Many acne-prone people who live in very hot, humid, tropical climates wish they could skip the sunscreen to prevent major breakouts. It’s not an option, however: choose the right sunscreen to prevent bumps but don’t ever skip the sunscreen. Skin cancer is a real risk for all ages and all skin tones.
Alex Goldyn is a diving instructor and has to deal with many hours of powerful sun exposure, plus water glare and stifling heat and humidity. In the summer, the stakes are raised significantly.
Alex swears by mineral Armada Post-Procedure Barrier Cream 50+: “Great coverage against strong tropical sun, makes the complexion glow, doesn’t make my skin sticky or oily, great pimple cure and prevention. The best.” What does she change in the summer? “Nothing! After trying tons of products VMV is my dream solution :)”
Chemical sunscreens — more properly called “organic” (we know, the terminology can be confusing) — are usually lighter in feel and absorb into the skin. Physical or mineral (“inorganic”) sunscreens — titanium dioxide and zinc oxide — are great options for people who: are sensitive to organic sunscreens, are photosensitive (tend to get very red when exposed to sun or light), spend lots of time outdoors in extreme conditions, or have very sensitive or bump-prone skin.
Acne from sunscreens can certainly occur: cosmetic acne can be caused by ingredients that are comedogenic (clog the pores). But did you know that bumps from sunscreens may not even be real acne but transient acne-like lesions? If you fall in the latter group, a mineral sunscreen can help. But to be safe, make sure it’s non-comedogenic, too.
For more on why sunscreens can be such a “bumpy” issue: see Sun+Light Skintelligence: Can Sunscreen Cause Bumps/Acne?
For more real-user tips on skin care that works with your sport, see Sport-Related Skin Concerns: Real Solutions in Skintelligencenter.com.