Maintaining a healthy, beautiful, rich complexion cannot be achieved without the right skin routine. However, it may be a challenge if you have problematic skin. Applying just any sunscreen could do more harm than good to your skin and make your situation worse. Understanding the root cause of your skin problem is a critical part of maintaining a healthy complexion.
The Acne-Prone Skin
Dermatologists often say that less is more for those affected by acne, which means to limit what is applied to the skin. Then again, an acne sufferer who treats it with topical and oral medications such as Tretinoin, Benzoyl Peroxide or Isotretinoin are advised to avoid UV rays because of the higher threat for hyperpigmentation, burning and irritation.
However, sunscreens may clog your pores because some contain comedogenic ingredients resulting in an oilier and heavy, creamy texture. If you have acne and you’ll be outdoors or will be exposed to direct sunlight at work, it would be wise to apply a sunscreen free of ingredients that will cause irritation or induce excessive melanin production that may worsen your skin condition.
Suffering from Contact Dermatitis
Simply known as skin irritation or allergies from allergens or irritants characterized by itching, blisters and rashes, contact dermatitis cannot be cured but it can be controlled. It gets problematic when choosing cleansers alone because one wrong move and it can trigger a reaction. There are many ingredients in sunscreens that can cause an allergic reaction. It doesn’t mean, however, having Contact Dermatitis should absolutely discourage you from using sunscreen; you should be selective when you choose your UV care.
Sensitive Skin
Even if you are not suffering from acne or contact dermatitis, the wrong ingredients can lead to a break out or adverse reaction. Having sensitive skin requires selecting carefully formulated sun care with the features that will benefit your skin type and result in a healthy looking complexion.
The Solution
If you are serious about your UV care, avoid irritants such as fragrance, lanolin, dye, alcohol, propylene glycol and parabens. Don’t trust labels that claim to be “natural”; not all natural ingredients are hypoallergenic or gentle to your complexion.
Finally, what good is a sunscreen if it doesn’t protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays? UVB protection is not full coverage so make sure to look for broad spectrum coverage that shields both UVA and UVB rays.
If you find a sunscreen with broad spectrum coverage, is a gentle hydrator and an antioxidant as well, then this maybe the right choice for your rich complexion.