Sunscreen and Acne: Your Questions Answered

Sunscreen is a must in every skin care regimen, no matter your skin type. Not only does it help to protect your skin from UV damage related to skin cancer, but also plays a key role in keeping your skin looking and feeling youthful and radiant. However, there are lots of myths and misinformation about sunscreen and acne out there. To help clear up some of these myths, I put together this guide with the facts and science behind each one.

Before we get into the details, if you are having trouble picking the right sunscreen for your skin, take a moment to take the quiz below to find out which of the 16 skin types you are. 

While sunscreen can’t directly heal true acne scars, it does play an important role in preventing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from getting worse. PIH refers to the dark marks or discoloration that remain after an acne breakout. These spots aren’t true scars – they happen when the skin produces too much melanin in response to inflammation. True acne scars, such as indented or raised scars, happen when too little or too much collagen is produced during the healing process.

Exposure to UV rays can make PIH worse, making dark spots darker and harder to get rid of. This is where sunscreen comes in. A good SPF protects the skin from UV radiation, preventing PIH from worsening and giving the skin a chance to heal naturally. Thus, using sunscreen consistently, along with a customized skin care regimen that includes lightening ingredients like niacinamide or vitamin C, can help to reduce the appearance of acne-related discoloration over time.

One of the most long-standing myths is that sun exposure can actually clear acne. The truth is that while you may notice some temporary benefits from limited sun exposure, long-term exposure to the sun can make acne worse.

UV light does have some anti-inflammatory effects and helps our bodies to produce vitamin D, which may be correlated with clearer skin (3). However, UV exposure damages the skin’s barrier over time, increasing inflammation and making acne worse. The sun also causes dryness, which can contribute to clogged pores and breakouts.

As explained above, sun damage can also lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin tones, worsening the appearance of post-acne dark spots. So while the sun might give the illusion of clearer skin at first, it ultimately does more harm than good.

Instead of risking further damage to your skin from the sun, manage acne with skin care ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, retinoids, and others. The best skin care products for acne will depend on your Baumann Skin Type.

No. While research on the sun’s role in acne is limited, no current studies have shown that SPF can actively prevent breakouts.

However, protecting your skin from UV rays can minimize inflammation and irritation, which can help to prevent PIH or redness. On the flip side, choosing the wrong sunscreen, especially one that is too heavy or comedogenic, can clog pores and potentially worsen acne – so make sure you are using the right SPF for your skin type.

Yes, sunscreen can contribute to acne if you are using the wrong formulation for your skin type. In fact, one of the most common reasons why people tell me they do not wear sunscreen is because they don’t like how it feels on their skin or they feel it is causing breakouts. This is because some sunscreens contain ingredients that are comedogenic.

The good news, however, is that there are SPFs out there that do not clog pores or cause breakouts. The key is choosing a non-comedogenic, or non-pore-clogging, formula that will feel light on the skin. Mineral sunscreens, which use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients, are often better for acne-prone skin than chemical sunscreens because they tend to be lighter and less irritating.

The best sunscreen for acne will depend on your specific skin type. In general, however, people with acne-prone skin should choose oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreens . As noted above, mineral sunscreens tend to be better for acne than chemical sunscreens.

A few popular sunscreens that can be great for acne-prone skin include:

Sunscreen is a key part of any skin care routine, but it’s not a cure-all for acne. It won’t prevent breakouts or clear your skin on its own, but it will protect against sun damage, prevent dark spots and discoloration, and help to maintain overall skin health. Choosing the right sunscreen for your skin type is crucial , especially for those prone to breakouts. If you struggle to find a sunscreen that doesn’t contribute to breakouts or that feels comfortable on your skin, make sure you take the quiz to find out your skin type . Then, we can help you find the perfect SPF for your skin.

1. Baumann L., Weisberg, E. Sunscreen in Ch. 46 of Baumann's Cosmetic Dermatology Ed 3. (McGraw Hill 2022)
2. Baumann, L. Ch. Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Ingredients (McGraw Hill 2015)
3. Lim, S. K., Ha, J. M., Lee, Y. H., Lee, Y., Seo, Y. J., Kim, C. D., ... & Im, M. (2016). Comparison of vitamin D levels in patients with and without acne: a case-control study combined with a randomized controlled trial. PLoS One, 11(8), e0161162.
4. Puaratanaarunkon, T., & Asawanonda, P. (2022). A randomized, double blinded, split-face study of the efficacy of using a broad spectrum sunscreen with anti-inflammatory agent to reduce post inflammatory hyperpigmentation after picosecond laser. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 331-337.
5. Piquero‐Casals, J., Morgado‐Carrasco, D., Rozas‐Muñoz, E., Mir‐Bonafé, J. F., Trullàs, C., Jourdan, E., ... & Krutmann, J. (2023). Sun exposure, a relevant exposome factor in acne patients and how photoprotection can improve outcomes. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 22(6), 1919-1928.
6. Gomes, M., Lima, F. V., Rosado, C., & Pezzini, B. R. (2024). Potential Beneficial Effects of Mineral Sunscreens on Acne-Prone Skin. Current Cosmetic Science, 3(1), E180324228050.
7. Magin, P., Pond, D., Smith, W., & Watson, A. (2005). A systematic review of the evidence for ‘myths and misconceptions’ in acne management: diet, face-washing and sunlight. Family Practice, 22(1), 62-70.