don’t underestimate the power of sunscreen when it comes to healing acne

Nothing is worse than clearing your acne…and then having to deal with all of the residual scarring and pigmentation that could have been prevented in the first place..cough cough me having to spend thousands of dollars on lasers and micro-needling to reverse the damage today 😅 If you’re not protecting your skin from UV damage daily, you might actually be slowing down your acne-healing progress - and even though it might feel “pore-clogging”..it’s SUPER important to incorporate.

Here’s why sunscreen is a non-negotiable in your acne-clearing routine:

1. Acne-Prone Skin is More Vulnerable to UV Damage

If your skin is already inflamed from active breakouts, sun exposure can make things worse. Acne-prone skin tends to have a compromised skin barrier, meaning it’s less equipped to handle external stressors like UV rays. Without protection, your skin becomes more irritated, dehydrated, and inflamed - ultimately worsening breakouts and delaying healing.

2. Sunscreen Helps Prevent Stubborn Post-Acne Marks

One of the most frustrating parts of acne? The lingering dark spots (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH) that stick around long after a breakout has healed. Sun exposure makes these marks even darker and slows down the healing process. If you’re struggling with red or brown marks from old acne, daily sunscreen use is one of the best ways to ensure they fade faster and prevents them in the first place.

3. Too Much Sun Can Trigger More Breakouts

While some people feel like their acne improves in the sun, this unfortunately is just an illusion. Sun exposure can initially dry out breakouts, but over time, it increases oil production to compensate for the moisture loss. This excess oil can clog pores and lead to more breakouts. Additionally, many acne topicals that people are on like retinoids, AHAs, and benzoyl peroxide..make your skin more sensitive to the sun, increasing your risk of irritation and damage.

4. A Healthy Skin Barrier = Healthier, Clearer Skin

This is a big one. Because most of us with acne have stripped away our barriers for years. A compromised skin barrier leads to more breakouts, redness, and sensitivity. Sunscreen acts as a shield, preventing UV-induced damage so your skin can focus on repairing itself. A well-protected skin barrier means less inflammation, faster healing, and ultimately clearer skin in the long run.

Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin

Not all sunscreens are created equal - especially if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin. Here’s what to look for:

✅ Mineral-Based SPF (Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide) – These are gentle, anti-inflammatory, and won’t clog pores. Clearstem is my favorite! Code DRSHEYDA gets you a discount at checkout.
✅ Non-comedogenic & lightweight – Look for formulas that won’t feel heavy or greasy on your skin.
✅ Fragrance-free & minimal irritants – Fragrance and certain preservatives can trigger breakouts in sensitive skin.
✅ Hydrating but not oily – If you have dry, acne-prone skin, a hydrating sunscreen can help support your skin barrier without making you greasy.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER - All content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for advice and recommendations provided by your healthcare provider.