Does Sunscreen Cause Acne Breakouts? Your Questions Answered
Sunscreen shields the skin from UV radiation, which helps prevents sunburn, early ageing, and even skin cancer. It is an essential step of any skincare regimen that should not be overlooked. Despite its importance, some people may have concerns about acne breakouts from wearing sunscreen.
So, the question lies, does sunscreen really cause acne breakouts?
In this article, we take a deep dive to explore the connection between sunscreen usage and acne breakouts.
What is acne, and what causes it?
Millions of individuals all over the world suffer from acne, a prevalent skin problem. It is characterized by the development of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads on the face, neck, chest, and back. Acne develops when the skin’s hair follicles get clogged with bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil, which causes inflammation.
Acne outbreaks can be brought on by hormonal fluctuations, stress, diet, and environmental factors, among other things. Certain products, such as cosmetics, can also cause acne outbreaks.
What is sunscreen and how does it work?
Sunscreen is made to shield the skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. It functions by blocking the UV rays from reaching the skin by absorbing, reflecting, or dispersing them. The active chemicals in sunscreens often work together to offer broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB radiation.
Mineral blockers and chemical absorbers are the two types of active substances used in sunscreen. Physical barriers are formed on the skin by mineral blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which deflect or scatter UV radiation. Chemical absorbers enter the skin, absorb UV radiation and convert them into heat.
Does sunscreen cause acne outbreaks?
Generally, it is found that sunscreen does not cause acne outbreaks. However, there are some circumstances in which sunscreen usage can lead to the development of acne.
Sunscreen-induced acne breakouts can be brought on by a number of factors, with the use of comedogenic ingredients being one of the primary culprits. Comedogenic ingredients can clog the hair follicles, trapping dead skin cells, bacteria and oil, which can contribute to the development of acne.
In some individuals, chemical sunscreens that are absorbed into the skin might also result in acne outbreaks. Chemical sunscreens may potentially to cause an inflammatory reaction in the skin, which can result in acne. Additionally, sunscreen can combine with sweat and oil, which creates an optimal environment for acne-causing bacteria to grow.
How to reduce the risk of sunscreen-induced acne breakouts?
If you have acne-prone skin, choosing the right sunscreen is crucial. Here are some things to look out for when choosing the right sunscreen to minimize the risk of sunscreen-induced acne outbreaks:
- Choose non-comedogenic ingredients: Look for sunscreens marked as oil-free or non-comedogenic. Non-comedogenic sunscreens are excellent for those who are prone to acne since they don’t include any chemicals that could potentially clog pores.
- Opt for mineral sunscreens: As mentioned earlier, these sunscreens reflect or scatter UV rays by building a physical barrier on the skin. These sunscreens are less likely to result in acne outbreaks since they do not permeate the skin.
- Cleanse your skin thoroughly: At the end of the day, it is important to cleanse your skin thoroughly to remove any oil, sweat, or sunscreen residue that may have accumulated on the skin. Proper cleansing ensures that you get rid of any impurities that may clog your pores.
Conclusion
To sum up, sunscreen is a vital part of any skincare routine. Since it protects our skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays, it is crucial not to skip out on this step. In most cases, sunscreen typically does not cause acne outbreaks. However, that is not to say that it is never the culprit. There are circumstances in which sunscreen-induced acne breakouts may develop. In such cases, choosing non-comedogenic ingredients, opting for mineral sunscreens and cleansing your skin properly can help reduce the risk of acne breakouts.
Say goodbye to acne for good with The Clifford Clinic
If you are looking to get rid of your acne for good, then opting for acne treatment in Singapore is a great option. At The Clifford Clinic, we are the best acne dermatologist in Singapore offering a range of procedures that can effectively treat acne problems for good. Some of our most popular treatments are:
The AGNES Acne Treatment provides a long-lasting cure for acne by eradicating it at its root. It concentrates solely on the acne-prone follicles on the face. Our doctor will use a microscope to inspect your face in order to find all of the skin’s blocked and damaged pores. An electrical current is then applied to the oil-producing gland using a thin wire attached to the AGNES machine. Both the gland’s size and the amount of oil it produces are reduced. Without oil, a blockage cannot form, and a blockage cannot result in a pimple!
2. Gold Photothermal Therapy Treatment (PTT)
The best candidates for this treatment are those with mild to cystic acne. This treatment concentrates on the oil-producing sebaceous glands that contribute to the development of new acne lesions. Using a dermatological laser, gold nanoparticles are injected into the pores and glands during the procedure. This technique attempts to address acne from the inside out by modifying the oil-producing pores and glands that are the root of the problem.
Our PlaSon therapy is another option to consider. Thanks to its two specialized probes, one of which employs plasma technology and the other ultrasonic technology, the PlaSon system may enhance the skin in a number of ways. By eliminating bacterial compounds associated with acne from the skin, plasma technology helps to reduce acne and skin irritation. On the other hand, ultrasonic technology promotes skin renewal by increasing fibroblast and collagen synthesis.
To schedule an appointment or to learn more, do not hesitate to get in touch with us today!