In an earlier article, we fawned over powerhouse ingredient, salicylic acid for how effective it is in treating skincare conditions – especially acne. You’ve also read that it can make your skin sensitive to the sun, and you’ve probably heard that – although inaccurate – SPF sunscreen for your face can cause breakouts.
We know the physical and mental benefits of being under the sun, but how do you go about having a glorious picnic, beach day or patio brunch while taking care of your skin? Not all SPF sunscreens are made equal – you’ll want to look for sunscreens for acne prone skin.
Does the sun help acne?
Inquiring minds want to know: is sun good for acne? Let’s debunk some myths.
Our bodies crave sunlight because it’s an important source of Vitamin D for various vital bodily functions and helps produce serotonin to lift our mood. Plus, sun exposure, with a sweat towel in arms reach, helps increase our circulation and perspiration to push out excess oil and clear your pores. While doctors can confirm sun is good for acne because UV rays can help clear acne – you definitely don’t want to overdo it! We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to find an SPF for acne prone skin, so you can enjoy all the benefits of the sun while protected.
Can sunscreen cause acne?
Sunscreen can get a bad rep for causing acne because we tend to think of the same viscous sunscreen you take to the beach as the one to put on your face. However, that formulation of beach sunscreen tends to have ingredients that contain pore-clogging oils and silicones that can lead to outbreaks, especially if you already have acne-prone skin. So, while you’re basking in the sun like a toaster strudel, you might want to consider having two things handy – sunscreen for your body and a daily moisturizer with SPF protection for your face.
Sunscreen for acne prone skin
Look for sunscreen or moisturizer with SPF that’s designed for acne-prone skin, especially those labelled “non-comedogenic”. When you see that term on products, it means the ingredients inside the bottle won’t be prone to blocking your pores and triggering blemishes and outbreaks, like our Clear Skin SPF 25 3-in-1 Moisturizer which hydrates, balances and protects skin against UV damage and discoloration caused by acne. Made with 100% natural tea tree extract, it applies sheer on all skin tones and is alcohol-free, paraben-free, dermatologist tested and PETA-approved, so you can feel confident adding it to your morning skincare regiment.
As soon as you’re done washing and toning your face with our Acne Control Cleanser and Clear Skin Toner, you’ll want to apply a nickel-sized amount onto your skin 15 minutes before sun exposure and every two hours that you’re in the sun.
Can people with acne wear sunscreen?
Does sunscreen help acne? Short answer? Yes.
Long answer? It’s so important to wear an SPF daily to maintain and protect your skin from UV rays. If you already have acne-prone skin, you’re likely using products with exfoliating agents, like salicylic acid, which makes your skin more sensitive to sun exposure. Sunscreen is good for acne – if you don’t protect your skin, then hyperpigmentation and sunburn might be something you encounter – and trust us – you don’t want to deal with that since repeated incidents could lead to a whole host of nasty things: loss of collagen, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. Regardless of whether you have acne prone skin or are dealing with an outbreak of acne – you should still wear SPF protection if you’re headed outside.
There are so many “a-peeling” things about physical exfoliation, and we love the power it has to make your skin feel refreshed. Our St. Ives Board-Certified Dermatologist partner, Dr. Claire Wolinsky loves the benefits of physical exfoliation as much as we do, so we asked her to share the advantages of this important step in your skincare routine, all year round!
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Fact: Working out is a great way to burn off stress and boost your mood. That’s because exercise has been shown to lower cortisol levels (aka the body’s stress hormone) and release endorphins (the body’s happy hormone). And when you do it in a park, the woods, a beach or any natured-filled space, you get the added benefits of nature!
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How do you deal with stress? If you opt for exercise, meditation, yoga, or journaling you’re on the right track. But do these activities out in nature, and their stress-lowering benefits go to the next level. In fact, just 15 minutes with nature is proven to have a serious de-stress effect!
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Curious to know why we love nature so much? Because it has serious benefits and is seriously fun! From lowering stress levels to boosting your mood, keeping you healthier to helping you focus, it’s the cure-all we all need to tap into more.
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