{"id":25400,"date":"2021-07-19T17:36:10","date_gmt":"2021-07-19T17:36:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/?p=25400"},"modified":"2024-12-04T23:45:56","modified_gmt":"2024-12-04T23:45:56","slug":"does-sunscreen-cause-acne","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/does-sunscreen-cause-acne\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Sunscreen Cause Acne? Here’s What a Top Dermatologist Says"},"content":{"rendered":"

Can sunscreen cause acne? A dermatologist sets the record straight. Plus: how to find the best sunscreen for acne-prone skin.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

In the wonderful world of skincare, there’s one fact you’ll stumble upon time and time again. According to beauty editors, estheticians, dermatologists, and scientific studies alike, sunscreen is the gold standard for skin health and protection.<\/p>\n\n\n

However, is sunscreen bad for acne?<\/p>\n\n\n

For a definitive answer, we consulted board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, MD<\/a>, who specializes in acne treatments<\/a> at her NYC practice.<\/p>\n\n\n

Understanding Sunscreen and Acne <\/h2>\n\n\n

Does sunscreen cause acne? Dr. Green confirms that yes\u2014some sunscreens can, in fact, cause acne by clogging your pores.<\/p>\n\n\n

But why and how does this happen?<\/p>\n\n\n

“Certain sunscreens contain chemicals that can irritate your skin<\/a>, making it more susceptible to acne breakouts,” she begins. Such active ingredients tend to be comedogenic (aka pore-clogging), which Dr. Green says may lead to the development of comedones or pustular acne<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

Further, she says that the mechanisms of certain types of sunscreens<\/a> can also contribute to breakouts.<\/p>\n\n\n

For instance, chemical sunscreen (as opposed to physical\/mineral sunscreen) works by absorbing UV light and converting it to heat, which the body then releases. “Combined with certain chemicals in sunblock, the heat can act as an occlusion to your skin and make you sweat more,” Dr. Green explains.<\/p>\n\n\n

While occlusive ingredients are great at retaining moisture, they can also exacerbate acne<\/a>. By creating a protective seal of sorts, occlusions can end up “trapping this sweat and increased sebum in your skin, [which then] clogs your pores and causes an increased amount of acne,” she continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Identifying Acne-Causing Ingredients in Sunscreens<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Woman<\/figure>\n\n\n

Is your sunscreen causing acne problems? At this point, you’re probably wondering if your own sunscreen is behind your breakouts.<\/p>\n\n\n

To find out, you can first look at the type of sunscreen you’re using and its active ingredients. Other tip-offs are if the formulation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n