Fashion

Prevent Your Sunscreen From Clogging Your Pores

by Lindsey Rose Black

March 21, 2016

Is there anything worse than trying to protect your skin from the sun and getting rewarded with a slew of pimples? If you've been breaking out and asking yourself, "Can sunscreen clog your pores?" the answer is yes, but it's a little nuanced. There are ways to wear sunscreen without breaking out, so don't toss that SPF just yet!

Sunscreen breakouts can definitely happen, but once you know what's causing them, you can figure out how to prevent them without much hassle. As for why those pimples pop up, dermatologist Jennifer M. Segal, MD, told Refinery29, "Two things can cause sunscreen-related breakouts: occlusion of the pores by comedogenic materials, or a sensitivity reaction to chemical UV-blocking agents." If a little trial-and-error doesn't reveal what's causing your sunscreen breakouts, definitely reach out to a dermatologist.

La Jolla-based dermatologist Craig Kraffert told Julia Teen another possible common cause of sunscreen pimples on Bustle, sharing "Many mass market sunscreens use an ingredient called homosalate ... This is often used in large percentages and can contribute to a heavy or greasy product feel. It may be better for those with breakout tendencies to avoid formulations containing it."

To locate a sunscreen that likely won't cause breakouts, Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, co-director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington, DC told Stylecaster, "Look for the ones that say ‘non-comedogenic.'” Additionally, dermatologist Jeannette Graf told Bustle, "Mineral sunscreens with active ingredients like zinc oxide tend to be less irritating to reactive skin types [and] Gel formulations tend to have a lighter texture and work well with oily skin."

In hopes of making your SPF-using life as easy and breakout-free as possible, I've followed Tanzi, Kraffert, and Graf's tips for finding the best sunscreens out there.