We have spoken about the paramount importance of sunscreen in one’s skincare regimen, at length. Regardless of the weather, you need to wear sunblock to prevent sun-induced ageing, pigmentation and burns. However, this may be a wee bit challenging for folks with acne or acne prone. Wondering how? Well, first and foremost, ingredients such as coconut oil, cocoa butter, mineral oil present in sunscreen formualtions may, on instances, congest your pores. Due to excessive perspiration, the sunscreen formula may run off your face flaring your acne. To help tackle the above concerns and more (discussed ahead), we are bringing you a roundup of the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin, based on consumer reviews and the discretion of our skilled beauty editors here at Nykaa.
But before we move on, what are some pointers to bear in mind while sunscreen shopping for acne-prone skin and what is the right way to apply sunscreen? Let’s begin with the latter.
According to industry experts, one should apply a generous amount of sunscreen 20 minutes before heading outdoors. Take a dollop of your sunscreen and gently massage it into your face, neck, limbs— everything that might be exposed to the sun directly. On account of a prolonged stay (outside), ensure to reapply every 2 hours to fortify your sun protection.
- Use sunscreen every day, whether you are indoors or outdoors.
- Opt for a broad spectrum formula that shields you against UVA and UVB radiations.
- Can’t gauge the quantity of sunscreen you should use for single wear? Experts recommend applying the two-finger rule to solve this problem. Squeeze out sunscreen against the length of your index and middle fingers. Use this quantity to cover your face and neck.
- To further double down on sun protection —use wide-brim hats, caps or scarves to shield your skin.
- Go for a formula with SPF 30, which blocks a colossal 97% of the total radiation exposure.
- Your lips also require sun protection-make sure to use an SPF-imbued lip balm to keep your pout, healthy and happy.
1. Light, Breathable Formula
If you grapple with acne, it's integral to pick a light, breathable formula that doesn’t suffocate the skin.
2. Non-comedogenic
Look for an offering that doesn’t clog your pores— these formulations oftentimes feature acne-relieving ingredients to help streamline your efforts to keep the zits at bay.
3. Fragrance-Free
Using sunscreen with a fragrance makes your skin more susceptible to irritation or in many -a case, acne.
4. Humidity-Proof
To ensure that your sunscreen doesn’t pill under the relentless sun, opt for water-proof formulas, this summer.
5. Mattifying Effect
People with acne or acne-prone skin should go for mattifying sunscreens, which do away the excess shine on the face, all while dwindling the appearance of pores.
Key Ingredient: Hyaluronic acid
Price: INR 499
Rating: 4.5
SPF: 50
Non-greasy, fragrance-free and dermatologically tested, this stellar offering from The Derma Co works well for acne or blemish-prone skin. The formulation dissolves into your skin like water, without leaving a white cast behind. The sunscreen features HA, a humectant which helps retain moisture in the skin and helps prevent the sebaceous glands from going into an overdrive mode.
MCaffeine Green Tea & Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++ | Hydrating Sun Protection & No Whitecast
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide and Green tea
Price: INR 399
Rating: 4.3
SPF: 50
The broad-spectrum sunscreen shields your skin against UVA and UVB rays. Caffeine and green tea extracts act as antioxidants which fight off free radicals swarming in the environment. This formulation is lightweight and water-resistant, making it an ideal pick for people with acne or acne-prone skin. The active components in the blend— niacinamide and hyaluronic acid work on diminishing the appearance of pigmentation spots and administering ample hydration to the skin, respectively.
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide and Botanical extract Physalis Angulat
Price: INR 780
Rating: 4.5
SPF: 50
Bestowed with the Nykaa Beauty Femina Award in 2022, the Reequil Ultra Matte sunscreen is one of the most sought-after sun care products on the website. The anhydrous silicone based formula grants you the highest degree of mattifying effect and a non-greasy feel. The presence of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide makes this lotion a perfect fit for acne prone skin. The velvety soft formula is non-comedogenic, water-proof and dermatologically tested. Plus, it doesn't leave behind the unwarranted white cast.
Key Ingredients: aqua, tocopherol
Price: INR 1080
Rating: 4.3
SPF: 50
Boasting a combination of physical and chemical filters, the sunscreen by the humble yet efficacious drug store brand - Cetaphil protects your skin, indoors and outdoors. The light, gel-like consistency is nourishing, sweat-resistant and non-comedogenic. Take a generous amount of this potent concoction and gently massage it into your skin— face, neck and limbs that might be exposed to the sun.
Key Ingredients: 8 different HA molecules , Green tea extracts and Ice plant
Price: INR 2710
Rating: 5
SPF: 50
The airy sun stick by Isntree is increasingly becoming popular on Nykaa, with many-a consumers bagging it- left right and centre. This compact and portable stick format of sunscreen offers your skin infallible protection of SPF50+ PA++++ protection against harmful UV rays. Featuring 8 different HA molecules that ensure deep hydration, this SPF bar casts away excessive oil and even curbs sebum production. A South Korean make, this miraculous offering also carries green tea extracts and ice plants, which have a naturally soothing effect on the skin.
Key Ingredient: Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Green Tea Extract, Ectoin
Price: INR 2380
SPF: 50
From the Land Of The Morning Calm, courtesy of Nykaa’s Cross-Border Store. The formidable sun protection formula gives you a non-greasy, matte finish that also curbs the copious amount of sebum production. You can slip this air-light sunscreen into your backpack and apply it every 2 hours on account of continued exposure to the sun. Just a couple of swipes over the skin forms an invisible layer on top of the dermis — which facilitates sun protection and shields the skin from a zillion dust particles.
Key Ingredients: Cantella, Niacinamide
Price: INR 699
Rating: 4.4
SPF: 50
The result-oriented skincare brand De. Sheth’s presents a feather-light, gel-based SPF, reigning supreme for acne care on Nykaa. The ultra-matte finish of the formula leaves a dry yet velvety finish. Niacinamide in the brew, controls the sebum production, while Centella Asiatica Extract has incomparable soothing properties. The best part? Due to the moisturising prowess of Cantella, this sunscreen also doubles as a moisturiser!
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, Glycerine and Vitamin E
Price: 499
Rating: 4.2
SPF: 50
The Querz Mattifying sunscreen guards the skin against UV rays and oxidative damage caused by blue light emitting from digital devices. It is, inarguably, the best pick for people spending hours working in front of a screen. Carrying potent ingredients in the mix, such as aloe vera, glycerine and vitamin E and 5 UV filters— this sunscreen ought to find a spot in your summer beauty arsenal. With a mattifying yet moisturising effect, this sunscreen is the perfect go-to for people with acne prone and sensitive skin.
Minimalist SPF 60 PA ++++ Sunscreen With Antioxidant Silymarin,Senstive Skin, Acne & Pregnancy Safe
Key Ingredients: Silymarin
Price: INR 569
Rating: 4.4
SPF: 60
A broad spectrum moisturising SPF with SPF 60 and pa +++ that uses photostable filters - tinosorb S, uvinul A plus, and uvinul T 150 to shield the skin against harmful UV radiations. It sits invisibly on the skin and doesn’t smear on continued exposure to the sun. Devoid of OMC, benzophenone / oxybenzone, and homosalat- the magical formula doesn’t like pesky white casts. As the product is oil-free and fragrance-free, it has been deemed fit for acne-prone and sensitive skin types. On application, the sunscreen gives you the slip of a moisturiser and has a gorgeous matte finish that doesn’t budge!
Key Ingredients: Chia seeds, Cotton seed
Price: INR 1620
Rating: 4.4
SPF: 50
The Naturalsun sunscreen works as a tall glass of water for your skin, attributed to the chia seeds in the formulation. Casting away all the excess oil (thanks to the presence of cotton seeds) on your face prevents the congestion of pores — one of the root causes of acne. The versatile cream doubles as a primer, reducing the appearance of pores while granting your skin a mattifying finish. Dermatologically tested, allergy tested and hence, deemed fit for people grappling with active acne.
In conclusion, if you have been preemptively steering clear of sunscreens on account of unexpected breakouts—it's time to switch to the above products that may be better suited for your skin. SPF in your regimen is non-negotiable and, with the ideal formulation you can solidify your efforts to great skin that is also sun-protected.
Q. What Are Some Tips To Reapply Sunscreen On Your Makeup?
Use a damp beauty blender or sponge to reapply the sunscreen on your makeup. Cover the beauty tool, say beauty blender with your liquid sunscreen and apply it topically on your face.
Q. What Are Some Benefits Of Using Sunscreen?
Using sunscreen can help shield your skin against sun-induced ageing, pigmentation, sun burns and rashes.
Q. Sunscreen Stick Or Sunscreen Powder? What Is The Difference?
Powder sunscreen is closer in texture to setting powder and can be reapplied at any time of the day. This product is usually complete with a brush or a puff, which grants your skin sun protection, hides creasing and casts away any excess oil on the face. Sunscreen stick, on the other hand, is a bar of SPF, essentially that you can summon on the go. Just a couple of swipes will help fortify your skin against the mighty sun’s wrath. Sunscreen sticks, just like powder sunscreens, are convenient to use and portable. However, according to industry experts, you should only use powder sunscreen for re-application and not as your primary sun shielding base.
