This $10 Sunscreen Is the Only SPF I’ll Use on My Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin
As a health editor, I’ve tried a lot of different sunscreens. But here’s a secret I’m not so proud to admit: I really only started wearing one consistently during the past year. That’s because, like so many others, I hated the way sunscreen felt on my oily, acne-prone skin. Nearly every formula I tried was too heavy, greasy, white, or smelly.
With every skin care article I edited at work (there are a lot of them here on Prevention.com!), the guilt I felt for skipping this crucial step started to grow. But it wasn’t until my dermatologist got me started on a prescription acne medication that I knew it was time to bite the bullet and find an SPF I could happily wear every single day. I was so determined, I even made it one of my New Year’s resolutions.
My new acne treatment contained a retinoid. Even though the wrinkle fighter works wonders on acne, it also makes skin more sensitive to the sun after using it—not ideal if you have an already-sensitive complexion, acne scars, or simply want to avoid early sun spots and fine lines. “You need to make sure you wear a sunscreen every day after using this,” my dermatologist told me as she prescribed my treatment. “Otherwise, you’re just going to undo all the progress you make.”
So, as one does, I started searching the web for top sunscreen recommendations, and landed on a term that caught my eye: liquid sunscreen. That sounded like something that would feel better than a thick, goopy cream, so I gave it a shot—and I’m so happy I did.
When I first tried Neutrogena’s Sensitive Skin Liquid Sunscreen SPF 50, I was skeptical. But as soon as I applied it, I instantly knew it was unlike anything I had tried before. I shook the bottle (it really did sound like water in there!), poured out a nickel-sized amount, and slathered it onto my face. Here’s why I can’t stop raving about it:
It truly feels lightweight
This liquid formula literally comes out of the bottle like a slightly thicker form of water. It has a very thin consistency and feels almost like a serum going on. I use it as a last step before my makeup and it never feels thick, heavy, or greasy throughout the day.
It does leave a bit of a white cast at first, but if you take a little bit of time to blend it in, it disappears (keep in mind that I have a fair skin tone). Mineral sunscreens are notorious for leaving white streaks, but I decided to deal with it and go for a chemical-free product. (Read more about how sunscreen impacts our oceans here.)
My skin never gets irritated
Ever break out after applying SPF? Yeah, same—but not with this one. Because it’s noncomedogenic and oil-free, it never clogs my pores. Weirdly enough, it almost feels like it has a matte finish with less of a slip after you start massaging it into your skin, which I love because it doesn’t leave behind too much shine (just a subtle glow). Another major bonus: It has no added fragrance, which can often leave my skin feeling irritated, itchy, or red.
It’s super cheap
At only $10, I really can’t complain. I was considering much higher-end options from Sephora before I stumbled upon this sunscreen, which you can find at mass retailers like Amazon and Walmart. You do get a little less product than your typical tubes, but this bottle lasted me a few months since I only used it on my face.
My skin has never looked this even and clear
Perhaps the biggest difference I’ve seen in my complexion is one I should have expected all along: My skin tone has improved and my acne scars are actually getting lighter. Of course, using a retinoid daily has definitely played a part in this, but I’ve noticed that any new blemishes that pop up tend to fade faster, too. That’s because the sun’s UV rays actually make hyperpigmentation and scarring darker, so creating a protective barrier with your SPF can help your skin heal faster.
Conclusion: If you hate sunscreen, but really want to start wearing one to protect and improve your skin, this liquid sunscreen will be totally life-changing for you. It was for me, and I can confidently say it has a permanent spot in skin care routine.
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