Sometimes, it can feel like you don’t want to apply anything to your acne-prone skin, but the truth is that everyone needs sun protection. It’s an immutable fact that needs to be respected, or you’ll end up with burnt skin that’s damaged by more than just acne. So, if you have to use a product, should it be mineral sunscreen for face or something else?
The reality of the situation is that by using acne-fighting products that contain compounds like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, your skin actually becomes more sensitive to the sun. Photosensitivity makes you even more susceptible to UV rays than everyone else.
Mineral Sunscreen for Face Provides a Gentle BarrierÂ
Another tick in the plus column for mineral sunscreen is that it can be described as non-comedogenic, which is basically a fancy way of saying that it won’t clog your pores. As such, the best dermatologists will usually recommend that you do the following:
- Use a mineral sunscreen that offers an SPF of 30 or more
- Utilize sunglasses to protect the skin around your eyes – as well as your eyes, of course
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outside to protect the neck
- Avoid being outside during the hottest hours of the day (10 am-2 pm)
Other Reasons Why Mineral Sunscreen is Better For AcneÂ
To properly comprehend why it is that acne-prone skin is better served by mineral sunscreen products, you first need to understand oily skin – one of the precursors to acne.
Oil is a red flag that shows your skin is in dire need of hydration. That’s because it’s produced by the skin in reaction to dehydration. It’s this excess oil that makes you feel greasy, and bacteria simply love these kinds of conditions.
It Won’t Clog the PoresÂ
Mineral sunscreen is designed in such a way that it doesn’t clog the pores (as mentioned above) and part of this reason is that it’s never absorbed into the skin. That means it can’t add to the problem and worsen your breakouts. Your acne products can then get on with the job they’re meant to do, without their good work being ruined by your sunscreen every day.
It should be worn every day too, as sun damage can lead to dryness, which leads to oil….and the whole cycle starts again. By including it in your skincare routine, it’s dealt with, and your skin remains hydrated AND protected. The perfect balance.
Mineral Sunscreen For Face – The Clear Winner For Acne Sufferers
So, if you’re someone that’s either been a) not using sunscreen for fear of making your acne worse or b) suffering from persistent breakouts that you think may have been exacerbated by a chemical sunscreen, it’s probably time to consider switching.Â
If the skin benefits aren’t enough to convince you, then consider this – chemical sunscreens are slowly choking the life out of our coral reefs. If we don’t all switch to another type of protection soon, they could be gone forever. And that would be a real shame, don’t you think?