I live in one of the worst cities in the world for sun damage (we have a big hole in the ozone layer above us here, I’m a red head with pale skin AND most people in my family seem to get some form of skin cancer after they hit 50 …so I’ve had to pay particular attention to protecting my skin from sunburn.
My mum was great when I was growing up. I’m one of 4 red haired girls so whenever we were at the beach she was extra careful at making sure we were all out only during the ’safe’ sun times and we wore sunblock all over.
As I got older I realized that most people aren’t as careful as me with the sun. Perhaps this is because they don’t burn as easily or they don’t have the same history of skin cancer in their family. HOWEVER, and this is an important however - if you are on some form of acne medication such as antibiotics, roaccutane or benzoyl peroxide, then you need to be more careful when you’re out in the sun because these medications will make your skin more sensitive to sun damage.
It is therefore essential that you wear sunblock whenever you’re outside (and preferably a hat and sunglasses!).
But what sunblock can you wear that won’t give you a breakout? And are there any natural alternatives?? I’ve recorded a video with a few tips:
Here are the products that I refer to in my video:
- Dermalogica ultra sensitive faceblock spf25
I forgot to mention in my video that I discovered this sunblock through a sample that was sent to me ..one of those tiny one use sachets. I loved it so much that I went straight out and bought a whole tube! - My favorite natural sunscreen
- The Cancer Council Australia
Fran
Fran Kerr is the founding editor of High on Health. To cure your acne, sign up to Fran's FREE acne cure mini-course or download her latest how to guide, Eat Away Your Acne.
9 responses ↓
Hi Fran thank you so much for everything you are doing! You really are giving us all hope. Anyway my acne started when I was about 14 now im 19 I used to have the big thick cysts that looked like boils but (ThankGod!) now I just have the moderate acne. Anyway I was wondering on the sunscreen thing how do you make sure that you are washing everyhting off because I was using a sunscreen from banana boat baby tear free spf 50 and I think i wasn’t washing it off right and started breaking out now I just don’t wear any and I just avoid the sun. Does the dermalogica spf wash off okay and the sunclear does that wash off okay? What are you thoughts? BTW I would kill to have your beautiful skin. Also, I am pale and I live in Arizona in the southwest USA which is the number 2 leading cases of skin cancer in the world.
Hi Zack, like you I hate the feel of sunscreen and I’m a little scared of it so I just avoid the sun and wear a wide brimmed hat if I’m ever out in it longer than 5 minutes.
Yes, the dermalogica is a little hard to get off and it is quite sticky, but it hasn’t broken me out which is good. I’ve also just bought a new one from Shiseido. It’s supposed to be awesome, and doesn’t have that sticky feeling. I’m also well known not to cause acne.
I’m yet to try it but it’s the facial sunscreen that I’m taking with me to Fiji and Hawaii next week
how can i get a sample of the dermaologic ultra sensitive or super sensitive face block?
Hey Fran, I was wondering whether you tried the shiseido sunscreen and did u buy the sensitive skin type or the spf 55? thanks.
Hi Peter, the spf 55
[...] a light sunscreen or a moisturizer that contains an SPF in the morning. Just make sure you use a good sunblock that’s non-comedogenic so you don’t break [...]
Hi Fran,
Which is your preferred sun screen at the moment?
Hey Fran, have u heard anything about the shiseido spf 33 for sensitive skin and babies? I checked MUA but only a few reviews were available for it. I tried the dermalogica and unfortunately it was too oily for me(i have a really oily tzone). so can u please recommend a physical sunscreen that is suitable for oily acne-prone skin because im almost giving up using ss. thanks alot.
Hi Mike & Marissa- Yes I actually recommend the shiseido for the face as one of the best sunscreens because it does no clog pores. It is however tested on animals which is not good.
I actually prefer using my mineral makeup as sunblock because even though it has a low SPF, it is good if I’m not going to be out in too much sun. Not adequate for spending a day at the beach though!
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