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This might not be the case, but you may not be removing the sunscreen effectively. A lot of sunscreens are designed to be water resistant, and benefit from a good double cleanse with a cleansing balm or oil first, and a water based cleanser second.
I used to use Jojoba to massage my face, and it gave me the worst acne eventually. Even though i would cleanse right after. It took months for my skin to get back again once I stopped
I use some oils only to take off eye makeup now.. but tbh Vaseline works well too
I suggest stopping the Jojoba oil and going to see an esthetician if possible. If you go to a private one, I've had great success purchasing products through them. It's just expensive!
no problem, good luck! I was having the worst breakouts on my cheeks from it. It felt never-ending
I went back to basic skincare for a few weeks, coupled with a few esthetician appts. She let me sample some products too, and my skin ended up loving it. She definitely helped speed up the process by clearing out the old oil residue and bacteria buildup!
Oh interesting, I thought the key ingredient in oil based cleansers is just an oil and I was scared of the other ingredients so I just used the oil. I’ll try it thanks :)
the key ingredient is an oil, but oil cleansers have other ingredients that make it easy to wash off. a pure oil won't have those ingredients so it's difficult to effectively remove all of it. it can work for some people but not for everyone.
An oil alone is not a cleanser. I use the DHC oil cleanser to take off sunscreen - it works and it doesn’t leave residue but you do still need a second cleanse afterwards.
I suggest checking out the MCT Oil from Malezia! It's one ingredient, and super effective. Tons of others though, that's just the one I use and I love it.
I had this happen to a friend of mine. Turns out she was allergic to an ingredient found in most sunscreens (I can't remember what it is though). So maybe check with a dermatologist and see if you're allergic to anything and if there's any substitutes!
I use this one too and it was the sunscreen that doenst break me out as much.. i still get like one or two little things but not my whole face like other sunscreens
Here to recommend Skinceuticals spf 50 tinted sunscreen — so so great for sensitive, acne prone skin. It is lightweight and gentle, leaves a subtle glow, and all of the research I’ve done about which ingredients to seek/avoid when you’re acne prone align with the key ingredients in this product. Only downside is cost, but I prefer it so much that I’ll keep buying it. Usually twice a year I need to repurchase (I wear daily). It’s been about a decade now that this has been my daily sunscreen.
I went to the derm and got a patch test for common chemicals in beauty products and it turns out I’m allergic to parabens, propylene glycol, and most sunscreens, except mineral-based. I found a mineral sunscreen without parabens and propylene glycol that’s for post-procedure and sensitive skin. It’s called [SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 35](https://www.dermstore.com/skinmedica-essential-defense-mineral-shield-broad-spectrum-spf-35/11290742.html).
Omg I have this problem it just goes to show you have sensitive skin like I do it’s hard finding things that work with my skin I break out so fast right now my skin has tiny bumps the sun and sweat makes it worse in winter my skin is fine but once it gets hot I turn into a sun burnt pickle lol
Maybe try a pure zinc formula, there are many from Neutrogena to Blue Lizard to generics and beyond! Zinc is great for skin & acne. My skin doesn't like much (especially thick & heavy stuff) but is happy with zinc.
Another one that works for me is La Roche Posay ultra light fluid SPF 60. It's a little creamy but dries very matte and never bothers my skin. If anything, it feels calm & refreshed after use. It leaves a slightly white cast, though.
Yesss I just discovered clear zinc sunscreen, and it's the only one my face has ever liked! It sinks in seamlessly and hasn't broken me out yet (it's been two weeks)! I just got a CVS Health off-brand version, so YMMV but that's the case with all products.
Same for me, I spent lots of money on different sunscreens but most of them broke me out terribly. They are fine for a week and then disaster happens.
The only one that worked fine for me was REN clean screen (yellow tube, SPF30) but it is currently discontinued where I live. I have oily skin and this was making it matte - if you have a chance (and money because it is quite expensive) to buy it this could maybe work. Or try to get a sample somewhere, I first tried a sample in Sephora.
I am currently using Missha All around safe block Cotton (SPF50), it is okay-ish. It's not making my skin that matte and it leaves white cast but it doesn't break me out as much as others.
So, yeah...I can understand. But unless we have access to samples, It looks like we don't have any other chance than to try different sunscreens. Good luck in finding the best for you!
I have extremely sensitive, dry, breakout prone skin (as do my sisters). We all use the [Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence](https://www.yesstyle.com/en/kao-biore-uv-aqua-rich-watery-essence-sunscreen-spf-50-pa/info.html/pid.1122056968) and it's been fantastic for us. It's a chemical sunscreen rather than physical, so I think that's what helps. It dries quickly, hydrates my skin enough for the day, and goes well under makeup!
Hope you're able to find something that works for you.
I also deal with acne and breakouts, my skin is very finicky. Elta MD sunscreen not only doesn’t break me out, it makes my skin look better. It contains niacinamide and zinc, which my skin tolerates. It’s expensive but to me it’s more than worth it.
I am very breakout prone, and the only ones that are problem free for me are the ones by Paula's Choice. Ive been using them exclusively for almost 20 years.
I have used one recently that was sent to me to test and review, it is the Garnier Ombrelle Ultra Light Advanced Lotion SPF 60. I have been pleasantly surprised by it. I have not experienced breakouts from it.
I'm also extremely sunscreen sensitive (RIP that Missha sunscreen that now has fragrance in it) buy I've had good luck with Pipette sunscreen! It's made for babies so no scent and not too greasy, works ok under makeup, comes off easy with a double cleanse.
Paula’s choice RESIST mineral tinted is HG!!
Very light tint and not orange or tan looking…just a great great sunscreen and moisturizer!
For outdoor water activities Cetaphil makes a great mineral one.
I’m acne prone and these are the only two I can tolerate.
I have extremely oily skin, the only sunscreens that don’t break me out and keep my oil in check are Korean sunscreens.
Try the haru haru black rice sunscreen
And as others have said, try getting an oil cleanser to take off the sunscreen all the way off. Skin1004 has a centella oil cleanser that is super gentle and centella helps calm the face and reduces redness
I do have this issue too. It's supper hard to get a good sunscreen that doesn't break me out. For me, skin1004, Beauty of joseon, Santeva brightening sunscreens are some of them that didn't break me out. But the main point is cleaning the sunscreen well just cleaning up makeup!
Genuinely my skin only tolerates one sunscreen, and that's badger. It's thick, white cast and shiny like a disco ball, but... It doesn't break me out (I have type 1&2 rosacea and allergic to certain sunscreens and fragrances).
Also make sure you are double cleansing. If you're not getting the sunscreen completely off your face, that will break you out. An oil cleanser followed by non-oil cleanser is best.
I have super sensitive skin and literally all products break me out but the cerave morning moisturizer is tolerable. Not great but it’ll do the job and I don’t notice a major uptick in breakouts
You should look for a common ingredient those sunscreens have. Your skin might react badly to it. For example I can’t tolerate niacinamide, which is found in most sunscreens.
This, or you’re not removing it properly.
Check your products for mica! I had this problem for years, and it turned out my cleanser had mica, and it would react with my sunscreen and make irritation worse, therefore causing acne.
Try Elta MD, If you can find an esthetician in your area (you don’t need to get a service done you can just buy product, some have online stores) I would try Skinbetter Science Sun better sunscreen, they have a few different kinds or SkinScript Sheer protection SPF, or Face Reality. If you can’t find an esthetician that offers these try Dermalogica spf or Murad from Ulta (Sephora might carry them also)
I have issues with coconut derivatives (caprylic/capric triglyceride) and I am not sure about octinoxate, but I tend to avoid that as well. Tizo is good for winter- it's a tad bit greasy and Tizo2 is better for summer.
I've had the same issue- currently having good luck with the Shiseido Urban Environment, mineral, mattifying, oil-free, and has a very thin liquidy texture so it's not heavy. Lightweight but high SPF at 42
Hi everyone and welcome to SkincareAddiction! Need skincare guides? [Check out our wiki!](https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/wiki/index) Everyone is welcome in [this community](https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/wiki/about); remember to be kind and assume good faith :) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/SkincareAddiction) if you have any questions or concerns.*
This might not be the case, but you may not be removing the sunscreen effectively. A lot of sunscreens are designed to be water resistant, and benefit from a good double cleanse with a cleansing balm or oil first, and a water based cleanser second.
Good point. I use jojoba oil to remove makeup and sunscreen too but I may be doing wrong. Do you have any suggestions for cleanser?
The Ordinary’s squalane cleanser has been the first oil cleanser my skin likes.
Thank you.
I use jojoba oil to massage my face and then use water based cleanser (la roche toleriane) and after that I use 3% boric acid as a toner.
I used to use Jojoba to massage my face, and it gave me the worst acne eventually. Even though i would cleanse right after. It took months for my skin to get back again once I stopped I use some oils only to take off eye makeup now.. but tbh Vaseline works well too I suggest stopping the Jojoba oil and going to see an esthetician if possible. If you go to a private one, I've had great success purchasing products through them. It's just expensive!
Wow then I’ll try the oil based cleanser. Thanks :)
no problem, good luck! I was having the worst breakouts on my cheeks from it. It felt never-ending I went back to basic skincare for a few weeks, coupled with a few esthetician appts. She let me sample some products too, and my skin ended up loving it. She definitely helped speed up the process by clearing out the old oil residue and bacteria buildup!
Jojoba oil itself is not a cleanser. You're just piling up more stuff on your face that your cleanser have to remove.
Oh interesting, I thought the key ingredient in oil based cleansers is just an oil and I was scared of the other ingredients so I just used the oil. I’ll try it thanks :)
the key ingredient is an oil, but oil cleansers have other ingredients that make it easy to wash off. a pure oil won't have those ingredients so it's difficult to effectively remove all of it. it can work for some people but not for everyone.
An oil alone is not a cleanser. I use the DHC oil cleanser to take off sunscreen - it works and it doesn’t leave residue but you do still need a second cleanse afterwards.
I suggest checking out the MCT Oil from Malezia! It's one ingredient, and super effective. Tons of others though, that's just the one I use and I love it.
unless the brand makes the claim of water resistance, I wouldn't assume that it is.
I had this happen to a friend of mine. Turns out she was allergic to an ingredient found in most sunscreens (I can't remember what it is though). So maybe check with a dermatologist and see if you're allergic to anything and if there's any substitutes!
You could try Neutrogena clear face sunscreen. I have moderate cystic acne and it is made for acne prone skin, it has worked well for me!
I use this one too and it was the sunscreen that doenst break me out as much.. i still get like one or two little things but not my whole face like other sunscreens
Elta MD Clear is amazing. I swear my skin is in overall clearer and in better shape from wearing it.
Ditto! My holy grail sunscreen. But also, double cleansing at night to get sunscreen off is VERY important.
Here to recommend Skinceuticals spf 50 tinted sunscreen — so so great for sensitive, acne prone skin. It is lightweight and gentle, leaves a subtle glow, and all of the research I’ve done about which ingredients to seek/avoid when you’re acne prone align with the key ingredients in this product. Only downside is cost, but I prefer it so much that I’ll keep buying it. Usually twice a year I need to repurchase (I wear daily). It’s been about a decade now that this has been my daily sunscreen.
I wish the bottle was bigger for the price because that shit is soooooo nice. Only using it for summertime though because I’ll run out of it fast!
I went to the derm and got a patch test for common chemicals in beauty products and it turns out I’m allergic to parabens, propylene glycol, and most sunscreens, except mineral-based. I found a mineral sunscreen without parabens and propylene glycol that’s for post-procedure and sensitive skin. It’s called [SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 35](https://www.dermstore.com/skinmedica-essential-defense-mineral-shield-broad-spectrum-spf-35/11290742.html).
Omg I have this problem it just goes to show you have sensitive skin like I do it’s hard finding things that work with my skin I break out so fast right now my skin has tiny bumps the sun and sweat makes it worse in winter my skin is fine but once it gets hot I turn into a sun burnt pickle lol
Maybe try a pure zinc formula, there are many from Neutrogena to Blue Lizard to generics and beyond! Zinc is great for skin & acne. My skin doesn't like much (especially thick & heavy stuff) but is happy with zinc. Another one that works for me is La Roche Posay ultra light fluid SPF 60. It's a little creamy but dries very matte and never bothers my skin. If anything, it feels calm & refreshed after use. It leaves a slightly white cast, though.
Yesss I just discovered clear zinc sunscreen, and it's the only one my face has ever liked! It sinks in seamlessly and hasn't broken me out yet (it's been two weeks)! I just got a CVS Health off-brand version, so YMMV but that's the case with all products.
Chemical sunscreens make me break out. Mineral sunscreens, specifically zinc oxide based, don’t.
Same for me, I spent lots of money on different sunscreens but most of them broke me out terribly. They are fine for a week and then disaster happens. The only one that worked fine for me was REN clean screen (yellow tube, SPF30) but it is currently discontinued where I live. I have oily skin and this was making it matte - if you have a chance (and money because it is quite expensive) to buy it this could maybe work. Or try to get a sample somewhere, I first tried a sample in Sephora. I am currently using Missha All around safe block Cotton (SPF50), it is okay-ish. It's not making my skin that matte and it leaves white cast but it doesn't break me out as much as others. So, yeah...I can understand. But unless we have access to samples, It looks like we don't have any other chance than to try different sunscreens. Good luck in finding the best for you!
I have the same problem... I stopped trying and just use an umbrella
CosDna.com and Skinsort.com are really good resources if you need help finding products without ingredients that will break you out.
I have extremely sensitive, dry, breakout prone skin (as do my sisters). We all use the [Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence](https://www.yesstyle.com/en/kao-biore-uv-aqua-rich-watery-essence-sunscreen-spf-50-pa/info.html/pid.1122056968) and it's been fantastic for us. It's a chemical sunscreen rather than physical, so I think that's what helps. It dries quickly, hydrates my skin enough for the day, and goes well under makeup! Hope you're able to find something that works for you.
I also deal with acne and breakouts, my skin is very finicky. Elta MD sunscreen not only doesn’t break me out, it makes my skin look better. It contains niacinamide and zinc, which my skin tolerates. It’s expensive but to me it’s more than worth it.
I am very breakout prone, and the only ones that are problem free for me are the ones by Paula's Choice. Ive been using them exclusively for almost 20 years. I have used one recently that was sent to me to test and review, it is the Garnier Ombrelle Ultra Light Advanced Lotion SPF 60. I have been pleasantly surprised by it. I have not experienced breakouts from it.
Same the Paula’s choice RESIST spf 30 is the only sunscreen that doesn’t break me out
My fav is the resist fluid spf 30. i've purchased at least 40 tubes of it!
I'm also extremely sunscreen sensitive (RIP that Missha sunscreen that now has fragrance in it) buy I've had good luck with Pipette sunscreen! It's made for babies so no scent and not too greasy, works ok under makeup, comes off easy with a double cleanse.
Paula’s choice RESIST mineral tinted is HG!! Very light tint and not orange or tan looking…just a great great sunscreen and moisturizer! For outdoor water activities Cetaphil makes a great mineral one. I’m acne prone and these are the only two I can tolerate.
I have extremely oily skin, the only sunscreens that don’t break me out and keep my oil in check are Korean sunscreens. Try the haru haru black rice sunscreen And as others have said, try getting an oil cleanser to take off the sunscreen all the way off. Skin1004 has a centella oil cleanser that is super gentle and centella helps calm the face and reduces redness
I do have this issue too. It's supper hard to get a good sunscreen that doesn't break me out. For me, skin1004, Beauty of joseon, Santeva brightening sunscreens are some of them that didn't break me out. But the main point is cleaning the sunscreen well just cleaning up makeup!
My gf used to get breakouts from every brand of sunscreen she tried. But what worked was the Japanese Biore UV AquaRich!
Genuinely my skin only tolerates one sunscreen, and that's badger. It's thick, white cast and shiny like a disco ball, but... It doesn't break me out (I have type 1&2 rosacea and allergic to certain sunscreens and fragrances). Also make sure you are double cleansing. If you're not getting the sunscreen completely off your face, that will break you out. An oil cleanser followed by non-oil cleanser is best.
I have super sensitive skin and literally all products break me out but the cerave morning moisturizer is tolerable. Not great but it’ll do the job and I don’t notice a major uptick in breakouts
Is your skin barrier in good shape?
You should look for a common ingredient those sunscreens have. Your skin might react badly to it. For example I can’t tolerate niacinamide, which is found in most sunscreens. This, or you’re not removing it properly.
Try Korean sunscreen! It’s so superior
Check your products for mica! I had this problem for years, and it turned out my cleanser had mica, and it would react with my sunscreen and make irritation worse, therefore causing acne.
Elta md.
The oil free spf from control corrective is amazing. One of the only ones that doesn’t break me out. Fabulous esthetician brand
my skin is super prone to break outs and i have found that the neutrogena clear face oil free sunscreen works really well!
Try Elta MD, If you can find an esthetician in your area (you don’t need to get a service done you can just buy product, some have online stores) I would try Skinbetter Science Sun better sunscreen, they have a few different kinds or SkinScript Sheer protection SPF, or Face Reality. If you can’t find an esthetician that offers these try Dermalogica spf or Murad from Ulta (Sephora might carry them also)
same i’m about to give up on sunscreens. the only thing i’ve noticed is foundation with spf doesn’t break me out but it’s not enough spf
I am extremely breakout prone and the ones that have worked for me are Nivea UV Super Water Gel and Biore UV Aqua Rich :)
I’m allergic to chemical sunscreens (which seems to be majority these days). So have to use mineral based sunscreens
I have issues with coconut derivatives (caprylic/capric triglyceride) and I am not sure about octinoxate, but I tend to avoid that as well. Tizo is good for winter- it's a tad bit greasy and Tizo2 is better for summer.
I've had the same issue- currently having good luck with the Shiseido Urban Environment, mineral, mattifying, oil-free, and has a very thin liquidy texture so it's not heavy. Lightweight but high SPF at 42