Prevent Breakouts With the 15 Best Non-Greasy Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin
Prevent Breakouts With the 15 Best Non-Greasy Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin
We updated this article in May 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.
Sunscreens have come a long way from the greasy, pore-clogging, strongly-scented formulas you may remember from your childhood days at the beach. Fortunately, there are various types of formulas to choose from today, making it easier to find the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin.
“Using acne medication like retinol can make the skin sensitive to the sun,” says Dendy Engelman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologic surgeon in New York City. “People with acne have the potential to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Sun exposure can make this worse and increase the potential of having the pigment last much longer than it would otherwise,” she warns.
That’s why the fear of new pimples shouldn’t stop you from using sunscreen. Instead, opt for picks that are designed with acne skin-friendly ingredients.
”I encourage mineral-based sunscreens (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) because they are less irritating compared to chemical-based sunscreens,” says Chloe Goldman M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, Florida. “Tinted sunscreens are also a good option because the tint provides better protection against visible light, which can trigger hyperpigmentation (a.k.a dark spots) in areas of previously active acne lesions,” Dr. Goldman advises.
How we chose the best sunscreens for acne
We consulted Dr. Engelman, Dr. Goldman, Alexis Stephens M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Parkland Dermatology, and gathered top-rated picks from Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, Debra Jaliman, M.D., board-certified dermatologist in New York City and the author of Skin Rules, Mona Gohara, M.D., dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine, Shari Marchbein, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, from previously reported Prevention stories and reviewers who have shared some of their own insights.
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The best sunscreens for acne-prone skin shouldn’≠t clog pores or cause breakouts. Here find expert picks from brands like Supergoop and Neutrogena.
