I need a sunscreen that won’t break me out!

Feb 23, 2009 Author: Jen Hill | Filed under: Acne, Retin A, Skincare, Sunscreens

Val is asking:

Does anyone else have problems with sunscreen breakouts?Â Â I believe I have used almost every one from cheap to very expensive and all types and always end up with one bump that takes weeks to go away.

We all areÂ aware that we need to wear a daily SPF on our face and neck to avoid the damaging effects of the sun.Â Further more,Â we need to be hyper-vigilant about using sunscreenÂ while using retinoids, or after usingÂ facialÂ skincare products with BHA orÂ AHAâ€™s.Â Â Even so, sometimesÂ there are reasons oneÂ will hesitate using a facial sunscreen.Â

ExcusesÂ I have madeÂ thatÂ justify notÂ using a daily facialÂ sunscreen:Â

the smell, many sunscreens have a chemical smell that really bothers me
the feel, greasy and difficult to use with my existing makeup
breakout factor, like Val, my skin’s sensitivity to some sunscreen creams can cause breakouts
the shine, even a little bit of moisture can add to my already summer oily shiny skin
sting my eyes,Â donâ€™t get a sunscreen close to your eyes or youâ€™ll be teary all day long!

I have foundÂ success using a few facial sunscreens that have great protective qualities and have not caused my skin to breakout.

Peter Thomas Roth’s Instant Mineral SPF 30Â - goes on effortlessly with its built-inÂ brush.Â Â Swoosh, you are covered!Â Instant Minerals feelsÂ so light and isÂ completely transparent on your skin.Â Nothing to plog pores or trigger breakouts.Â Â Â No icky, greasy feel or smell.Â
I loved everything I tried from GingiÂ skincare,Â but my favorite product by farÂ was Gingiâ€™s â€œCitrus Sun Careâ€ which provides sun protection in a non-greasy formula and also treats the skin with antioxidants and antiseptic qualities.Â My skin adores this stuff!Â Â While compiling a list of the seven beauty items I would bring if stranded on a desert island, Gingiâ€™s Citrus Sun Care topped my list.
NuCÃ¨lle Sunscreen SPF17 (with PARSOLÂ® 1789)Â and NuCÃ¨lle SunSense Sunscreen SPF30+Â - these sunscreens have been my best friends this winter, keeping my skin protected and wind and burn free while on skiing onÂ brisk mountain slopesÂ all day!

Feel free to share your favorite sunscreen with us!

Share and Enjoy:

8 Responses for "I need a sunscreen that won’t break me out!"

christina February 23rd, 2009 at 1:41 pm 1

Have you ever tried KINeSYS Performance Sunscreens (www.kinesys.com)? Non-comedogenic, fragrance-free versions, alcohol & oil-free, PABA and preservative-free..Safe & effective, gentle. These shouldn’t make you break out at all!
The Cheap Chick February 23rd, 2009 at 3:16 pm 2

I like Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Deep Wrinkle Moisturizing Treatment with Helioplex and OH MY GAH, could the product name be any longer???

However, since this stuff contains Retinol, it might be too harsh on your sensitive skin. I know it makes mine flaky from time to time.
Tyna February 23rd, 2009 at 4:13 pm 3

I have the same problems with needing an SPF that won’t make me break out or sting my eyes. It’s boring, but my old stand by, never a problem is Oil Of Olay, SPF 15, unscented for sensitive skin. It’s cheaper than most and works well.
http://www.olay.com/boutique/complete/products/co1007

When I have the money, I love, love, love the Caudalie Vinoperfect Day perfecting Creme SPF15. Pretty costly, but my skin loves it.
Decorative Diva February 23rd, 2009 at 5:37 pm 4

I use moisturizer with SPF in it, such as Oil of Olay or most recently Garnier Nutritioniste skin renew anti-sun-damage daily moisturizer.

I also wear mineral makeup foundation, which has Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and Iron Oxides in it, and I think that helps to provide a physical barrier.

If I still need something more, I reach for Neutrogena’s Fresh cooling sunblock, body mist.

As my eyes and skin are very sensitive, I have to be careful with what I use, but all of these do work for me
Shelley K February 24th, 2009 at 11:13 am 5

I, too, have the MOST sensitive skin and so far the only thing I have found that will work for me is Neutrogena (and believe me, I have tried EVERYTHING) My skin is really fair and almost like baby skin!

HTH!
NYCEsthy February 26th, 2009 at 2:12 pm 6

Try Blue Lizard’s Sensitive Skin sunscreen SPF 35. It’s hard to find, but I have seen it on Amazon. I like it because has about a 10 percent zinc oxide and a smaller percentage of titanium dioxide (cannot recall it off hand). Zinc is quite good for your skin, so I always try to find a block with more of it.

Your skin is probably having a reaction to the chemical blockers, causing acne flairs. No chem blockers in Blue Lizard. It’s a bit of a work out rubbing it in, though, and does have the shine tendency, but if you are a bit oily anyway you can get away with the SPF alone in the summer and not worry about applying a daytime moisturizer. In winter I recommend always using the moisturizer–you need as much barrier as possible between your skin and cold, dry air!
Jen Hill February 26th, 2009 at 8:36 pm 7

Thanks NYCEsthy! Sounds like you really know your skincare…

Hope to hear from you soon!
Jami February 27th, 2009 at 6:00 am 8

Normally I’m with The Cheap Chick and pick over-the-counter stuff but every single thing from Neutrogena, Garnier and Olay break me out. They all have either some form of glycerine or parabens. Both which make my face go “ACK!!!”. So I’m going to have to splurge this summer. Sigh.

I was just researching UV Natural. I think I’ll give them a shout and see what they have to say. At least your list, Jen, has given me a place to research and I’ll pick one of those. YOU ROCK!!