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15 Of The Best Face SPFs For Acne-Prone Skin
Shield your skin whilst swerving the spots.
We all know by now that every day, come rain or shine, we should be wearing a face SPF. No excuses. However, for those of us with acne-prone skin, finding a sun cream that doesn't result in an eruption of breakouts is no mean feat. The trick is to look out for formulas which are oil-free, made with gentle mineral filters, or labelled non-comedogenic, which means they're less likely to clog your pores.
'Breakout-prone skin does not need oily formulations or creamy textures that sit on the skin and cause pore clogging,' agrees Dr Alia Ahmed, a psychodermatologist for La Roche-Posay. 'Stick to non-comedogenic formulas, which means that the formulation is designed not to clog pores and aggravate one of the causative factors for acne.'
So what to look for instead? 'Ideally you should look for a moisturiser that will calm and hydrate the skin barrier without being comedogenic. It may feel counterintuitive to use moisturiser for acne but it can be incredibly important,' adds La Roche-Posay consultant dermatologist, Dr Justine Hextall. It's also important to look on your ingredient labels, too. 'To boost hydration without blocking pores I would suggest looking for ingredients that draw water to the top layer or skin, these are called humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerine. Moisturisers that contain ceramides help to strengthen the skin barrier and, as such, reduce water loss without being oily and blocking pores,' says Dr Hextall.
The key is that they still offer up brilliant protection from both UVA and UVB rays, so you can go about your day safe in the knowledge that your skin is shielded from the wavelengths that can lead to wrinkles and pigmentation and, of course, skin cancer.
From light gels to sprays, mineral formulas to tinted SPF moisturisers , here are the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin to wear on the daily – whatever the weather is doing.
Shop The Best SPF For Acne-Prone Skin
Like an actual glass of water for your face, South Korean beauty brand Thank You Farmer's featherweight SPF 50+ provides ultra-high protection from sun damage whilst delivering hydrating hyaluronic acid to parched skin – because acne-prone skin needs moisture, too.
This particularly brilliant innovation from SPF stalwarts Garnier ticks so many boxes. Firstly, the serum texture feels as light as water, so those with oily skin won't recoil when massaging it over enlarged pores. Then, there's the barrier-boosting ceramides, which frankly are a stellar inclusion whatever your skin type. Finally, there's the way it doesn't pill under make-up – in fact, it acts as a smoothing primer for a liquid foundation. Sold? We should think so.
Supergoop! might not be a familiar name to you just yet, but it's worth paying attention to. The brand came to the UK recently, bringing its famously brilliant SPF formulas with it. This one delivers completely invisible protection that's traceless under make-up and feels totally weightless. We're smitten.
Legends in the SPF game, La Roche-Posay have pushed their iconic Anthelios formula to the next level. The latest iteration is formulated with the tech-y MEXORYL400 filter to protect skin from UVA, UVB and ultra-long UVA rays. Water-resistant, totally invisible and non-greasy, you'll forget you're even wearing SPF.
Packed with a hydrating blend of ingredients – including polyglutamic acid, glycerin and squalane – this broad spectrum sunscreen works to lock in moisture, giving skin a smooth, glowy finish. It doesn't pill, is suitable for all skin tones, and provides UVA and UVB protection while being great for layering underneath make-up.
If an oily complexion is a side effect of problem skin, this is the SPF for you. Oil-free, it's still hydrating so you'll likely not need a moisturiser underneath. A great choice for those wanting to cut down on skincare steps.
A much-loved favourite of the ELLE UK beauty desk, this soothing K-beauty suncream is a dream for acne-prone skin. Sinking into skin effortlessly, it acts as a calming veil for irritation without compromising on that all important UVA and UVB protection.
Looking for a matte SPF that doesn't compromise on comfort? This luxuriously silky texture just might be for you. With a zinc-only mineral formula, this modern cult classic envelops your skin in lightweight SPF 50+ protection and is perfect for layering under make-up. No pilling or peeling here.
Byoma's cult lightweight gel cream boasts a cooling, non-greasy SPF30 formula that absorbs in seconds without leaving a streaky white cast. Non-comedogenic, fragrance-free and super hydrating, it's ideal for those concerned about breakouts.
A sunscreen developed by a beauty editor-beloved dermatologist is a good place to start when looking for 'the one'. On top of a soft-focus finish and calming sensation, this also includes a dose of niacinamide, a key ingredient for brightening skin and minimising pore appearance.
Neither a cream nor a lotion, but a lightweight gel. Approved by some of the best dermatologists in the business, this oil-free formula combines antioxidants ferulic acid and vitamins C and E to provide a barrier against UV, and has the ability to control sebum production. Prone to acne clusters? Stockpile it.
A tinted moisturiser with SPF is a great choice for skin that tends to feel overloaded and oily after multiple layers of product. This is one of few approved of by the National Eczema Association, and is so gentle (the sunscreen filters are all mineral) that anyone will get on with it. There's a wide range of shades, and the result is a satiny finish that never veers too shiny or oily.
Super light, this SPF absorbs in a matter of seconds and is packed with some of the beauty industry's most advanced UV filters to protect the skin's collagen levels and radiance. It sits wonderfully under make-up too.
Formulated especially for problem skin, this SPF helps prevent shine on oily, breakout-prone skin, without causing irritation.
Amelia Bell is the Senior Site Beauty Editor at ELLE UK, developing beauty strategy, writing, editing, and commissioning, and overseeing all beauty content for the site. Amelia has a particular interest in sustainable beauty practices, exploring the skin-mind connection, and decoding the latest treatments, tweakments and runway trends. She also has bylines for Women's Health, Refinery29, British Vogue, Harrods Magazine, and more.
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