Sunscreen Picks for Acne Prone Skin

Being a dermatologist and a mom of teenage girls, protecting skin without causing acne is a prime concern.  When I write these articles, I often look to see if someone else has written something similar.  While I did find a few articles on this topic, I didn’t agree with their lists so I’m coming up with my own.

Why did I not agree with their choices?  If you have followed my sunscreen recommendations in the past I have focused on three major things: Active Ingredients, Water Resistance and Comedogenicity. MANY on their lists did not meet my MINERAL ONLY standard and/or were not labeled non-comedogenic.  First a quick review….

HOW DO I CHOOSE A SUNSCREEN?  

1 – Check the Active Ingredients – I particularly like sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide ONLY.  Zinc and titanium are physical mineral barriers that work much better and last longer than the chemical sunscreens. Zinc has a slightly more complete and broader coverage than Titanium. Some chemical sunscreens have now been shown to penetrate into the blood stream and may damage the coral reef, so I recommend to avoid them.  Read the ACTIVE INGREDIENTS carefully.

2-Check the Water Resistance- Some water resistance is optimal. This means that no matter the SPF if you are in the water we need to reapply every 80 minutes.

3-Make sure it is Non-Comedogenic if you plan to use it on your face or other acne prone areas. Do not assume that just because it is a “good brand” it is non-comedogenic.  Always check the label.  If it doesn’t say non-comedogenic or doesn’t clog pores, it WILL clog your pores. Lightweight, oil-free, sensitive skin, hypoallergic are NOT enough.  Look for the actual wording NON-COMEDOGENIC or DOESN’T CLOG PORES.

I didn’t mention SPF.  What?  In my opinion the things listed above are more important than SPF.  If you’re stuck on that though, shoot for an SPF>30.  It’s rare to find a zinc based sunscreen with an SPF<30, so if you follow step number one you should be good!

For this article we are going to add something new to our list.  

4-PA Level.  Often listed with a series of +++ signs after it.  PA level is popping up on more high end sunscreens.  This is a measure of UVA protection.  While not widely used or well regulated yet, some measure of UVA protection is important for limiting discoloration of acne scars.  To learn more about PA level, check out our article linked below.  Again all mineral sunscreens provide good UVA protection.

So, based on these criteria the list is SHORT.  I scoured the internet, this one was more than Walmart could handle, and here is what I found.  I have personally tried most of these (*) and some of these we sell in our Spring Boutique(#)

 TOP PICKS

*# ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless- this tinted lightweight formula is pricey, but it also contains DNA repair enzymes to active repair sun damage.  The tint also protects against discoloration of acne lesions.

*#Cetaphil Sheer Mineral- this option is a bargain but doesn’t go on as smooth or as pretty.

*Cereave Hydrating Mineral – also a less expensive, but less elegant option.

*#Colorescience Sunscreens ALL VARIETIES. -These are lovely, go on like makeup and come in every shade imaginable including glow and bronze formulas.  They are available in creams, lotions and powders.  Many also contain a PA++++ rating.

*#Alastin Hydratint-This one goes on silky smooth and is full of other power packed ingredients.

*Skin Better Science ALL VARIETIES. I particularly like the Compact for it’s ease to tuck into a purse or a pocket.  PA+++ and above.

The only spray I found that was listed as non-comedogenic was EltaMD UV AOX Mist.  

Other Notable Mentions

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Mineral, COTZ Flawless Complexion Mineral, Eucerin Sensitive Mineral, Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral, Hero Force Shield, Vanicream Mineral Sunscreen.

I might not be Prevention, Glamour or one of those big media outlets, but I think my list is better.  Oh, and I’m not getting paid a thing to recommend any certain brand.  Just doing my best to keep your skin the best.

Share this with a friend or a teen to save them the hours it took me to do this research!

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