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CNN
16 hours ago
- Health
- CNN
The best sunscreens for acne-prone skin, according to dermatologists
When you're struggling with breakouts, your skin care routine becomes a true science and the last step is finding a sunscreen for acne-prone skin that will keep it both protected and happy. Applying a daily sunscreen can help reduce signs of aging, prevent scarring from blemishes and is an overall smart way to keep your skin safe from damaging UV rays from sun exposure. I spoke to skin experts to find out the safest sunscreens for those dealing with frustrating flare-ups ahead of summer. From name brands you may already have in your medicine cabinet to K-beauty formulas you haven't tried yet, there's a sunscreen that's a right fit for you and your skin. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50 "For everyday use, I love this product. It comes tinted, which is great for minimizing blemishes," said board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Goldwasser. The mineral sunscreen is available in four shades, and the light tint can help cover redness from breakouts. Face Reality Daily Sunscreen SPF 30 Plus Recommended by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, this is a great sunscreen option for all skin types but especially for those with acne-prone skin. "It contains niacinamide, witch hazel and hyaluronic acid. It offers broad-spectrum coverage while also supporting the skin," she said. The packaging makes it clear too, with a small "acne-safe" marker right on the front. Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 50 This option from Neutrogena is great if you're looking for a daily-use sunscreen that won't break the bank when it's time to pick up a new bottle. "This oil-free formulation is lightweight and absorbs easily, leaving behind a matte finish on the skin and reducing the appearance of oiliness," Garshick said. "It offers broad-spectrum coverage and is water-resistant, making it especially great for those who are active outdoors." Goldwasser also recommends this sunscreen, noting it doesn't look or feel greasy after application. La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Clear Sunscreen SPF 50 La Roche-Posay is a brand you've likely seen in the skin care aisles, and our experts and editors are fans of it. "This one's oil-free, dries down matte and is specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin," said Tiffany M. Rice, aesthetic medicine nurse practitioner. "It also contains perlite and silica to help absorb excess oil throughout the day." Clearstem You Are Sunshine Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ CNN Underscored's director of social Stephanie Griffin swears by Clearstem's lineup and notes this SPF as one of her most-used products from the brand. The mineral sunscreen also packs ingredients like green tea and centella asiatica (gotu kola) for calming irritated skin. Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Broad-Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ Rice likes this mineral sunscreen because it's oil-free, dries with a matte finish and is specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. She called out key ingredients, like perlite and silica, which help absorb excess oil throughout the day. Tthe SPF 50 also gives you ample protection for beach days or hiking. Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45 K-beauty products often go viral on social media and for usually for good reason. This one came dermatologist recommended in our search for the best Korean sunscreens. It's formulated for acne-prone and sensitive skin, and the lotion has the slightest green tint to help neutralize redness. Dr. Tiffany M Rice Protect Sun Drops SPF 50 Rice designed these drops to be noncomedogenic and suitable for all skin types. "These sheer, lightweight mineral sun drops provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with 25% zinc oxide, the highest allowable for mineral filters," she said. "Infused with potent antioxidants like green tea polyphenols and vitamin C, it soothes and hydrates skin while leaving a soft, natural radiance." The formula is easy to layer with makeup if you're looking for daily protection. Paula's Choice Extra Care Nongreasy Sunscreen SPF 50 Dr. Noreen Galaria, a board-certified dermatologist, notes that her patients remark how lightweight this sunscreen feels on their skin. You'll find aloe vera and kaolin clay on the ingredients list, which can help soothe irritation and redness. It's a hybrid chemical and mineral sunscreen option and comes in at a reasonable sub-$30 price. Eucerin Sun Clear Skin Face Sunscreen SPF 50 This Eucerin sunscreen comes recommended by Dr. Connie Yang, cosmetic dermatologist at PFrankMD by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, and is another sunscreen that's labeled as safe for acne-prone skin. The lotion has antioxidants and oil-absorbing ingredients. Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 If you don't want another serum or lotion, this option provides mineral sun protection in powder form, similar to a powder foundation. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nazanin Saedi recommends it for people with acne-prone skin types since it doesn't clog pores. The brush applicator makes it easy to reapply throughout the day too. Between shopping for mineral sunscreens over chemical options, varying SPF levels and long lists of ingredients that are hard to read let alone pronounce, the sunscreen aisle can be confusing. There are a few key points to focus on, though, according to dermatologists. 'Look for noncomedogenic, fragrance-free and oil-free formulas,' Rice said. 'Ingredients like zinc oxide, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are especially acne-friendly. Avoid heavy oils, added fragrance and alcohol-based sunscreens that can clog pores or trigger irritation.' Garshick recommends looking for sunscreens that are oil-free and have ingredients that can be calming to irritated skin. 'It can also help to look for ingredients that may be calming, such as niacinamide and those that support the skin barrier, such as ceramides, which can be especially important for those using acne treatments that can be drying,' she said. She recommends those with oily skin might opt for a gel or lightweight option that rubs in easily and said it's best to avoid formulas that contain alcohols since they can dry out the skin. Sticking to well known and name brands can be a safer shopping experience if you're not sure where to start, according to Goldwasser, because major manufacturers will state if a product is noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic. 'Smaller manufacturers may not have the wherewithal to do that sort of testing, so I recommend that patients stick with the well-known brand names, and read the packaging,' she said. The last thing you want to do while adding a sunscreen into your daily routine is to add in something that stresses your skin out more. It can be daunting to add in a new product, but there are smart steps to take before you incorporate it into your routine. 'Start with clean, moisturized skin. Pat or gently press sunscreen into the skin, don't rub aggressively, especially over breakouts,' Rice said. 'Sunscreen should be the final layer in your daytime skin care routine. Allow it to absorb fully before applying makeup. Reapply every two hours when outdoors or sweating.' Goldwasser recommends applying sunscreen liberally and, ideally, even before you get dressed or change into your bathing suit. 'I recommend lotions over sprays, generally. If you're using a mineral block (that means the active ingredient is zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both) you'll be protected immediately,' she said. 'If you're using a chemical sunscreen, you'll need to wait 20 to 30 minutes before exposure to the sun.' Garshick and Goldwasser both mentioned that reapplying sunscreen is important throughout the day, especially while out in the sun for extended periods of time. 'It is best to apply sunscreen daily and remember to reapply every two hours,' Garshick said. 'For those with acne who prefer to avoid wearing heavy makeup, a tinted sunscreen can be a good option to provide some cosmetic camouflage while also offering protection.' The following FAQs have been answered by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Marisa Garshick, Dr. Jennifer Goldwasser and aesthetic medicine nurse practitioner Tiffany M. Rice. Should I use sunscreen if I have acne? Should I use sunscreen if I have acne? The resounding answer from each expert we spoke to was yes: It's important to use sunscreen if you have acne (and if you don't!). Goldwasser said that many acne treatments make your skin more sensitive to the sun. 'Sun exposure can worsen inflammation, darken post-acne discoloration (also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) and accelerate skin aging,' Rice said. 'Many acne treatments such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, AHAs, BHAs and azelaic acid increase sun sensitivity. Daily sunscreen is essential not just to prevent sunburn but also to protect the skin barrier while it heals.' Is SPF 30 or 50 better for acne-prone skin? Is SPF 30 or 50 better for acne-prone skin? 'Both are effective, but SPF 50 offers more protection, especially for those using active ingredients or treating hyperpigmentation,' Rice said. 'The key is choosing a noncomedogenic formula that won't clog pores. SPF 50 no longer means thick or greasy. Modern formulas can feel weightless.' Goldwasser said that an SPF of 30 will give you excellent coverage for most situations, but if you're spending time outdoors while the UV is high, or you're near reflective surfaces like sand or water, it's advisable to use an SPF 50 option. Garshick said either SPF 30 or SPF 50 will do the trick, as long as you've applied enough to get the full benefits listed on the bottle. Which sunscreen is best for acne-prone skin mineral or chemical? Which sunscreen is best for acne-prone skin mineral or chemical? Either option will be effective, so it comes down to more of a personal preference. 'Either mineral or chemical sunscreen may be used by those with acne-prone skin, but those with acne who may also have sensitive skin may prefer a mineral sunscreen as they tend to be less irritating,' Garshick said. Goldwasser agreed, saying she's partial to mineral sunscreens for her acne-prone patients since their skin may be extra sensitive. For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights. Dr. Noreen Galaria, Virginia-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York and New Jersey Dr. Jennifer Goldwasser, board-certified dermatologist based in Westchester County, New York Tiffany M. Rice, aesthetic medicine nurse practitioner and founder of Dr. Tiffany M. Rice Dr. Nazanin Saedi, double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Connie Yang, cosmetic dermatologist at PFrankMD by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank CNN Underscored has a skilled team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when it makes sense to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, writer Ellen McAlpine consulted dermatologists on the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin.
The Independent
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
The Ordinary's $8 glycolic acid ‘transformed my skin' after just one month
Glycolic acid is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) that sloughs away the outermost layer of skin to help with brighter skin and smoother texture. It tends to work well with other skincare products, making it great to add to your routine without causing too much disruption. That being said, be wary of using it at the same time as retinol and always wear SPF the next day because AHA can make skin more sensitive and vulnerable in the sun — even in winter. The Ordinary is known for its simple approach to ingredients, with the majority of its products focussing on one skincare ingredient, which makes controlling what goes on to your skin that much easier, especially if, like me, your skin is at all sensitive. Having expanded into other areas, including hair and body, launching products for lash and brow growth, anti-aging growth factor serums, exfoliating cleansers, and scalp moisturizing serums, there's no denying that its skincare is still the jewel in the crown. Famous for its affordability, with most of its products coming in at less than $20, The Ordinary's glycolic acid costs $8, which is pretty cheap. How I tested I love skincare, so I was excited to give this toner a go, especially because I'm normally quite hesitant when it comes to acid thanks to my somewhat sensitive skin. I'm not too blemish-prone but I suffer from hormonal breakouts and dull-looking skin, so I added the glycolic acid toner into my evening skincare routine three times a week after cleansing and before moisturizing. When testing, I considered how the formula felt on my skin, considering if it was drying, and whether there was any reaction. Keep reading to find out what I thought.
Health Line
19-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
8 Steps to the Perfect At-Home Facial
At-home facials may suit those who prefer the comfort of their own homes to relax and unwind while treating their skin. Learn what experts recommend including in your facial routine. Treating yourself to a facial is one of life's little luxuries. But if you don't fancy a trip to the spa or prefer a cheaper alternative, an at-home facial could be the perfect option for you. A multitude of skin care products and devices on the market make taking facial steps at home a walk in the park. Nighttime is a great time to start. 'During the day, skin is in a more protective mode, but at night, skin is more relaxed and starting repair mode, so it can readily accept extra love,' says Renée Rouleau, celebrity aesthetician and founder of her eponymous skin care line. Here's how you can treat yourself to a DIY facial. Whether it's a tried-and-true skin care regimen, how often you wash your hair, or the cosmetics you're curious about, beauty is personal. That's why we rely on a diverse group of writers, educators, and other experts to share their tips on everything from the way product application varies to the best sheet mask for your individual needs. We only recommend something we genuinely love, so if you see a shop link to a specific product or brand, know that it's been thoroughly researched by our team. Step 1: Cleanse In order to maximize every step, the idea is to start with a clean slate. The general rule is that if you're wearing makeup, you should use a cleansing lotion or oil first. Then, you cleanse again with a lightly foaming gel or exfoliating cleanser to remove residue. 'The emollients used in makeup are removed more effectively with other emollients,' says Rouleau. Start by massaging the lotion or oil on dry skin first. Then, wet your fingertips and massage it through a second time. To rinse, Jennifer Swisher, aesthetician at SkinCeuticals SkinLab by Dr. Roth in Texas, recommends using a microfiber washcloth to provide lifting action and make sure it all comes off. Next, cleanse again with a sulfate-free, low-foaming gel with nourishing components. These components won't dry your skin out. 'Your skin barrier is genetically coded to produce a certain amount of oil. If you fully strip that off, you're sending the wrong message to your skin to produce more oil, and that's when you create imbalances in your skin,' says Stevie McCord, esthetician and founder of Urban Alchemy Lab in Texas. If you have oily skin, you may want to opt for a cleanser that helps remove excess oil. For dry skin, you'll want something that cleans without stripping the skin. And for normal skin, a cleanser that gently exfoliates while removing oil and dirt can be useful. Step 2: Exfoliate Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, and it helps make sure the rest of the products you apply are properly absorbed. There are a few different types of exfoliators: Physical exfoliators include products such as facial scrubs, at-home microdermabrasion tools, or derma-planing blades. Chemical exfoliators refer to acids, like lactic or glycolic, which help dissolve dead skin cells. For the ideal at-home facial, Rouleau recommends using both physical and chemical exfoliators, starting first with an acid exfoliator. After leaving it on for 10 minutes or so, she recommends following it up with a physical scrub 'to make sure you actually remove the dead skin cells.' You can also just do one or the other, depending on your skin type. 'Someone with oilier skin can get away with exfoliating four or five times per week,' says McCord. 'Someone with drier skin should exfoliate much less, about once a week.' Step 3: Steam Now that you're working with freshly exfoliated skin, you can steam with an at-home steamer. Steaming offers several benefits. 'It heats up the internal temperature of the skin and slightly dilates the pores. This makes the hardened oils in the pores (aka blackheads) melt a little, making extractions easier to perform,' says Rouleau. 'It also increases blood flow to the skin, and it is very hydrating because it brings a lot of moisture to the skin.' That said, if you steam, it's important to quickly follow up with moisturizing products, like a mask or an extraction (more on that below). 'You never want to leave skin bare after steaming because it will get tight and you will lose all that moisture,' adds Rouleau. Steaming might not be suitable for those with skin problems, like melasma. If you're unsure whether steaming is the best step for your skin, consult a dermatologist. If you're steaming at home, only do it for 5 to 10 minutes. Any longer than that and you risk dehydration. Step 4: Extract If you're considering extracting your own blackheads, it's important to do it correctly to prevent damage to your skin and pores. Directions If you're using an extractor tool, follow the manufacturer's instructions. If using your fingers, wash your hands thoroughly. Wrap your fingers in tissue or toilet paper. Place your fingers around the comedo, and squeeze once. Change your positioning to prevent marking up your skin or causing inflammation, and squeeze a second time. If nothing comes out, move on. Dab with a topical acne treatment. Step 5: Mask There are several kinds of masks, including: Gel. Gel masks are cooling and calming to the skin and good for all skin types — especially those with redness and rosacea. Clay. Clay masks are especially good for oily skin and clogged pores. The clay helps draw out impurities from the skin. 'If it dries and cracks into a million pieces, it means the mask is too strong,' says Rouleau. 'Look for a hydrating mask infused with ingredients that are nourishing for the skin.' Cream. Cream masks usually have a heavy consistency. They're great for drier skin types that need more lipids, oils, and nourishing components. Sheet masks. Sheet masks are typically gel, infused with water-based hydration. These masks are also great for dry skin types. You can also DIY a great mask at home with ingredients like yogurt, honey, oatmeal, avocado, and papaya. The perfect mask for you depends on your skin type. But no matter which type you reach for, leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes, then remove with a damp washcloth. Step 6: Treat Serums are great targeted treatments for specific skin concerns, like wrinkles and pigmentation. Serums contain active ingredients like niacinamide, antioxidants, peptides, vitamins A, C, and E, and even topical retinols. For pigmentation issues, opt for a vitamin C serum. For dry, red, or flaky skin, try a serum with peptides and niacinamide. If you have wrinkles you'd like to target, retinols or phyto-retinols may be able to help. Step 7: Moisturize Following a serum, apply a good layer of your favorite moisturizer to lock it all in. If your skin is oily, you can opt for a lightweight lotion. If your skin is dry, you might want to try a heavier cream for more moisture Step 8: Massage Including a little massage into your facial not only feels great, but it also helps to increase circulation and lymphatic drainage. This can result in a dewy, de-puffed complexion. It may also reduce dullness and skin irritation, according to Swisher. If you want to use your fingers, you can. But you may also want to use a roller and a nice facial oil for a final flourish (think of it as a topcoat for your moisturizer). 'Work from the middle out, and always go upward in motion,' says McCord. 'If you're going to work around the eyes, you need to make sure you have enough product around them. You certainly don't want to tug that area, since the tissue around the eyes is a lot thinner.' If your skin is on the oilier side, you may be wary about using an oil on top of your moisturizer, but McCord recommends it 'because it actually helps to balance out [your] sebum production.' For oily skin, McCord recommends jojoba or sesame oil, while coconut, borage, rosehip, or avocado oil are great options for those with dry skin. If your skin is a little in between? You can never go wrong with frankincense or marula oil. Last but not least, dab on a little eye cream around the eyes.
Daily Mail
08-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Woman, 22, behind controversial 'caveman skin' trend defends herself after giving up face washing - as dermatologist brands it 'extremist'
A TikTok video of a young woman's adherence to what's been dubbed as a 'caveman skincare routine' has created controversy this week, with thousands weighing in on the 'new trend'. A video of Tia Zakher was viewed over 10 million times after the influencer declared that she'd ceased using 'all skin care' and had stopped 'using any water' to wash her face. The 22-year-old posted the video after her alarmed followers questioned the state of her skin, which appeared excessively dry, flaky and even yellowish along the forehead, cheeks, bridge of the nose and around the mouth. In the video, the Canadian woman explained that she'd adopted the variation on the trending caveman skin method as a purported means to enable her skin barrier to 'rebuild itself naturally'. 'My skin is basically just shedding all the damage and attempting to re-regulate itself,' concluded the TikToker, who has over 135,000 followers. After the video went viral, it was picked up by media around the world, resulting in experts worldwide slamming the unscientifically-backed skin care method as potentially harmful. Others suggested the young woman had some kind of skin ailment or fungus. 'I post publicly so it is okay for people to publicly comment and share their opinions, a lot of people are coming from a place of concern too,' Tia told FEMAIL. 'All I can say is I wish I was making it up because it's not easy going through this and being patient as someone who has a history with [skin] picking too.' Tia explained that wanted to 'try something different' when she adopted the cold turkey skin care routine. A few weeks after she'd stopped washing her face with water and using any products, Tia said she noticed there was visible 'build up' on her skin. 'It was difficult when [the build up] started becoming noticeable, but I also did notice my redness calm down a lot, so I felt like something was working,' she said. The influencer cautioned that she didn't believe this approach was appropriate for everyone and recommended people 'consult a professional before trying something like this'. Tia also said that she had since begun to reintroduce water to her skin care routine and will start using 'moisturiser very soon'. Despite Tia's cautionary message about the suitability of her caveman skin care routine to others, dermatologists fear that the viral video may have already inspired copycats, which could have potentially devastating skin results. FEMAIL spoke to Australian dermatologist Dr Ryan De Cruz, who said that 'as the name suggests, the caveman skincare method is outdated and really doesn't reflect the evolution of not only the human species, but also medical science and skincare'. The dermatologist and founder of Melbourne's Southern Dermatology slammed the caveman skin approach of ditching 'all kind of scientifically proven self-care and hygiene methods' as 'archaic'. 'To absolutely abandon all hygiene methods is extremist and has no scientific evidence,' he added. The skin expert was particularly troubled by the basic lack of hygiene in not using water or a cleanser. 'In general terms, hygiene applies as much to the skin on the face as the skin on the rest of the body – and the risks of not cleansing the skin include development of excessively oily or excessively dry skin, pigmentation, inflammation and odour.' 'Not cleansing is not only harmful in terms of environmental aggressors, but simple infections such as staphylococcus or viral infections like yeast overgrowths.' While Dr De Cruz was critical of the 'extremist' caveman skin routine approach, he did recognise that buried within it were aspects of merit. For instance, the dermatologist accepted that he had seen patients whose skin improved as a result of ceasing use of skin care products. However, he added the caveat that this was usually in the instance of people who had previously overused 'harsh cleansers and active ingredients to their skin's detriment'. The expert explained: 'The skin moisture barrier is something that needs to be protected, and skin care when used inappropriately or when not tailored to the person's skin type can be quite damaging.' 'There is certainly a balancing act between using hydrating and reparative products versus harsh anti-aging products and acne-targeting skin products, which can strip the skin and destroy the skin barrier. 'Therefore, I certainly do agree that patients may notice an improvement in their skin when they actually reduce the number of things they're using on it.' Dr De Cruz also noted that 'many organs in the body have natural ways of maintaining itself' – including the skin, which 'naturally turns over every 28 days or so'. This type of thinking may have underpinned the methodology of the caveman skin approach. However, factors in the modern world such as the environment, pollution and even diet 'affect the quality of our skin', making it markedly different to the skin of our centuries-old ancestors. Therefore, the use of cleansers, and particularly those containing research-backed skin improving ingredients, are now encouraged to help assist with this natural turnover process. 'For example, if we look at patients who have atopic eczema or dermatitis, we would recommend utilising cleansers that are ceramide based or have hydrating factors such as hyauluronic acid,' Dr De Cruz suggested. Although Tia is not a patient of Dr De Cruz, his assessment from seeing pictures of her is that she may be afflicted by an underlying skin condition like 'retention hyperkeratosis, which is an innate inability for the skin to exfoliate naturally'. He explained that any kind of underlying skin condition, be it eczema and psoriasis, or a tendency towards acne-prone skin and oiliness, or excessively dry skin could stand to benefit from incorporating simple, scientifically backed skin care ingredients. 'All of these skin conditions can be improved or ameliorated through using appropriate cleansers,' Dr De Cruz said. The one aspect where the doctor's professional opinion aligned with Tia's controversial approach was in the belief of 'keeping skin care simple'. 'When it comes to a reasonably priced and evidence-based skin care routine, the three elements that should form the basis of a gentle skin care routine are a gentle hydrating cleanser, daily moisturiser and SPF 50+ sunscreen,' said Dr De Cruz. 'You need only head to the pharmacy to find excellent skin care routine products that have good research to back it up, without breaking the bank.'
