One of the most common things I hear in clinic is, “I don’t wear sunscreen because it breaks me out.”
And honestly, I totally get it. When you’re dealing with acne, the thought of adding something thick or greasy onto your skin can be daunting. But here’s the truth:

SPF is essential for acne-prone skin—not only to protect your skin but to help it heal.

Let’s unpack why 👇

☀️ Why skipping SPF is doing your skin a disservice

Acne already causes inflammation in the skin, and sun exposure can make this worse. Without SPF, your skin is more prone to:

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (those lingering dark marks after a breakout)
  
• Slower healing (UV rays break down collagen, which is needed to repair the skin especially after deeper breakouts)
  
• Premature ageing (yes—even in acne-prone skin!)
  

Many acne treatments also make your skin more sensitive to the sun, like vitamin A (retinol), benzoyl peroxide or chemical exfoliants. Without SPF, your skin is more vulnerable and can end up being further impaired, which results in more breakouts in the long run.

🧴 But what if SPF breaks me out?

Not all sunscreens are created equally and some can definitely cause congestion or irritation, especially if they contain heavy oils or fragrance. The key is choosing a formula that works with your skin, not against it.

When choosing an SPF for acne-prone skin, look for:

• Non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog your pores)
  
• Lightweight or gel-based textures
  
• Mineral filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide if you’re sensitive (I generally prefer these types of SPF for everyone as they provide longer protection in most cases)
  
• Fragrance-free if your skin is easily irritated
  

Some of my clinic faves? Reach out and I’d be happy to share my go-to products depending on your skin type!

🧡 SPF actually helps fade acne scars faster

This is the part I love explaining to clients: wearing SPF daily helps prevent the dark marks left by breakouts from becoming deeper and longer-lasting.

Sun exposure triggers your skin to produce melanin (pigment), especially on inflamed or healing areas. Without SPF, even the tiniest pimple can leave behind stubborn pigmentation that lasts for months.

Think of SPF as your skin’s shield, it protects all the hard work you’re doing with your skincare routine and helps your skin recover quicker.
If you’re acne-prone and nervous about SPF, don’t ditch it, swap it. If you’re stuck when it comes to choosing the right SPF, reach out and I’ll send you a FREE cheat sheet with acne-safe SPF options.  With the right product, sunscreen won’t be your skin’s enemy, it’ll be your acne-healing ally. 💛