Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin: Non-Greasy, Oil-Free Products

Everyone needs protection from the harmful rays of the sun. We hear terms such as SPF, UVA and UVB, but what do these terms really mean? SPF stands for sun protection factor. SPF numbers measure a sunscreen's effect against UVB rays. These numbers can range from 2 to 70. Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 30.

UVA rays penetrate deeply into the sin,, but are not as strong as UVB rays. These rays are thought to contribute to aging, wrinkling, and skin cancer. If you've ever used a tanning bed, you've been exposed to UVA rays. UVB rays are the primary culprit in causing skin cancer, are more intense in the summer, and affect primarily the outside layers of the skin.

If you're using a prescription topical retinoid for your acne, your skin may become irritated and peel, so be sure and wear your sunscreen. Drugs like erthomycin can also increase your chances of sun damage.

Sunscreen is meant to be applied liberally, and most people don't use enough of it. Most sunscreens should only last for four or five applications, not two or three months.

This article will examine the top ten sunscreens, and and how they protect you from the sun.

Neutrogena Healthy Defense Oil Free Sunblock

This sunblock is oil-free, so it doesn't clog up the pores of your face, preventing acne breakouts. Its light weight and fast absorbing, so you don't have that greasy feeling after you've rubbed it in. Anti-oxidants combat the free radicals that cause skin damage and wrinkles. Apply at least 15 minutes before sun exposure, and re-apply after swimming, or excess sweating.

This product comes in your choice of SPF 45 lotion or SPF 30 Sunblock Stick.

For more information, go to www. Neutrogena.com

Aveeno Sunblock Lotion

Aveeno Sunblock Lotion is oil and water-free. Water-free, means that the SPF retains its number, after forty minute of immersion in water. It blocks UVA/UVB rays and is hypoallergenic, which is more sensitive to acne prone skin.

The four ounce tube comes in your choice of SPF 30 or SPF 45.

UV Expert 20 with Mexoryl SX

Mexoryl SX protects the skin by absorbing energy of the sun's short UV rays, and is now approved by the FDA for the United States. The lightweight shield protects your face from the sun every day of the year.

For more information, go to www.aveeno.com

SkinCeuticals Physical UV Defense SFP 30

SkinCeuticals uses fewer ingredients, which reduces your chances of skin irritation. Revolutionary Z Cote, which is transparent zinc oxide, protects skin from UV rays that cause wrinkles and premature aging.

Can be used every day and is well suited to high altitudes.

For more information, go to www.SkinCeuticals.com

Banana Boat Ultra Defense SPF 50

Avotriplex protects you from the sun in three different ways. First it protects against sunburn from UVB Rays, later protects you from long-term skin damage, and lastly, it protects you longer against the sun, without breaking down. It's fragrance free and waterproof.

For more information, go to www.bananaboat.com.

Blue Lizard Suncream Sensitive SPF 30+

Blue Lizard Suncream contains zinc oxide and is fragrance and chemical free, so there's less chance sensitive skin will break out. It's gentle enough to you on your baby.

For more information go to consumersearch.com/www/family/sunscreen/

MD SkinCare Powerful Sun Protection Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30 5

This sunscreen does it all. It's light enough to be used everyday, and can be used on your entire body. You can even use it under makeup. A mixture of green tea, and vitamins A, C, and E help to reverse sun damage. By encapsulating iron, MD SkinCare protects you from the sun's harmful rays.

For more information, go to www.mdskincare.com

LaRoche- Posay Anthelios 15 Sunscreen

This water-resistant sunscreen is suitable for all children and adults over the age of 6 months, and has the highest level of Mexoryl SX in the United States,to protect against short UV rays. Since it's Fragrance-free and Paba-free, sensitive skin is not as likely to break out.

For more information, go to www.laroche-posay.us.

Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock SPF 30

This non-comedogenic, oil free sun block abosorbs instantly on your face, so there's no greasy residue. It's vitamin enriched to prevent damage caused by sun exposure.

For more information, go to www.neutrogena.com

Coppertone Sport Continuous Spray SPF 50

This is the sunscreen I use. I like spraying it on, rather than trying to put on a greasy cream. Once I rub it in, it quickly absorbs into the skin.

I spray all over my body with it, and it even sprays upside down! I especially like the twist and lock cap, as I was always losing the cap down the sink on the other sunscreens I tried.

For more information, go to www.coppertone.com.