
HOW TO CHOOSE SUNSCREEN FOR OILY, ACNE-PRONE SKIN
Sunscreen is an essential last step in everyone’s skincare routine, no matter the skin type. But for oily and blemish-prone skin, some sunscreen formulas feel too heavy, sticky or may even exacerbate their concerns. The good news is, there are many formulas available that provide high SPF, broad-spectrum protection, that won’t clog pores or leave the skin feeling oily or weighed down. Read on to learn more about choosing sunscreen for oily, blemish-prone skin, starting with the most commonly asked sunscreen questions.

DOES SUNSCREEN CAUSE ACNE?
Sunscreen doesn’t cause acne breakouts in and of itself, but certain formulas may clog pores, which increases the risk of pimples, particularly in oily and acne-prone skin. The trick is to find a sunscreen formulated for these skin types.
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IS SUNSCREEN COMEDOGENIC?
Some sunscreen formulas are comedogenic, meaning they have a tendency to clog the pores and ultimately lead to breakouts. However, not all sunscreens are comedogenic, and there are many sunscreen products available that provide broad-spectrum protection without clogging pores.

WHAT INGREDIENTS SHOULD I AVOID IN SUNSCREEN FOR OILY SKIN?
Avoid any heavy occlusives or rich ingredients. Occlusive oils like coconut oil should be avoided, in addition to emollients like shea butter. Avoid thicker, ultra-hydrating sunscreens that are better formulated for dry skin. Also avoid sunscreens containing fragrance, as these can irritate the skin.

WHAT INGREDIENTS SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN SUNSCREEN FOR OILY SKIN?
In addition to choosing oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreens, you can also look out for formulas containing other beneficial ingredients, like niacinamide to help with excess oil production and visibly enlarged pores. Mattifying ingredients, like silica or zinc oxide are all great ingredients for oily and blemish-prone skin.
TOP TIPS FOR USING SUNSCREEN FOR OILY, BLEMISH-PRONE SKIN
So how do you make sure you’re using and applying the right sunscreen on oily or blemish-prone skin? Read on for our top tips.
1. LOOK FOR A NON-COMEDOGENIC SUNSCREEN
As we mentioned above, look for a sunscreen that’s labelled as non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. Whilst beneficial for all skin types, non-comedogenic sunscreen is particularly important for skin with excess oil and a tendency towards breakouts.
2. AVOID HEAVY OILS, OVERLY NOURISHING INGREDIENTS AND FRAGRANCES
When purchasing sunscreen for oily skin, steer clear of irritating fragrances, occlusive oils like coconut oil and ultra-nourishing ingredients such as cocoa or shea butter. A fluid or lightweight cream formula is best for oily skin.
3. TRY A MATTE SUNSCREEN FOR OILY SKIN
If the greasy feel or look of your sunscreen puts you off daily usage, you’re choosing the wrong sunscreen for your skin. Instead, select a sunscreen labelled as shine-free, dry-touch, or mattifying.
4. USE A SUNSCREEN FORMULATED FOR OILY, BLEMISH-PRONE SKIN
As with all skincare you’ll always achieve the best results with a sunscreen that’s formulated with your skin’s needs in mind. So, to keep skin protected without worrying about the odd pimple breakout, select a sunscreen that's designed for your skin type.
5. ALWAYS APPLY AND REAPPLY ON CLEAN SKIN
Applying any product over an unwashed face increases the risk of pores being clogged with sweat, impurities and dead skin cells. Make sure your skin is freshly cleansed, followed with your corrective serums and moisturiser, before adding sunscreen. And wash your face before reapplying to remove excess oil.
6. WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND SEEK SHADE
Sunscreen is only one part of protecting your skin against UV radiation. Always wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses to shield exposed skin, and seek shade whenever possible. You should also avoid peak sun hours between 10am and 3pm as much as possible.
FOR OILY AND ACNE PRONE SKIN: ANTHELIOS XL DRY TOUCH SUNSCREEN
A non-comedogenic and fragrance-free matte sunscreen, La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ is formulated specifically for oily, blemish-prone sensitive skin. Delivering very high, broad-spectrum protection, it utilises a chemical and physical UV filtering system to allow lightweight, invisible coverage. Non-greasy and easily absorbed, the Dry Touch formula also mattifies skin with Airlicium: a molecule that absorbs up to 150 times its volume in sebum and oil.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.
Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.
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