Sunscreen: A Must-Have for Clear Skin
Busting the Sunscreen Myth for Acne-Prone Skin
Recent research has debunked the myth that sunscreen worsens acne. In fact, protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is crucial for everyone, including those with acne-prone skin.
“Many people believe that sunscreen can clog pores and lead to breakouts, but our findings suggest the opposite,” explains Diyah Utami, Associate Principal Skincare Scientist at ParagonCorp. “We found that people who used sunscreen along with their regular skincare routine experienced fewer blackheads and acne compared to those who relied solely on serum.”
These findings were presented at the 2024 International Conference on Dermatology and Cosmetology (IDC) in Paris and highlight the importance of incorporating sunscreen into a daily skincare regimen.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin
When selecting a sunscreen for acne-prone skin, opt for a water-based or gel formula. These tend to be lightweight and absorb quickly, minimizing the risk of clogging pores. Look for labels that specifically mention “non-comedogenic” or “lightweight,” indicating they are less likely to cause breakouts.
It’s also important to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and broad-spectrum protection, which shields against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, contributing to premature aging, while UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn.
The Dangers of UV Radiation
UV radiation is a silent threat to skin health. The sun emits both UVA and UVB rays, which can damage skin cells even on cloudy days.
Nagase Mana Tachibana, ASEAN Regional Skincare Expert, emphasizes the importance of protecting skin from UV radiation.
“UVA rays penetrate the dermis, the inner layer of skin, where collagen and elastin reside. These fibers are responsible for skin elasticity and firmness. UVA exposure can damage collagen and elastin, leading to premature aging, wrinkles, and fine lines,” explains Mana.
UVB rays, on the other hand, primarily affect the skin’s surface. Excessive exposure can cause sunburn, redness, and even DNA damage, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
Protecting Your Skin for a Healthy Future
Incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine, even on days with minimal sun exposure, is a simple yet effective way to protect your skin and promote long-term skin health. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating heavily.
For those with particularly sensitive skin, always perform a patch test before applying a new sunscreen to a larger area.
Does sunscreen worsen acne?
## Sunscreen: A Must-Have for Clear Skin
**Interviewer:** Joining us today is Diyah Utami, Associate Principal Skincare Scientist at ParagonCorp, to discuss a recent study that sheds light on the relationship between sunscreen and acne. Diyah, thanks for being here.
**Diyah:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room. Many people believe that sunscreen can worsen acne. Your research contradicts this. Can you tell us more about your findings?
**Diyah:** Absolutely. Our research, presented at the 2024 International Conference on Dermatology and Cosmetology (IDC) [[1](https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g39196291/best-acne-sunscreen/)], showed that individuals who used sunscreen as part of their skincare routine actually experienced _fewer_ blackheads and acne compared to those who didn’t.
**Interviewer:** That’s fascinating. Why do you think this is the case?
**Diyah:** Many people assume sunscreen clogs pores, leading to breakouts. However, sun exposure itself can actually trigger inflammation and worsen existing acne. By protecting the skin from harmful UV rays, sunscreen helps to minimize this inflammation and promote overall skin health.
**Interviewer:** So, sunscreen isn’t the enemy when it comes to acne?
**Diyah:** Not at all! In fact, it’s a vital part of a complete skincare routine, even for those with acne-prone skin.
**Interviewer:** What advice would you give to someone looking for the right sunscreen for their acne-prone skin?
**Diyah:** Look for products that are lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free. A broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher is also recommended.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing this valuable information with us today, Diyah.
**Diyah:** My pleasure!
