Anonymous
07/21/2025 09:35
Subject: Sunscreen breakouts on face- strategies for cleansing/prevention?
Anonymous
07/21/2025 03:39
Subject: Sunscreen breakouts on face- strategies for cleansing/prevention?
Anonymous wrote:To be clear: I've tried every combination possible of sunscreen, including various chemical, mineral, powder, etc. formulations. I only get sunscreen breakouts on my face and adhere to physically covering skin as much as possible. But I am still struggling with breakouts from sunscreen on my face and cannot go outside without it. So this isn't a request for a brand that doesn't cause breakouts but rather how to minimize them.
For those who deal with sunscreen breakouts, do you have a strategy for managing it that doesn't include just staying inside? I'm a swim official on the west coast, so even though we have evening meets, our location and long evenings mean the sun stays strong until 8ish pm and there is a lot of glare. Plus most of our pools are outdoors, so even during club season I'm outside.
I've had some success with cleaning my face and reapplying sunscreen multiple times per day. I think that the sunscreen is trapping sweat/oil in my pores and that's the reason frequent washing helps. But it's harsh on my skin and not always practical to do so. Any other brainstorms about how I could de-escalate these breakouts?
Your breakouts sound like rosacea not acne. My rosacea presents with tiny little whiteheads that happen every night. Sun makes them worse. I can't use any chemical sunscreens. The heat and sun alone cause the tiny whiteheads for me. During the summer I have to stop all actives (differin, vit c, etc)
I don't think your face is dirty. You are reacting to the sun/heat/chemicals because of rosacea.
Anonymous
07/20/2025 21:35
Subject: Sunscreen breakouts on face- strategies for cleansing/prevention?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Sunscreen is toxic af.
Just use a hat or stick to shade.
You know what’s even more toxic? Skin cancer.
Hence the, don't get overexposed and sunburned part.
Anonymous
07/20/2025 09:06
Subject: Sunscreen breakouts on face- strategies for cleansing/prevention?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:You have to use micellar water or cleansing balm to remove sunscreen. Then wash with soap after.
I think this is the answer. A gentle foaming cleanser would probably be fine after the micellar water too. I would consider something like Differin at night too, if you don't already use a product like that.
Skip the retinoids if you’re going to be in the sun a lot!
I use differin and wear SPF 50 and a hat, without any issues.
Anonymous
07/20/2025 04:39
Subject: Sunscreen breakouts on face- strategies for cleansing/prevention?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:You have to use micellar water or cleansing balm to remove sunscreen. Then wash with soap after.
I think this is the answer. A gentle foaming cleanser would probably be fine after the micellar water too. I would consider something like Differin at night too, if you don't already use a product like that.
Skip the retinoids if you’re going to be in the sun a lot!
Anonymous
07/19/2025 17:05
Subject: Sunscreen breakouts on face- strategies for cleansing/prevention?
Anonymous wrote:You have to use micellar water or cleansing balm to remove sunscreen. Then wash with soap after.
I think this is the answer. A gentle foaming cleanser would probably be fine after the micellar water too. I would consider something like Differin at night too, if you don't already use a product like that.
Anonymous
07/19/2025 15:23
Subject: Sunscreen breakouts on face- strategies for cleansing/prevention?
The only suncreen currently on the market that doesn't break me out is SkinCeuticals Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50. I take it off with Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm followed by my regular cleanser (either Youth to the People or OSEA).
Anonymous
07/18/2025 22:46
Subject: Sunscreen breakouts on face- strategies for cleansing/prevention?
I used to think this about sunscreen also but did find some nontraditional options that work for me.
One is a moisturizer Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery Moisturizer (spf 50) and Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick for reapplication. If I'm going to have significant sun exposure again in the afternoon I just reapply the Dermalogica but usually the stick suffices.
I have rosacea and truly am just sensitive to many products including ones marketed for sensitive skin... for example EltaMD sunscreen is popular but breaks me out almost immediately.
One is a moisturizer Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery Moisturizer (spf 50) and Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick for reapplication. If I'm going to have significant sun exposure again in the afternoon I just reapply the Dermalogica but usually the stick suffices.
I have rosacea and truly am just sensitive to many products including ones marketed for sensitive skin... for example EltaMD sunscreen is popular but breaks me out almost immediately.
Anonymous
07/18/2025 22:22
Subject: Sunscreen breakouts on face- strategies for cleansing/prevention?
You have to use micellar water or cleansing balm to remove sunscreen. Then wash with soap after.