Choose noncomedogenic, oil-free, fragrance-free, and lightweight sunscreens that also contain acne-fighting and anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as lactic acid and niacinamide, says Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist at California Skin Institut. And while you’re peeping those ingredient labels, skip anything with thick emollients such as coconut oil, mineral oil, beeswax, and silicones. “These ingredients are more likely to clog pores and flare up acne breakouts, particularly in warmer months,” says Azadeh Shirazi, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of La Jolla Dermatology in California. “Instead, look for hydrating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid.”
Look for a mineral sunscreen as well. “Chemical sunscreens that have ingredients like avobenzones can cause pimples in sensitive, acne-prone skin,” says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. It’s also important to avoid ingredients such as cocoa butters, oils, and isopropyl palmitates, as these can also be irritants.