Non-Comedogenic Sunscreen for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

Choosing the right sunscreen for oily, acne-prone skin can feel overwhelming and frustrating. Though the benefits of sun protection are clear – to prevent photoaging and decrease your chances of skin cancer – for those with oily skin, it often feels like those benefits come at the cost of blemishes and breakouts when applying thick, greasy sunscreens. 

To avoid further breakouts, it might be tempting to forego sunscreen, which is dangerous, or avoid the sun altogether. Thankfully, by picking the right sunscreen, even those with oily and acne-prone skin can enjoy time in the sun while being protected from harmful UV rays. 
 
Let's take a closer look at how the sun affects acne-prone skin, clear up some common misconceptions about the relationship between sunscreen and acne, and learn how to find the best sunscreen for oily skin. 

The word ‘oily’ is used to describe a skin type with heightened sebum production. Sebum is produced in skin’s sebaceous glands and is transported to the skin’s surface where it contributes to skin protection. Oily skin is characterized by a glossy shine and enlarged and visible pores. You can find out more about oily skin in skin types and conditions.

Not all people with oily skin are also prone to acne but having both oily and acne-prone skin is common because excess sebum production creates an environment conducive to the formation of clogged pores. It is possible to have acne even if your skin is not oily. 

If you’re concerned about acne, it’s best to consult with a trusted dermatologist.  

When you think of sunscreen, you likely picture thick, greasy lotion that takes a while to rub in and leaves skin feeling slick and oily. For those with oily or acne-prone skin, the aftermath can potentially be an acne breakout nightmare. 

The Eucerin Sun Protection range includes a number of suitable sunscreens for oily skin. 

Non-comedogenic sunscreen is sunscreen that is specially formulated to not clog your pores. The term ‘non-comedogenic’ means non-pore-clogging (remember those comedones we mentioned?). If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you’ll want to look for this specification on the sunscreen that you choose. 

We recommend that you use sun protection products that have been specially formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. 

• When shopping for sunscreen suitable for oily skin, choose products: 
• With a lighter texture. 
• Labeled ‘non-comedogenic’ and clinically tested in order to avoid formulations that might clog pores 
• That actively helps to address your skin concerns as well as offering sun protection – many facial moisturizers, foundations, and skin lotions have SPF built in.  
• That have been specially formulated for acne-prone skin and are clinically and dermatologically tested to be suitable for your skin type. 

Eucerin Sun Protection products are recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association and are all non-comedogenic and suitable for use by those with oily and acne-prone skin.  

Applying a thick coat of greasy SPF to your face may trigger breakouts, but not using any sunscreen can be detrimental to your skin health. Thankfully, there are facial sunscreens for acne-prone skin that won't leave your skin feeling sticky or oily. 

Eucerin Anti-Shine SPF 50 Face Sunscreen Lotion is specially formulated for oily, acne-prone skin. It offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with a unique complex of 5 antioxidants (5 Antioxidant Shield™) that defends the skin against environmental aggressors that weaken the skin’s moisture barrier for healthier looking skin.* 

The lightweight, oil-free, non-greasy and non-comedogenic formula has a dry touch, invisible finish on all skin tones, making it a perfect choice for a facial sunscreen to wear under makeup.  

*Use as directed with other Sun Protection Measures (See Drug Facts Box) 

For higher SPF facial sunscreen that helps to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles*, Eucerin Age Defense SPF 50 Face Sunscreen Lotion is also enriched with hyaluronic acid and is suitable for daily use under makeup. With broad spectrum SPF 50 UVA/UVB sun protection and suitable for all skin types, this face sunscreen won’t clog pores for those with oily skin. 

*With continuous use after 1 week. Use as directed (See Drug Facts Box) 

Looking for a mineral sunscreen for the face? Developed with dermatologists, Eucerin Sensitive Mineral SPF 35 Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion offers broad-spectrum SPF 35 UVA/UVB sun protection formulated with 100% naturally sourced zinc oxide. With a blendable tint for many skin tones, this mineral face sunscreen is also hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and contains Eucerin’s Advanced Antioxidant Complex, 5 Antioxidants Shield™ to defend the skin against environmental aggressors that weaken the skin’s moisture barrier for healthier looking skin*. 

*Use as directed with other Sun Protection Measures (see Drug Facts Box) 

When you have oily skin, you don’t necessarily only experience breakouts on your face. Breakouts on the neck, chest, shoulders, and back are also very common. Should you apply your specially formulated face sunscreen to those areas instead? With an effective, non-comedogenic body sunscreen, you don’t have to.  

Eucerin® Complete Hydration SPF 50 Face & Body Sunscreen Lotion is a daily sunscreen suitable for use on both face and body with SPF 50, offering broad-spectrum sun protection and long-lasting hydration. Enriched with Hyaluronic Acid and Humectants along with a unique complex of 5 antioxidants, this hydrating sunscreen is fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive skin, and easily rubs into the skin with an invisible finish. Also available as a convenient sunscreen spray. 

The best way to protect oily skin from the sun is to limit the time spent in the sun, avoid it during its most intense hours, wear protective clothing, and apply a sun protection product that offers the level of protection that your skin needs.  

Certain medical conditions or procedures can impact the skin's sensitivity to the sun. If you use an acid-based skin peel or resurfacing treatment, for example, it’s important to remember your skin will be even more sensitive to the sun and to take extra precautions.  

If you are undergoing medical treatment, be sure to practice ‘safe sun’ by following the guidelines above and wearing a very high protection sun factor even on cloudy days. 

It is important to protect your acne-prone skin from the sun’s damaging rays by using sunscreen with other sun protection measures. Excessive and/or unprotected exposure to the sun’s rays can exacerbate the causes and triggers of acne, making matters worse rather than better: 

• The sun causes skin to dry out, and even oily skin needs moisture. When skin dries out, the sebaceous glands can go into overdrive, and this excessive sebum production is one of the key stages in the formation of blemishes. 
• When skin dries out, its surface hardens. This interferes with the natural process whereby dead skin cells are shed, leading to blocked pores and blemishes developing. 
• The sun also leads to increased sweat production and speeds up the rate at which sweat degrades on skin’s surface. This can create the perfect environment for the bacteria associated with acne to spread. 

Use a broad-spectrum non-comedogenic sunscreen to protect your acne-prone skin from the sun.

Generally speaking, sunscreen does not cause acne, depending on the formula and how the product is developed. However certain ingredients in sunscreen may block the skin’s pores. This is why it is important, especially for those with acne-prone skin, to use a non-comedogenic sunscreen, meaning a sunscreen that won’t block pores and contribute to breakouts. 

For acne-prone skin, certain acne treatments and medications can make skin more susceptible to sun damage. Consult your doctor for proper advice if you are using any acne-specific treatments or taking medications.  

Sun, in moderation, is good for us. However, overexposure to the sun’s rays can cause both short and long-term damage to all skin types, including oily skin. When wearing sunscreen, apply liberally and evenly 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply at least every 2 hours, and take other sun protection measures including: limiting time in the sun, especially from 10a.m.-2p.m. wearing long sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses. 

Spending a day in the sun (while properly protected!) can be exhausting for both your body and your skin. Sun exposure can dry out your skin, so after soaking up the sun’s rays, it’s important to soothe your skin and replenish its moisture with after sun lotion. 

Eucerin Complete Hydration After Sun Face & Body Lotion provides instant hydration that lasts up to 24 hours in an ultra-lightweight formula that leaves a fresh and cool feeling without being greasy. Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, this after sun lotion won’t clog pores and is appropriate for use by those with oily and acne-prone skin. To use, simply smooth over your body generously after sun exposure and reapply whenever your skin feels dehydrated. 

You’ve learned all about sun exposure and sun protection for oily and acne prone skin, from how excessive sun exposure can affect breakouts to picking the right sunscreen. Eucerin’s full line of sun care products are developed with dermatologists and include sunscreen lotions and sprays for face and body that can help you focus more on having fun safely outdoors, and less on what your skin will look and feel like after. Shop our full collection of sun protection products today. 

The information provided herein is not intended to be medical advice. Nor is it intended to treat the underlying skin disease or condition. The information is provided solely to: 

1. Moisturize, soften and smooth dry skin 
2. Improve the appearance of the skin 
3. Achieve healthier-looking skin