Mineral or chemical sunscreen for acne prone skin?

Which sunscreen is better for acne prone skin, mineral or chemical?

Choose mineral sunscreen if sensitivity is your main problem. If a chemical sunscreen feels comfortable and suits your skin, there is no need to switch simply because you have acne. Hybrid sunscreens combine mineral and chemical filters and are another option. A sunscreen you dislike wearing is a poor daily choice, even if its packaging has won the bathroom shelf election.15

Does mineral sunscreen clog pores?

Mineral sunscreen is generally less likely to clog pores, but the finished formula still matters. Look for a facial sunscreen labelled oil free and noncomedogenic, meaning intended not to clog pores. Avoid oily sunscreen formulas on acne affected skin. If a particular sunscreen makes you break out, choose another formula rather than treating the mineral label as the deciding factor.2367

Is chemical sunscreen less greasy than mineral sunscreen?

Not necessarily: the filter category alone does not tell you how greasy the finished sunscreen will feel. Sunscreens come in different textures, and gels are a useful option for oily skin. Choose a finish you can comfortably wear in the amount needed for protection, rather than applying less of a greasy product.157

A tint can reduce the white cast of mineral sunscreen, so sun protection does not have to come with its own stage makeup. Tinted formulas containing iron oxide also protect against visible light, which can worsen dark spots, especially in darker skin tones. If uneven pigmentation is a concern, look for a tinted, broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.147

How do you apply sunscreen with acne treatment?

1. 1Wash your face. If you use an acne medicine approved for daytime use, apply a thin layer before sunscreen. Check with your dermatologist if you are unsure which prescription belongs in your morning routine.
2. 2Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors. Use at least one teaspoon for your face, and cover your neck, ears and other exposed areas too.
3. 3Reapply approximately every two hours outdoors, after towelling off, and after swimming or sweating. Follow the bottle's water resistance directions; the stated protection on wet skin lasts either 40 or 80 minutes.

Use sunscreen every day when you will be outside, including cloudy days, and combine it with shade and protective clothing. A higher SPF does not extend the time between applications. Do not use tanning to hide acne redness: any improvement in appearance is temporary, and ultraviolet exposure damages skin.1256

When should you be more careful?

Acne treatments can cause dryness during the first two to four weeks, so sensitivity can matter as much as oiliness when choosing sunscreen. Stop a product that causes severe irritation and seek medical advice. See a doctor or dermatologist for severe acne or spots that fail to clear within six weeks of treatment.6

During pregnancy, both sunscreen types can be appropriate. Many dermatologists prefer mineral sunscreen because zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are absorbed very little through the skin and have a long history of use during pregnancy.3