Top 5 Sunscreen Ingredients for Acne-Prone Skin

As we know, sun protection is important for all skin types and conditions and even more so for acne-prone skin types that are often highly reactive and sensitive to both topical and environmental factors.

As not all skin conditions have the same needs, finding the right sunscreen for your client’s skin type can be challenging, especially for highly reactive skin such as acne.

• Sunscreen protects against UVA/UVB rays, prevents sunburn, slows down the signs of ageing and most importantly, protects against skin cancer.
• Whether your client has oily, dry, acne-prone or sensitive skin, sunscreen is non-negotiable.

For acne-prone skin, it is important to recommend the right formulas and ingredients to avoid clogged pores, breakouts, irritation and scarring.

Here are some ingredients that you should look for:

Acne safe sunscreen

• When choosing appropriate sunscreen ingredients, mineral sunscreens are generally a safe option for acne-prone skin types and conditions exacerbated by heat, such as melasma or rosacea.
• Mineral sunscreens create a physical barrier that reflects and scatters the sun’s rays, preventing them from being absorbed into the skin.
• Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin, potentially causing unwanted reactions and irritation.

When recommending sunscreen for acne-prone skin, look for oil-free and non-comedogenic formulas. Excess sebum production is common in acne-prone skin, leading to an oily appearance, clogged pores and breakouts.

By choosing oil-free sunscreens, you can help control oiliness and avoid further pore blockage. Even if you have dry, acne-prone skin, an oil-free sunscreen is still a safe option. Here are the best sunscreen ingredients for acne-prone skin.

Zinc Oxide

• This ingredient creates a physical barrier on the skin’s surface, reflecting and scattering UV rays.
• They have oil-absorbing properties, which can help mattify the skin’s appearance and reduce shine.
• Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide also possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can be beneficial for acne-prone skin.

Titanium Dioxide

• An excellent choice as it creates a physical barrier like zinc oxide.
• Also like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide helps to mattify the skin and provide anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits.

Iron Oxides

• Can improve the shiny appearance of acne-prone skin by reflecting light.
• You can usually find tinted sunscreens that contain iron oxides as this ingredient is beneficial in minimizing oiliness and providing a matte finish.
• They can also replace pore-clogging makeup products like foundation for a natural look.

Dimethicone

• Dimethicone is a silicone-based ingredient often included in sunscreens for oily skin.
• Creates a smooth, matte finish, minimising the appearance of oiliness and reducing shine.
• However, individuals with dry skin may find it can over-dry their skin by absorbing natural oils excessively.

Silica

• An oil-absorbing ingredient that helps control excess oil and shine.
• Contributes to a more matte appearance and is beneficial for oily skin.

Correct application for clients

• With all skin types, but particularly with more reactive and sensitive skin types such as acne-prone, appropriate application and frequency are issues that you will need to educate your clients on
• Both these factors are important when it comes to how effective sunscreen will be in protecting the skin.

As an aesthetic provider, it is important to guide your clients in understanding what works best for their skin.

Sunscreen is not only essential for long-term skin health but also provides additional benefits. By recommending the right sunscreen, you can help your clients protect their skin and maintain its overall well-being.

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