Myth or Reality: Does Sunscreen Cause Acne?

Sun protection is an essential part of skin care, especially during the summer months. Dermatologists and influencers are constantly urging us to reapply our sunscreen regularly, explaining the importance of protecting our skin from harmful UV rays. However, many people worry that using sunscreen can cause acne breakouts or worsen existing skin problems. But how valid are these concerns? Today we will look a little deeper at this very important question.

What is acne and why does it occur?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of our actual topic, it's important to first understand what acne really is. It is a common skin condition where the blockage of the follicles leads to the appearance of pimples, blackheads and skin inflammation.

Acne can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

- excessive production of sebum (skin oil)

- accumulation of dead skin cells

- bacteria

- hormonal changes

- stress

- some medicines

- diet

- environmental factors such as pollution and high humidity

- genetic predisposition

Sunscreen products and their effect on the skin

If you've ever been curious and looked closely at the composition of sunscreens, you may already know that there are many different ingredients that protect against UV radiation. These substances, called UV filters, can be divided into 2 main categories: chemical and physical (mineral).

Chemical filters are organic compounds that protect the skin by absorbing UV rays and turning them into heat. They are usually characterized by a lighter texture and are much easier to apply. The downside to some of them is that they can be irritating to some skin types.

Physical UV filters, on the other hand, contain mineral ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They have the property of physically blocking part of the UV rays by reflecting them. This type of filter is considered to be more gentle and suitable for sensitive skin. In addition, they provide broad-spectrum protection - not only against UVA and UVB, but also against other components of light that are known to damage the skin (such as HEV - high-energy visible light). Their big drawback is that they usually leave an unpleasant white film on the skin.

The link between sun protection and acne

The truth is that there is no direct causal relationship between the use of sunscreen products and the appearance of acne. In fact, many dermatologists recommend sun protection as part of a daily routine for acne-prone skin.

However, some people do notice a worsening of the condition after using certain sunscreens. This could be due to several factors:

Pore Clogging: Some heavier or greasier formulas can clog pores, especially if not properly removed every night.

Reaction to certain ingredients: Some people may have an allergic reaction or sensitivity to certain ingredients in sunscreens.

Factors that may lead to confusion

It is interesting to note that the sun itself can also affect the condition of acne. Short-term exposure to the sun can dry out the skin and make pimples less noticeable. This creates the illusion of improvement. However, long-term sun exposure can worsen acne by stimulating sebum production and causing inflammation.

In addition, in summer there are many other factors that can lead to the appearance of acne - more intense sweating, use of oilier moisturizing products, accumulation of cosmetic products and impurities on the skin. All of these conditions are present at the same time that we use sun protection, and therefore could lead to the false impression that when pimples appear, they are necessarily due to the sun creams.

How to avoid acne breakouts without compromising UV protection?

We hope we've already convinced you that sun protection is important in skin care - even when you're suffering from acne. Here's how you can limit the appearance and worsening of inflammation on hot summer days:

Opt for lightweight formulas: Gels or liquid sunscreens like Sun Like's Two-phase lotions are lighter than creams.

Try products for sensitive skin: These are formulated with ingredients that are less likely to cause irritation, such as Sun Like Hydrating Eco Lotion for Sensitive Skin

Choose the right product: Look for sunscreens labeled "non-comedogenic" or "oil-free."

Cleanse your skin properly: Cleanse your skin thoroughly in the evening to ensure that you have removed all cosmetic residues and impurities.

Myth or Reality:

So, the short answer to the question is that this is just one of the many myths about sun protection, and correctly chosen and used cosmetics do not cause acne. Sun protection, on the other hand, is extremely important for everyone—including people prone to this unpleasant skin condition. Therefore, if you are among the people who avoid using cosmetics with UV filters for fear of breakouts, we recommend that you invest some time and patience in discovering the most suitable product for your skin. Experiment with different formulas until you find the one that works best for you. Be sure to consult a dermatologist if you have serious concerns or persistent skin problems.

Remember that healthy skin is beautiful skin, and sun protection is key to maintaining healthy skin in the long term. Don't let the myth of acne stop you from taking proper care of yourself: not only during the summer, but the rest of the year as well.