Is Your Sunscreen Causing Your Acne?
Summer is in full swing and that means one thing: time to break out the sunscreen. But while you’re lathering up to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, are you inadvertently causing yourself acne?
It’s a surprisingly common issue, but thankfully there are a few things you can do to help mitigate it. Read on for tips on how to choose the right sunscreen for your skin type and avoid breakouts.
What Causes Acne
Acne is a skin condition that is characterized by the presence of blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed red pimples. It typically occurs when the pores of the skin become clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
Acne can be caused by a number of different factors, including hormones, diet, and cosmetics. Acne prone skin is more likely to develop acne in response to these triggers. In addition, acne can also be caused by stress and other psychological factors.
While acne is most commonly associated with adolescence, it can occur at any age. Treatment for acne typically focuses on cleansing the skin and removing the excess oil and dead skin cells that are clogging the pores. In some cases, medication may also be necessary to control acne breakouts.
Can Sunscreen cause acne?
While sunscreen is a crucial part of protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, it can also be a leading cause of acne. This is especially true for people with oily or sensitive skin.
Sunscreen works by creating a barrier on the surface of the skin that reflects and scatters UV rays. However, this barrier can also trap oil and sweat on the skin, leading to breakouts. In addition, many sunscreens contain comedogenic ingredients that can clog pores and trigger acne.
For people with oily skin, finding the right sunscreen can be a delicate balancing act. On the one hand, you need a product that will provide adequate sun protection; on the other hand, you don’t want to end up with a face full of breakouts.
Unfortunately, many sunscreens rely on ingredients that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. But there are a few things you can look for that will help you find a sunscreen that won’t leave your skin feeling oily or greasy. First, look for products that are labeled “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free.”
Second, pay attention to the active ingredients in sunscreen. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are two of the best options for oily skin because they provide excellent sun protection without being oily or greasy. If you choose the right sunscreen, you can even help lighten acne scars with consistent use.
We’ll discuss this in detail in the next section.
Preventing Acne While Using Sunscreen
No doubt going sunscreen free is not an option to prevent acne and clogged pores. In fact, you are encouraged to apply sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days, to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
While we have already established that sunscreen cause acne, there are still a lot of ways to still protect you from sun exposure by wearing sunscreen.
1. Choose a sunscreen that is oil-free and non-comedogenic to reduce your risk of acne
People with oily skin are at a higher risk for developing acne. When choosing a sunscreen for acne skin, it is important to choose one that is oil-free and non-comedogenic. Oil-free sunscreens will not clog pores and will help to keep skin feeling matte.
Non-comedogenic sunscreens will not cause blackheads or whiteheads. In addition, look for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these ingredients provide broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. By choosing the right sunscreen, you can help to reduce your risk of developing acne.
2. Clean your skin before applying sunscreen
It’s important to clean your skin before applying sunscreen. Otherwise, the sunscreen won’t be as effective and you may end up with a sunburn and may further irritate your acne prone skin. When you clean your skin, be sure to use a gentle cleanser. Otherwise, you may irritate your skin. Avoid using soap, as it can be drying. Instead, opt for a cleanser that is designed for sensitive skin.
Once you’ve cleaned your skin, apply sunscreen. Be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply the sunscreen liberally, and make sure to cover all exposed areas of skin.
3. Avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals
Many sunscreen products contain harsh chemicals that can cause acne. Therefore, it is important to avoid using sunscreen products that contain harsh chemicals. There are many sunscreen products on the market that do not contain harsh chemicals and that can be used safely on the skin.
In addition, there are many natural sunscreen products that can be made at home that do not contain any harsh chemicals. Sunscreen recipes that use natural ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, and zinc oxide are readily available online. By avoiding sunscreen products that contain harsh chemicals in your skin care routine, people can help to keep their skin healthy and free from acne.
4. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
It’s no secret that staying hydrated is important for your overall health. But did you know that drinking plenty of water can also help to keep your skin looking its best? That’s because water helps to flush out toxins and keep your cells hydrated, giving your skin a healthy glow.
And while sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from the sun, it can also cause breakouts. So be sure to wash it off thoroughly at the end of the day and drink plenty of water to help keep your skin clear and hydrated.
5. Seek medical attention if you develop a severe breakout
While minor breakouts can often be treated at home, more severe cases may require medical attention. Some of the signs that you should see a doctor for acne include large, painful pimples, multiple breakouts, and breakouts that do not respond to over-the-counter treatments.
In addition, if you develop acne after using a new sunscreen or cosmetic product, it is important to seek medical advice. This is because some sunscreens and cosmetics can cause acne flare-ups. If you are concerned about your acne, please consult a dermatologist or other qualified medical professional.
Conclusion
So, the answer to “can sunscreen cause acne” is basically yes. But, it is important to remember that acne breakouts are often cause by more than one factor. This involves your whole skin care routine and even lifestyle. Sunscreens are often applied last on your face, on top of all other products you are using.
Before deciding to remove sun protection altogether due to fear of acnes, it is important to evaluate your entire skin care line first and consult with a dermatologist about what specific ingredient could be causing breakouts.
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