Sun Damage
The sun’s rays are a primary cause of acne. They can damage skin cells, which causes collagen and elastin to break down. This results in free radical damage which leads to inflammation and inflammatory acne.
The right sunscreen can help to prevent the appearance of new scars from forming and reduce existing discoloration. Choose a sunscreen that is labeled as noncomedogenic. This will ensure it doesn’t clog pores which can make your acne worse.
Sunscreen Is A Must
If you want to reduce your chances of future acne and make your existing blemishes fade faster, sunscreen is the way to go. It’s a simple addition to your routine that can prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (the red marks left behind after a breakout) and sun damage.
It’s Not A Cure
While sunscreen helps prevent future breakouts and slows the progression of blemishes, it isn’t a cure for acne. However, it can be helpful in reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from existing acne lesions and making scars fade more quickly [2].
It’s important to find a sunscreen that doesn’t clog pores (which can exacerbate acne) but is still lightweight enough for oily skin. Look for a formula that is labeled as noncomedogenic and has no heavy oils or cocoa butter.
It’s Not A Myth
Sunscreen is a skin care essential that should be on hand at all times, especially during summer months. A sunscreen is a topical product with physical blockers (titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) that reflect or absorb UV rays and protect the skin from burning, discoloration, and damage.
It’s not a myth that a higher SPF gives you more protection from the sun. However, SPF isn’t a clear indicator of protection. The way SPF ratings are determined doesn’t take into account the beginning skin tone of the subject or the intensity of UV rays which vary throughout the day and season.