Most people know that wearing sunscreen outside during trips to the beach, camping, or any other prolonged outdoor activity is essential. However, fewer people recognize sunscreen as a daily-use skincare product.
To learn more about the four most important things you need to know about sunscreen and acne, continue reading below.
You Should Wear Sunscreen Everyday
Your daily skincare routine is not complete if you do not include a substantial sunscreen in your regimen. While cleansers, toners, and moisturizers effectively clean, balance, and hydrate your pores, none of these products will shield your skin from the sun's UV rays.
Even unprotected exposure to UV rays on a cloudy winter day can create lasting sun damage to your skin.
The SPF Matters
While some sun protection is better than none, we highly recommend using an acne-safe sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. This figure is an official recommendation from the American Academy of Dermatology.
When you wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, you effectively block out 97 percent of the sun's UV rays and shield your skin from sunburn, sun damage, and skin cancer.
Don't use minimal protection for your sunscreen. Instead, only use sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Sunscreen Does Not Make Your Acne Worse
If you've been avoiding sunscreen because you believe adding this product into your daily skincare routine would create acne, this is a myth. While there is truth to the fact that many sunscreen brands use comedogenic ingredients in their formulas, not all sunscreen products are the same.
Using sunscreen for sensitive and acne-prone skin will ensure that your face has the coverage it needs without clogging your pores.
Tanning Without Sunscreen Will Not Clear Your Acne
One of the biggest and most dangerous myths about sunscreen is that using less of this product leads to clearer skin. Many people believe that tanning without sunscreen is one of the best methods to dry out their acne and achieve their dream of clear skin. This assumption is entirely false and incredibly harmful to your health.
There is no evidence to support the fact that tanning without sunscreen clears acne. While a tan may temporarily cover your skin's natural redness, this color will quickly fade and leave you with long-lasting sun damage.
These are just a handful of the things you need to know about sunscreen and acne. Weather, location, and season should not affect how often you wear sunscreen to protect your skin. If you haven't already, immediately add acne-safe sunscreen into your skincare regimen so you can maintain a healthier complexion.