Does sunscreen cause acne

If you decided not to put on sun protection just because you were scared that you might get pimples, then you are not the only one. It is a typical problem: should you save your skin from the sun or from acne? The result is that many people ask whether sunscreen causes acne or if it is just an old skincare myth.

The answer is complicated. Even though it is necessary to use sunscreen for the health of the skin, some ingredients or habits related to its usage can definitely result in clogged pores.

Why Sunscreen Might Cause Acne

The UV filters are hardly ever the ones that cause the problem. Generally, the fault is with the 'vehicle' the lotion or cream in which the sun protection is delivered. This is why you might be getting spots:

• Comedogenic Ingredients: Certain sunscreens are made up of heavy oils, silicones, or thickeners like cocoa butter and coconut oil. These substances can, on the one hand, physically trap sebum and dead skin cells inside your pores.
• Heat Trapping: Sunscreens, which are of a thicker consistency, can cover the skin in a film that not only traps sweat but also bacteria. This is, for instance, during a workout or when it is a hot day at the beach.
• Improper Cleansing: Sunscreen is made to be absorbed by your skin. If you don't clean it properly at night, the remaining residue will attract dirt like a magnet.

Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin

Breaking out is not a reason for quitting SPF; you only have to change your formula. Use the chart below to find the perfect one for you.

The "Double Cleanse" Secret

The most crucial step of making sure your sunscreen will not give you acne is by how you take it off. Most of the time, normal face washes leave a layer of film on the skin. "Double Cleansing" is highly recommended here, which means using micellar water or light oil to dissolve the SPF first, then your usual foaming or gel cleanser.

The Takeaway:

Are sunscreens the cause of acne? No, if you pick the right one. By using oil, free, non, comedogenic products and making sure that you wash them off thoroughly at the end of the day, you can have both clear skin and sun protection.