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Acne can make you battle weary. You try one product after
another trying to find that perfect combination that won’t
irritate your face. As health conscience as we are today, we
know that we should wear sunscreen daily.

Should you use regular sunscreen on your face?

You should definitely use sunscreen every day. Those pesky
UVA rays go through your windows and your clothes. Your
sunscreen product should have a minimum SPF 15. If you
expect to be in the sun longer, get a higher SPF.

Skin care products today offer SPF protection. The SPF
may range in the level of protection. So Make sure that the
combined total of all the products you use is a minimum of
SPF 15. Moisturizers and cosmetics for acne prone skin
have SPF protection. Choose products that will not clog
your pores. Clogged pores will cause acne to flare-up.

Every skin type is susceptible to damage from the sun.
Many believe that the sun will clear up their acne – not so.
Your goal is to protect yourself as much as possible from the
sun’s harmful rays. To protect your skin, use a broad-
spectrum sunscreen product that will protect you from
UVA and UVB sun rays. When you battle with acne you
must be careful with the products you choose to put on
your face.

What is your skin type? This will determine which sunscreen
products to use or not to use.

Skin Type: Oily

Oil is not your best friend. Oil based products will clog your
pores and cause more acne. Most sunscreens contain oil
and other products that will clog your pores. Acne
prevention and protection from the sun through the use of
sunscreen can be accomplished with the right products.

With a minimum amount of sun exposure, your current skin
care routine may be sufficient protection for your face. Most
moisturizers and cosmetics contain some level of SPF
protection. Check to see what level of SPF protection is
provided. You want the total protection of SPF to equal
no less than SPF 15. If your total does not add up to
SPF 15, add a sunscreen product to your skin care routine.

If your lifestyle requires a greater amount of sun exposure,
you will need to add an additional product in order to
increase your SPF protection. Constant exposure requires
a protection level of SPF 40 to SPF 60. You would need to
re-apply your sunscreen during the day.

Stay away from heavy lotion sunscreens. Look for gels,
a light lotion, spray, or foam sunscreen. Your acne should
not be irritated using this type of sunscreen.

Where does a sunscreen fit into your skin care? Cleanse
your face first. Then apply the sunscreen and let it dry
before adding your regular moisturizer and makeup. Get
in the habit of doing this everyday. If your face is excessively
oily, you may want to use a face powder containing SPF
protection to help alleviate the shine.

Not all sunscreens are the best fit for your skin type. You will
want to avoid products that have
Avobenzone
Benzophenones
Butyl Methoxydibenzoyl Methane
Isopropyldibenzoylmethane
Methoxycinnamate
Octyl Methoxycinnamate
Para-aminobenzoic Acid – PABA

Skin Type: Dry

Dry skin and acne create unique problems. Your main
concern is keeping your face hydrated and your pores
unclogged. Acne treatment products can easily dry your
skin. Use acne products formulated for dry sensitive skin.

Constant exposure to the sun will increase the dryness of
your skin and cause more irritation. Your best prevention
is to avoid the sun at all cost. Exposure to the sun will not
help your acne; it will cause it to become worse.

Your normal acne skin care products should contain a level
of SPF protection. The minimum of the total amount of SPF
protection should be SPF 15. Because your skin is dry you
are probably sensitive to various ingredients found in
sunscreen products.

Your sunscreen should be a cream or heavy lotion. Use a
broad-spectrum sunscreen so that you are protected from
both the UVA and the UVB sun rays. Your sunscreen should
have a higher SPF rating of 25 to 60.

Cleanse your face and apply your sunscreen. Allow the
sunscreen to dry before applying your moisturizer. If you
feel that your face is too shinny with all that moisturizer,
use a facial powder that contains SPF protection.

Re-apply your sunscreen throughout the day if you are
constantly exposed to the sun.

Acne is caused by blocked hair follicles. The use of heavy
creams and lotions may create acne flare-ups. If your skin
becomes irritated, stop using the sunscreen product
immediately.

Avoid products with the following ingredients, they may
cause skin irritation.
Avobenzone
Benzophenone
Methoxycinnamate
Para-aminobenzoic Acid (PABA)

For products that may prevent irritation, look for the
ingredient dimethicone and cyclomethicone in your sunscreen.

The winner is….. You.

You can protect your skin from harmful sun exposure and
acne flare-ups. Determine your skin type, choose the
appropriate sunscreen and skin care products. Use your
sunscreen daily and re-apply during the day as needed.

Stay a winner – protect your skin.