++++ Sunscreen With Antioxidant Silymarin, Sensitive Skin, Acne & Pregnancy Safe
Key Ingredient: Silymarin
SPF: 60
A broad-spectrum moisturising SPF with SPF 60 and pa +++ uses photostable filters like tinosorb S, uvinul A plus, and uvinul T 150 to shield the skin against harmful UV radiations. It sits invisibly on the skin and doesn’t smear on continued exposure to the sun. Devoid of OMC, benzophenone/oxybenzone, and homosalat, this magical formula doesn’t leave a white cast. As the product is oil-free and fragrance-free, it has been deemed fit for acne-prone and sensitive skin types. On application, the sunscreen gives you the slip of a moisturiser yet has a gorgeous matte finish that doesn’t budge!
10. The Face Shop Natural Sun Eco No Shine Hydrating Sun Cream
Key Ingredient: Chia seeds, Cotton seed
SPF: 50
The Natural Sun sunscreen by The Face Shop works as a tall glass of water for oily/acne-prone skin. A blend of chia seed and cotton seed extracts imparts lightweight moisture while absorbing excess pore-clogging sebum. The versatile sun cream also doubles as a primer, reducing the appearance of pores while granting your skin a mattifying finish. Dermatologically tested, allergy tested and hence, deemed fit for people grappling with active acne.
In conclusion, if you have been preemptively steering clear of sunscreens on account of unexpected breakouts – it's time to switch to the above products that may be better suited for your skin. SPF in your regimen is non-negotiable and with these ideal formulations, you can solidify your efforts to achieve great skin that is also sun-protected.
FAQs
Q. What Are Some Tips To Reapply Sunscreen On Your Makeup?
Use a beauty sponge to reapply the sunscreen on your makeup. Cover the beauty tool with your liquid sunscreen and apply it topically on your face and neck.
Q. What Are Some Benefits Of Using Sunscreen?
Using sunscreen can help shield your skin against sun-induced ageing, pigmentation, sunburns and rashes.
Q. Sunscreen Stick Or Sunscreen Powder? What Is The Difference?
Powder sunscreen is closer in texture to a setting powder and can be reapplied at any time of the day. This product is usually complete with a brush or a puff which grants your skin sun protection, hides creasing and casts away any excess oil on the face. Sunscreen stick, on the other hand, is a bar of SPF that you can use on the go. Just a couple of swipes will help fortify your skin against the mighty sun’s wrath. Sunscreen sticks, just like powder sunscreens, are convenient to use and portable. However, according to industry experts, you should only use powder sunscreen for re-application and not as your primary sun shielding base.
