Why are all ya’ll traumatized by sunscreen? Like what did it do to hurt you? Totally kidding, but seriously, the amount of people who have complained to me about sunscreen because they think it’ll automatically break them out or stain their skin white for the rest of the day is comical.
PEOPLE if you have acne, you have hyperpigmentation, or inflammatory spots, you need to protect your skin in order to prevent long term scaring. Even if you don’t struggle with acne, sunscreen will keep you looking young and plump. We want to age gracefully, don’t we?
So let me tackle some of the common misconceptions:
- Sunscreen breaks me out.
- It turns my face weirdly white.
- I don’t need sunscreen if I’m only inside today.
- I don’t burn so I don’t need sunscreen.
“Sunscreen breaks me out.”
Okay, you’re not entirely wrong here. The wrong sunscreen can clog pores, but acne-safe formulas absolutely exist. Your breakouts aren’t from the SPF, it’s from the heavy thickening agents, coconut oils, thick body sunscreens on your face, and not properly cleansing at night. Your problem here is with ingredients.
“Sunscreen turns my face weird and white.“
Check if you’re using a mineral formula because many still…acne-safe formulas are now micronized, tinted, sheer-finish, and nearly invisible on deeper skin tones. Here you’re complaining about the formulation, again, not the SPF.
“I don’t need sunscreen inside?”
Ha! You thought! You know harmful UVA rays are also in fluorescent lighting? What about your commute to work or a quick walk outside? Those rays can still go through your windows. And what’s even worse? These rays are the ones that age and speckle your skin.
“I don’t burn, so I don’t need sunscreen.”
Ok, I’m guilty here…but what I learned? Harmful UV rays can cause damage to your DNA. Damage to your DNA = Collagen breakdown and wrinkles. Why do I pay for expensive treatments if I’m back tracking by not using something as simple as SPF?
Alright guys, let’s bring it back. Sunscreen is acne-scar prevention, anti-aging, barrier-protecting, pigment-blocking, and glow-preserving. I love you guys so…this is not an optional step in your skincare routine. You’ll thank me in a few years.
Blemish Babe Tip: Some of my favorite acne-safe sunscreens are by Colorscience. They have a broad range of formulas ranging from matte, glowy, bronzing, with color, or even as a powder!