How to Introduce Sunscreen To Your Acne-Prone Skin

We all know sun protection is essential for acne-prone skin because it helps prevent further skin damage and reduce inflammation. Simply put: exposure to UV radiation from the sun can cause the skin to become dry and irritated, resulting in an increase in acne flare-ups. Additionally, UV radiation can break down the skin's natural barrier, leading to further inflammation and potential scarring. Sun exposure can also cause blocking and clogging of the pores. As the sun dries out the skin, it can interfere with the natural process of shedding skin cells, thus increasing the likelihood of developing blemishes.

A broad-spectrum SPF cream can help protect the skin from the damaging effects of the sun. Countless types of sunscreens are available, but the best option for acne-prone skin is mineral sunscreens formulated with inflammation-reducing ingredients like zinc oxide and niacinamide.

What causes acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that affects many people of all ages. It can range from mild to severe and can cause a range of physical and psychological issues. Understanding the various causes of acne is important to find the best treatment plan. The good news is that with dedication and proper care, you can alter your routine and have an impact on some of the causes.

Hormone imbalance

One of the most common causes of acne. When the body produces too much excess oil (sebum) your pores get blocked, leading to inflammation and the formation of pimples. Hormonal fluctuations can happen at different stages in a lifetime: during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause - causing an increase in oil production.

Bacteria

Another cause of acne is the overgrowth of bacteria that lives on the skin. Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes, is the name of the bacteria that live on the skin, and if pores become blocked, P. acnes can grow and cause inflammation.

Diet

Certain food groups, such as dairy, processed foods, and foods high in carbohydrates, can increase the likelihood of developing acne. Stress can also worsen existing acne, as it can lead to hormone imbalances.

Genetics

If you have family members who have suffered from acne, you're more likely to develop it yourself. This is because certain genes can increase your skin's susceptibility to the bacteria that cause acne.

Lifestyle

Eating a diet high in sugar and processed foods can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, which can increase oil production in the skin.

Your acne and SPF

SPF stands for "Sun Protection Factor" and is a measure used to indicate the level of protection provided against the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. SPF is the most important factor to consider when it comes to sun protection. It measures how much UV radiation is blocked from reaching the skin. The higher the SPF rating, the more protection you'll have from the sun's damaging rays. Sunscreens with an SPF rating of 30 or higher are recommended for adequate protection. In addition, it's important to look for sunscreens that offer "broad spectrum" protection. This means that the product protects from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are responsible for premature aging, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburn. To ensure that you're getting adequate protection from both, look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Let's look at the difference between UVA and UVB rays.

UV rays, or ultraviolet radiation, are a type of electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun and other sources like tanning beds. UV rays are divided into two categories: UVA rays and UVB rays. UVA rays make up the majority of UV radiation that reaches the Earth's surface. UVA rays have the longest wavelength and lowest energy of all the UV rays. They penetrate deep into the skin, causing premature aging, wrinkles, and age spots. UVA rays are also known to contribute to the development of skin cancer. UVB rays have a shorter wavelength and higher energy than UVA rays. They are the main cause of sunburn and are also known to contribute to skin cancer. UVB rays tend to be most intense during the summer months when they can penetrate the atmosphere more easily. UVA and UVB rays are dangerous and contribute to skin cancer.

How sun exposure affects acne

It's no secret that the sun can be beneficial for our skin, providing us with Vitamin D and allowing us to soak up its warmth. But, while we all love basking in the sunl, it can also be damaging, particularly when it comes to acne. Acne is caused when the oil glands produce too much sebum, which can block the pores and cause bacteria to become trapped. The sun's UV rays can contribute to this blockage, causing the sebum to become thicker and more difficult to remove. In addition, the sun can cause inflammation, making acne worse. The UV rays can damage the skin's collagen, creating an environment where bacteria and dirt can thrive. Collagen damage can also cause the pores to become clogged, leading to more breakouts. The sun can also trigger the body to produce more sebum, leading to more breakouts. This can be particularly problematic for those with oily skin, as the sun can cause them to produce even more oil. In addition, the sun can cause existing breakouts to become redder and more inflamed, making them more noticeable.

What is sebum?

Sebum is a waxy, oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands that is essential for skin and hair health. It helps to keep the skin and hair hydrated, lubricated, and protected. The sebum also helps to form a natural barrier on the skin, which helps to protect it from bacteria, toxins, and other environmental factors. Sebum is composed of lipids, fatty acids, and waxes. It also contains some proteins, carbohydrates, and cholesterol. The composition of sebum varies depending on age, sex, and hormones. For example, it tends to be oilier in younger people, while in older people it tends to be drier.

Additionally, during puberty, hormonal changes can cause an increase in sebum production. Sebum helps to keep the skin hydrated by trapping moisture and providing a barrier from environmental factors. It also helps to keep the skin supple by providing fatty acids and other lipids. The waxy substance helps to provide a protective barrier on the skin and prevents bacteria, dirt, and other particles from entering the body. If you have acne, you likely suffer from too much oil production.

Why choose mineral 2-in-1 sunscreen

After decades of predictably similar formulas, things have truly changed. Sunscreens used to be functional and not particularly pleasant products to use. And they performed a bare minimum - preventing sunburns. Our skin can now experience the pleasure of a lightweight, luxurious 2-in-1 SPF with sheer, broad-spectrum protection. New formulas are designed to feel just like a moisturizing cream, with no unpleasant odors or chalky residue, and contain antioxidants to keep the skin looking and feeling young.

The new standard of sun protection is the one that offers variety with a whole host of other important complexion benefits. These next-gen products protect against UV damage and brighten, hydrate, soothe, refresh, prime, and color correct.

There's also been an important innovation in the realm of mineral sunscreens, which have historically been known for creating chalky white casts on medium and dark skin tones. SunsolveMD is dedicated exclusively to non-nano zinc-based SPF formulations that look and feel lightweight and transparent on the skin. No matter your skin tone, they offer the highest possible level of protection while targeting common skin conditions like acne.

Making sun care more accessible to all, the SunsolveMD Anti-Acne Mineral Serum SPF50 rebalances oily skin and significantly minimizes the appearance of clogged pores, all while providing powerful UV protection. It features an anti-sebum, anti-keratinization, and anti-inflammation ingredient complex alongside the patent-pending SunsolveMD skin barrier reinforcing base complex. As a result, the skin is left feeling rebalanced, calmed, and visibly clearer from blemishes over time.

Look for antisebum GMP, a safe and brand-new anti-acne ingredient with multi functions: anti-sebum, anti-keratinization, anti-bacteria and anti-inflammation. Naturally based Antisebum GMP is extracted from 3 classical vegetation skins: Garcinia mangostanacan, Magnolia officinalis and Punica granatum.

SunsolveMD SebumFix ComplexTM: Patented complex that triple-targets keratinization, bacteria, and inflammation for clearer, blemish-free skin.

SunsolveMD Cera-Soother TechnologyTM: Targeted anti-inflammation technology designed to soothe the skin's barrier at the lipid level.

SunsolveMD SolveDNAReverseTM: Reversing DNA photo sun damage powered by a complex repair enzyme.

All SunsolveMD products contain only good-to-skin benefits:

• Non-nano zinc oxide mineral base
• Reef safe
• Non-comedogenic
• Fragrance-free
• Paraben free
• Palm oil free

Minerals sunscreens are gaining popularity among consumers for their gentle yet effective protection from the sun's harmful rays. These sunscreens are formulated with physical blockers such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, providing broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays. The minerals form a barrier on the skin, reflecting the sun's rays instead of absorbing them like chemical sunscreens. This means they offer a great choice for those with sensitive skin, as they are less likely to cause irritation. Minerals sunscreens are also water-resistant, making them ideal for swimming, sweating or any other water-related activity. They are also reef-safe, meaning they are free of any chemicals that could be damaging to coral reefs. The minerals also offer antioxidant benefits, helping protect the skin from free radical damage and other environmental stressors.

Acne-causing sunscreen ingredients to avoid

The first ingredient to avoid is mineral oil. Mineral oil is a common ingredient in many sun creams, as it helps form an effective barrier against the sun's rays. However, it also has the potential to clog pores and lead to breakouts. Therefore, it's best to avoid sun creams that contain mineral oil if you have acne-prone skin. Another ingredient that can cause breakouts is parabens. Parabens are used as preservatives in many sun creams, and while they are effective at preserving the product, they can also irritate the skin and cause breakouts. Therefore, opt for a sun cream that is free from parabens. The fragrance is another common ingredient in many sun creams, as it helps mask unpleasant odors.

References

Goodman G. Cleansing and moisturizing in acne patients. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2009, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19209947/

Webster G F. Acne vulgaris, Aug 31 2002, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1123998/

Yvette Brazier, What you need to know about acne, Nov 27, 2017, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/107146

Claudia Calavan, Can Sun Exposure Help Acne? Here's What a Dermatologist Thinks, 20 July 2020, https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/beauty/skin/a27089325/does-sun-help-acne/