Waking up to a fresh pimple right in the middle of your forehead can be a real bummer, especially when you’re trying to get your day started. Acne can seem like a real mystery, and there are far too many myths about what causes it (which doesn’t make matters any less complicated).
One question people often ask is whether sunscreen causes acne. You might have searched for answers and found mixed opinions. The truth is, older sunscreen formulas were often greasy and heavy. For this reason, a lot of people are wary of using them (despite their benefits in preventing skin cancer and sun damage).
For those with acne-prone skin, finding the right sunscreen is more important than you might think. In this article, we’ll discuss how sunscreen affects acne. We’ll also talk about the best options for your skin type, so you’ll definitely want to stick around. Let’s get started!
Are Mineral Sunscreens Best for Acne-Prone Skin?
Mineral sunscreens are less likely to clog your pores than chemical sunscreens. For this reason, dermatologists recommend using mineral sunscreen (also known as physical sunscreen) for acne-prone skin. Unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb UV rays, mineral sunscreens create a barrier on your skin that reflects these rays.
This is especially important for people who have sensitive or acne-prone skin. What makes mineral sunscreen better for acne-prone skin, you might ask? Well, for one, ingredients like zinc oxide in mineral sunscreens are gentle and less likely to cause skin irritation (as well as acne breakouts).
Zinc oxide not only protects against the sun but also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm your acne. Once again, it doesn’t clog pores and offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Furthermore, using a sunscreen with zinc oxide can protect your skin from the sun without making your acne worse.
The Benefits of Mineral Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin
If you have acne-prone skin, you might want to consider switching to a mineral sunscreen. It’s important to use sunscreen for health reasons, sure, but choosing the right type of sunscreen can make a huge difference. Here’s why:
Reduced skin irritation
Mineral sunscreens are gentler because they reflect UV rays instead of absorbing them. This minimizes the chance of irritation compared to chemical sunscreens, which can disrupt sensitive skin. Ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are known for being gentle, reducing the likelihood of aggravating acne.
Reduced risk of breakouts
Choosing the right sunscreen is very important if you happen to have acne-prone skin. Mineral sunscreens are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog your pores. They stay on the skin's surface and reflect UV rays without causing acne breakouts.
The reason for this is that the active ingredients — like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide — are less likely to irritate or clog your pores. This means that sunscreens that contain these ingredients are especially ideal for preventing acne flare-ups.
Better for sensitive skin
For sensitive or acne-prone skin, mineral sunscreens are clearly the better choice. They sit on the skin’s surface and act as a physical barrier. They also don’t contain any of the typical irritants found in chemical sunscreens.
Zinc oxide (again, most mineral sunscreens contain this ingredient) is gentle and has anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe inflamed skin and reduce acne severity. We’ll talk about zinc oxide in a bit more detail shortly, so don’t worry!
The Best Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin
Not all mineral sunscreens are created equal. People with acne-prone skin will want to choose sunscreens with zinc oxide that are labeled “non-comedogenic” and “non-nano.” This will help a lot if you’re trying to prevent your pores from becoming clogged.
Keeping your skin hydrated while protecting it from the sun is also really important. Make sure to look for natural sunscreens that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid. This will be the best way to keep your skin healthy while also avoiding breakouts.
You might be wondering where to start when it comes to using mineral sunscreen. In order to get the best results, you’ll want to start with a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer. This will keep your skin hydrated without clogging your pores — and it’ll provide a good base for your mineral sunscreen.
Make sure to apply your mineral sunscreen over your moisturizer, too. Since mineral sunscreens form a protective layer on the skin that reflects UV rays, ensuring an even application will help maximize your protection — especially if you have sensitive or oily skin.
At the end of the day, it’s important to thoroughly remove sunscreen with a gentle cleanser that’s designed for oily or acne-prone skin. This will help prevent breakouts and keep your skin clean.
Mineral sunscreens are great for sensitive skin and start working immediately after you apply them. Make sure to apply your mineral sunscreen generously as the last step in your skincare routine before you put on any makeup. Reapply every two hours, especially if you're planning on sweating or swimming.
To prevent acne breakouts (and treat any acne you currently have), you can also incorporate other types of skincare treatments into your skincare routine. For example, you might want to try out blue light therapy, since it can be very effective in both preventing and reducing acne breakouts. The DermForge LED mask is proof of this!
Chemical vs. Physical (Mineral) Sunscreen
Using sunscreen isn’t just important — it’s necessary when it comes to protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun (like sunburn, skin damage, and even skin cancer). It also helps reduce the signs of aging (i.e. wrinkles, rough skin, and dark spots).
As previously mentioned, there are two main types of sunscreen: chemical and physical. Both offer protection — but in very different ways. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know about each type.
Chemical sunscreens
You might be curious about how, exactly, chemical sunscreens work. Chemical sunscreens are often called “absorbers.” They contain organic compounds that absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, which is then released from the skin.
Physical sunscreens
Physical sunscreens, on the other hand, are also known as “reflectors.” They have active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that sit on the skin’s surface, forming a barrier that reflects UV rays away from your skin.
What is Zinc Oxide?
Zinc oxide is an important ingredient in a lot of mineral sunscreens. It has evolved from the thick, white pastes of the past to more lightweight and blendable formulas that still provide great sun protection without leaving a nasty white residue. Here are some of its main benefits:
Keeps your skin cool
Unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb UV rays and turn them into heat, zinc oxide reflects the sun's rays, keeping your skin cool and allowing it to breathe. This helps reduce inflammation and redness, which is particularly helpful for those with acne, rosacea, or sensitive skin.
Provides mineral sun protection
Zinc oxide is made by combining zinc with oxygen. When these elements are vaporized and condensed, they create a fine powder that sits on the skin, forming a barrier that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. This physical blocking action is like having a mirror on your skin that reflects UV rays away before they can cause damage.
Supports collagen production
Exposure to UV rays is a major cause of premature aging. Sun damage creates free radicals that break down collagen, the protein that keeps your skin firm and elastic. Zinc helps stimulate collagen production, aiding in the repair and maintenance of your skin's connective tissue.
Helps treat acne
Of course, zinc oxide is also great for treating acne-prone skin. It reduces inflammation, inhibits the growth of acne-causing bacteria, and controls oil production (so if you have oily skin, mineral sunscreen will be the best choice for you). Its astringent properties also help tighten your pores, which makes them less noticeable.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, picking out which sunscreen to use requires more thought than most people think it does. Most chemical sunscreens will clog your pores, which is one of the main causes of acne breakouts. This is why, if you have acne-prone skin, you should always use physical sunscreen (or mineral sunscreen).
Since mineral sunscreen contains active ingredients like zinc oxide, it’s actually great for acne-prone skin. It helps with collagen production, too, which is very important for skin repair. Remember, you can always incorporate other types of treatments into your skincare routine, too — like light therapy. The DermForge LED light therapy masks are super easy to use, and you’ll be able to get a lot of bang for your buck, too.
If you have to deal with clogged pores and acne breakouts every time you slap on some sunscreen, you’re not alone. Chances are, you’re just using the wrong sunscreen, in which case, switching to a mineral sunscreen could honestly change your life. If you’d like to learn more, don’t hesitate to check out our blog.
As always, DermForge is here to help!
