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How To Find A Sunscreen That Won't Break You Out

The most common issue most people have with sunscreen for the face is that it breaks them out. Certainly, sunscreen formulas can feel heavy on the skin and potentially clog pores, especially when combined with sweating, sea or pool water, sand and reapplication (which should be every two hours or after water exposure or sweating). 'Breakouts from sunscreen are usually from the ingredients and your skin's sensitivity,' said Dr. Richard Bottiglione, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dermatologist's Choice Skincare. HuffPost spoke to three board-certified dermatologists on which ingredients can break you out, offering some tips on how to find a product that works for you. Ingredients That Can Make You Break Out Sunscreen formulas often contain heavier ingredients, when compared with moisturizing creams, that may be comedogenic — i.e., pore-clogging — such as certain oils, waxes and silicones. And this is especially problematic for people with acne-prone skin, explainedDr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double-board-certified dermatologist. Additionally, these thick or heavier ingredients can trap sebum and gunk that would otherwise be excreted. And sunscreen can also contain UV filters, preservatives and extracts 'that can irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin, triggering inflammation that then looks like acne or other blemishes,' said Dr. Dusan Sajic, a double-board-certified dermatologist. Generally, formulas that include coconut derivatives, dense waxes or heavy oils high up on the ingredient list can clog pores, said Sajic. Experts recommend picking sunscreens with lighter formulas that don't include the aforementioned ingredients, because thicker creams may increase the accumulation of sweat, oil and bacteria, potentially exacerbating acne as well as causing irritation in the skin. Chemical vs. Physical Filter-Based Sunscreens Whether a sunscreen will break you out or not depends on the whole formula, not just the filter. 'Minerals (like zinc or titanium) are inert but need a good vehicle: if it's too thick, you'll still risk clogged pores. Chemical sunscreens often come in lighter gels, but the filters themselves can irritate some people,' said Sajic. 'Chemical sunscreens are more likely to cause breakouts than mineral sunscreens,' noted Houshmand. 'This occurs because chemical sunscreens work by being absorbed into the skin, converting UV rays into heat. This absorption process and the ingredients themselves, like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate, may cause irritation for some people, leading to inflammation and breakouts. Chemical sunscreens, especially combined with the heat, sweat and sebum, can cause acne,' she added. 'The trick is a balanced formula: lightweight texture and soothing, barrier-friendly additives. Don't get obsessed over 'mineral versus chemical.' Instead, look at how it feels on the skin and what extras it includes,' Sajic added. An extra tip that may help you, depending on the season: For hot and humid months, opt for a gel or fluid formula, and for drier months, picking a richer but still non-comedogenic, barrier-supporting formula can help, per Sajic. Are Oil-Free And Non-Comedogenic Formulas The Answer? This isn't as straightforward as brands may make us believe, as 'oil-free' and 'non-comedogenic' have to do with how these claims are tested by each brand, explained Sajic. 'Use oil-free and non-comedogenic as a starting point, then glance at the full ingredient list and do a patch test. 'Oil-free' means no added oils, but there may be silicones or esters that feel oily, so still check the texture,' said Sajic. Still, 'no oil in the formulation has the best chance of avoiding acne breakouts,' noted Bottiglione. 'I share with my patients to look for these terms not only on their sunscreen but skin care products, makeup and any products they will use on their skin,' agreed Houshmand. Avoid These Common Sunscreen Mistakes That May Cause Breakouts The first step when buying a new sunscreen is to patch test it for a few days, to check if a formula breaks you out or not. 'Using exfoliants or retinoids in your routine makes your barrier and skin more sensitive, so look out for barrier-supporting and soothing ingredients,' like niacinamide, ceramide precursors, peptides, panthenol or gentle peptides and antioxidants, said Sajic. 'Terms like 'barrier repair,' 'adaptive hydration' or 'multi-peptide complex' can hint at these,' he added. Reapplication can also cause breakouts, as the potentially irritating ingredients accumulate on the skin. Plus, 'When you're sweating outside, or at the pool, or at the beach, this can be a bigger issue because the sweat and dirt are major contributors to breakouts,' noted Bottiglione. To minimize the risk of breakouts when you are reapplying, you can opt for lighter formulas like sprays, powders or cushion compacts. Lightly cleansing the skin with a micellar wipe before reapplying could be helpful, said Sajic. A quick mist of a hypochlorous acid spray that naturally disinfects the skin is also a good choice. Make sure to let it fully dry before reapplying your sunscreen. Related: 'A common mistake is using a sunscreen formulated for the body and applying it on the face,' warned Houshmand, while offering a helpful tip: 'Always wash your hands before applying your sunscreen and when washing your sunscreen off at the end of the day.' Another reason sunscreen may be breaking you out — because you don't cleanse your skin properly at the end of the day! Even if you aren't wearing makeup, a deep, thorough cleanse is recommended to remove any sunscreen residue, sweat and debris from the skin. Sunscreen is formulated to form a film on the skin, so a simple micellar cleanse won't do. 'If sunscreen is not thoroughly cleansed at the end of the day, residue can accumulate and lead to breakouts,' said Houshmand. TL;DR The possibility of a sunscreen breaking you out in the summer depends on various factors, including the formula, ingredients, reapplication and accumulation of sweat, sand, salt or chlorine, all of which play their part. Ultimately, the best sunscreen for you is one that you will use consistently every day, all year round. The experts recommend you pick a broad-spectrum formula and a texture and feel that you like, so you can apply (and reapply) the appropriate amount. Words like 'weightless' and 'invisible finish' are good indicators of that. Related: Looking for a great sunscreen? These are some of our favorites. HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change. Dermstore EltaMD UV Restore SPF 40 If you're looking for a sunscreen that doubles as anti-aging skin care, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sonia Badreshia-Bansal recommended the EltaMD UV Restore sunscreen. She said, "sunscreens that combine physical blockers with antioxidants like niacinamide, vitamin C, or DNA-repair enzymes" can help combat oxidative stress and visible signs of aging. This particular SPF has with squalane and ginger root extract, both of which support skin health and appearance. $46 at Dermstore $46 at Amazon Sephora Ultra Violette Future Screen SPF 50 The cult-fave Australian brand Ultra Violette is finally available in the US at Sephora! If anyone knows how to protect their skin from harmful rays, it's Southern Hemisphere-dwelling Australians. I stock up on their sunscreens and lip balms every time I'm Down Under, and this development is a real thrill for skin care lovers. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jessie Cheung of Chicago's Cheung Aesthetics & Wellness told HuffPost that this must-have SPF is 'packed with mineral blockers to protect from the harsh Aussie sun, but feels silky and lightweight.' $40 at Sephora Amazon L'Oreal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum Daily SPF 50 According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexander Witkowski, one of the most noteworthy new sunscreens of the season is this SPF 50 fluid from L'Oreal. He told HuffPost that it has an innovative formula that "combines advanced sun protection with skin-brightening benefits." It's enriched with vitamin C and vitamin E, which can help "to reduce the appearance of dark spots and promote a more even, radiant complexion." He is also a fan of the lightweight finish that doesn't leave a white cast and the fact that it is formulated for sensitive skin. $25 at Amazon $33 at Ulta $26 at Walgreens Amazon Isdin Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50+ Both Badreshia-Bansal and Cheung recommended this Barcelona-based skin care brand's sunscreen. It is 100% mineral-based and infused with skin-loving ingredients that make it a great multitasker. It is one of the most comfortable mineral sunscreen formulas I've tried. It's formulated with zinc oxide, DNA repair enzymes and vitamin E — so not only is it preventing sun damage, but it's helping to nourish and repair the skin as well. The Isdin sunscreen is significantly lighter and easier to blend than traditional mineral SPFs, and doesn't have that lingering zinc smell that personally drives me up the wall. It dries down to a soft matte and is a nice base for dewy makeup looks. While this sunscreen blends well, there is a very slight white cast that's typical of a mineral sunscreen formulation. The combination of lightweight finish, formula and UV protection has made it worth the troubleshooting. Many shoppers noted that it's great for anyone who has sensitive skin, rosacea and skin cancer. $46 at Dermstore $46 at Sephora Amazon Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Dry-Touch mineral sunscreen SPF 50 When you're going to hit the beach or pool, water-resistant formulas are key. Badreshia-Bansal said, "Look for something labeled 'water resistant (80 minutes)' and at least SPF 50. I recommend mineral sticks or lotions because they tend to be more photostable." In previous reporting, Dr. Brandan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, said, "This lightweight, non-greasy product provides SPF 50 protection and contains zinc oxide as the active ingredient," Camp said. It's specially formulated with antioxidants to be water-resistant, is naturally sourced and dries down quickly without leaving a greasy finish. $19 at Amazon $13 at Walmart Elemis Elemis Pro-Collagen SPF 50 This silky sunscreen is one of Elemis' newest products, but given how great it is, you'd think the brand has been in the SPF game for decades. I've been using it for a couple of weeks and absolutely love it. I'm extremely fussy about sunscreen texture, finish and scent — and luckily this beauty knocks it out of the ballpark on all counts while providing powerful SPF 50 protection. It's a sheer, imperceptible fluid that dries down quickly with no white cast and leaves your complexion looking radiant and dewy, never greasy. I can't help but add it to this list of must-haves that your skin will love. $70 at Elemis Dermstore EltaMD UV AOX mist SPF 40 For beach days, Cheung recommends a water-resistant SPF, preferably a mineral formula that won't cause your eyes to sting or slide off when you're sweating in the sun. She pointed out that the EltaMD UV AOX Mist is great for full body coverage, since it "sprays on white but dries clear, so you won't miss any spots. It also has 360-degree sprayability, so you can apply it upside down." $46 at Dermstore $46 at Amazon Ulta La Roche-Posay Anthelios tinted light fluid sunscreen SPF 50 Badreshia-Bansal said, "I'm really impressed by the new La Roche-Posay Anthelios mineral tinted SPF 50+ Fluid – it's sheer, has a universal tint, and offers high UVA/UVB protection with 100% mineral filters. It's ideal for sensitive skin and has a great, elegant feel." Perfect for those days when you don't want to wear makeup want an easy pick-me-up. $40 at Ulta $40 at Amazon Amazon CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 According to Witkowski, this CeraVe lotion with SPF 30 is "an excellent, affordable and widely accessible option for a daily morning routine." It provides sun protection while doubling as a moisturizer and is formulated with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to support skin barrier health and hydration while also soothing irritation.. He also pointed out that it's non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, making it appropriate for sensitive and acne-prone skin. $15 at Amazon $16 at Ulta $15 at Target Ulta Blue Lizard Sensitive mineral sunscreen SPF 50+ Another Badreshia-Bansal recommendation for days spent outdoors, this reef-safe mineral sunscreen from Australia contains no active chemicals and is suitable for use on sensitive skin. It's also sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes so you can enjoy all types of outdoor activities without worry. $13 at Ulta $12 at CVS Merit Merit The Uniform tinted mineral SPF 45 This sunscreen from the internet- and celeb-beloved beauty brand Merit is hot off the presses, and promises to be a lovely choice for those who want a sunscreen option that also offers a soft splash of color. It features a formulation that's designed to be lightweight and buildable with a silky, soft and velvety sheer finish to impart a natural glow, while also helping to smooth and blur the look of skin. It's available in 15 blendable hues. Be one of the first to check out this SPF. $38 at Merit Amazon La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen Dry Touch SPF 60 Having earned The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, this La Roche-Posay is Witkowski's personal favorite and 'go-to' sunscreen, both for daily use and for days with extended sun exposure. It's also what he uses on his four-year-old child on beach days, bike rides or hikes. He noted that this oil-free SPF is very popular among dermatologists and is formulated with antioxidants that can help protect the skin from environmental damage. He also noted that it contains senna alata, "a tropical leaf extract known for its ability to combat oxidative stress and support the prevention of premature skin aging." You can't go wrong with this non-comedogenic, water-resistant formula that is also well-suited for sensitive skin. $20+ at Amazon $20 at Ulta Dermstore EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Badreshia-Bansal echoed the saying that "the best SPF for daily use is one that you'll actually wear — lightweight, invisible and comfortable under makeup." She recommends a mineral SPF with low irritation potential, like this cult-fave SPF that is beloved by both HuffPost readers and editors alike. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid to deeply moisturize skin while the inclusion of lactic acid lightly exfoliates skin and can help to reduce hyperpigmentation and shine. It's a great option for people like me with sensitive and acne-prone skin. I turn to it anytime I'm going to be spending a lot of time in the sun or when I'm post-procedure and want to protect my skin without irritating it. $44 at Dermstore $44 at Amazon Amazon TiZO2 facial sunscreen and primer "I recommend Tizo 2 Facial Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 for individuals seeking both high-performance sun protection and anti-aging benefits," said Witkowski. It's enriched with powerful antioxidants that canhelp neutralize free radicals and support overall skin health, while the gentle formulation makes it well-suited for sensitive and post-procedure skin. He also pointed out that it has a matte finish that "wears comfortably under makeup." $45 at Amazon $25 at Target (regularly $45) Dermstore Lancer mineral Sun Shield universal tint SPF 30 Cheung recommends a lightweight, tinted mineral SPF with antioxidants for everyday wear, like the Lancer Mineral Sun Shield SPF. "It multitasks as sun protection, skincare and a glow-up in one," she said. The iron oxides that provide the tint can also help to protect your skin from blue light, which penetrates deeper than UVB and contributes to hyperpigmentation. She added that this sunscreen "soothes while protecting and reducing sun damage, and will blend into all skin tones." $60 at Dermstore More And More Men Choose Not To Wear Metal Wedding Bands — Here's Why Dermatologists Say Your Moisturizer Could Be Causing Acne. Here Are Non-Comedogenic Formulas To Use Instead. Is Botox About To Get More Expensive? Doctors Reveal How Tariffs Will Impact Cosmetic Procedures. Related... 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