The Best SPF For Pimple Prone Skin

close up image of girl applying sunscreen to her face

Pimple-prone skin can be a frustrating challenge when it comes to finding the perfect products to keep your skin in balance. Characterised by its tendency to produce excess oil, suffer from clogged pores, and be prone to pesky breakouts, it can be tricky to find the best sunscreen for pimple prone skin.

While it might be tempting to skip skincare steps, especially sunscreen, it’s crucial for maintaining a healthy complexion and preventing further irritation. Let's investigate why sunscreen is a must-have for all skin types, including breakout-prone skin, and what to look for in a sunscreen for pimple-prone skin.

Understanding Pimple-Prone Skin

Not sure if you have pimple-prone skin? To help you decide, look out for these common characteristics that breakout-prone skin often exhibits.

Oily or combination skin type
These skin types produce excess sebum which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Look for oily, shiny skin that has congested pores.

Enlarged pores
Oilier skin types are prone to larger pores that are more visible. Due to being enlarged, they are more prone to congestion that leads to breakouts.

Blackheads and whiteheads
Pimple-prone skin will usually have blackheads and whiteheads - these are early signs of acne.

Inflamed pimples
These will usually present as red, swollen, and often painful spots.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
These dark spots are often left behind after acne clears.

Why Pimple-Prone Skin Needs Sunscreen

You might be tempted to skip sunscreen because of the fear that it will clog your pores and worsen your breakouts, however, sunscreen formulas have come a long way. Today, sunscreens offer more than just skin protection, they offer a whole host of skin-boosting benefits to help treat and nourish your skin as you wear it. Here are a few reasons why you should never miss sunscreen from your oily skincare routine. 

Protect Your Skin Against Cancer And Sun Damage
Harmful UV rays can exacerbate acne, leading to more inflammation and potential scarring. Plus, protecting your skin from the sun is crucial for preventing skin cancer.

Prevent More Hyperpigmentation
Sun exposure can darken existing acne marks and create new ones.

Fight Against Premature Ageing
Sun damage contributes to wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity.

Choosing The Best Sunscreen To Prevent Breakouts 

Selecting the perfect formula is key to finding the best sunscreen for pimples. Discover some of our top picks in our roundup below, and get ready to protect your skin and glow this summer and beyond!

close up of girl with hands beside her face ready to apply sunscreen

Top 5 Sunscreens For Pimple Prone Skin

Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50

Lightweight, oil-free sun protection for sensitive skin.

Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50 offers advanced, broad-spectrum protection against harmful UVA, UVB, visible light, and infrared rays. Its unique oil-free formula absorbs quickly, leaving a matte finish perfect for oily or acne-prone skin. Enriched with antioxidants and skin-repairing ingredients, it helps prevent premature ageing and protects against environmental damage.

Image Skincare Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturiser SPF 30

Oil-free hydration with sun protection.

Image Skincare Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturiser SPF 30 combines lightweight hydration with broad-spectrum sun protection. Its oil-absorbing technology creates a matte finish, making it ideal for oily skin. Packed with antioxidants, this moisturizer helps shield your skin from environmental aggressors while maintaining a shine-free complexion.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Skin Relief Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++

Gentle sun protection for sensitive skin.

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Skin Relief Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ provides hydrating, fragrance-free sun protection for sensitive, acne-prone skin. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly without leaving a white cast or greasy residue. Clinically proven to reduce sebum production, it helps prevent breakouts while shielding your skin from harmful UV rays.

Pharmaceris S - Medi Acne Protect SPF 50

Mattifying sun protection for acne-prone skin.

Pharmaceris S - Medi Acne Protect SPF 50 offers high-level sun protection specifically designed for oily, acne-prone skin. Its oil-controlling formula helps prevent breakouts while providing broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. With added benefits for skin hydration and regeneration, this sunscreen is ideal for those seeking a clear, matte complexion.

Vichy Capital Soleil Dry Touch SPF50

Oil-free sun protection for sensitive, blemish-prone skin.

Vichy Capital Soleil Dry Touch SPF50 delivers very high sun protection with a mattifying finish. Perfect for oily, combination, or sensitive skin, this lightweight formula helps control shine while shielding your skin from harmful UV rays.

Shop The Post

Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50 packagingHeliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50
Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50

An oil-free dry touch sunscreen that’s clinically proven to protect against UVA and UVB.

£23.25 £31.00 25% offsaving
Sold out
Image Skincare Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturiser SPF 30Image Skincare Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturiser SPF 30
Image Skincare Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturiser SPF 30

Image Skincare Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturiser SPF 30 is an oil-free, broad spectrum UVA/UVB moisturiser that incorporates micro-sponge technology to absorb skin’s surface oils to leave skin with a matte, non greasy, shine-free finish.

£59.00
Pharmaceris S - Medi Acne Protect SPF 50Pharmaceris S - Medi Acne Protect SPF 50
Pharmaceris S - Medi Acne Protect SPF 50

Protect your skin from UVA/UVB radiation with the Medi Acne Protect SPF 50. Ideal for oily, acne-prone skin types, this cream will stay matte throughout the day and reduce excess sebum production.

£14.25 £19.00 25% offsaving
Dermatologist Recommended
Vichy Capital Soleil Dry Touch SPF50 50mlVichy Capital Soleil Dry Touch SPF50 50ml
Vichy Capital Soleil Dry Touch SPF50 50ml

£13.26 £18.95 30% offsaving

Enjoyed our post and fancy staying with us a little longer? Great! We think you might like Sarah Chapman Luxury Skincare: Backed By Science, Blended With Botanicals.


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