8 Drugstore Sunscreens That Won't Make Your Face Break Out This Summer

With the summer coming into full swing, having sunscreen on hand is more important than ever. The downside to consistently applying sunscreen and keeping your skin safe from UV rays is that many sunscreens contain oil, which can cause acne breakouts. The good news is there are some sunscreens that no longer follow this tradition. Instead, newer sunscreens are designed to cut out greasy ingredients and leave skin with a sheen, sun-safe finish.

Dr. Jeannette Graf, M.D., an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center suggests trying products that are ‘non-comedogenic’ and ‘oil-free,' as designated on the label. She also points out there are a range of other applications, such as wipes, that are better for your skin. Read on for eight drugstore sunscreen brands that won't dull that summer glow with acne blemishes.

The Sunscreen Basics

Dr. Graf also suggests guidelines to follow when it comes to choosing sunscreens and other skin-care products that are related to SPF. Firstly, make sure to get a broad-spectrum sunscreen, so that it filters out all of the potentially dangerous rays from the sun. Ensure that the sunscreen you get blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Secondly, sunscreen should be reapplied every one to two hours depending on your exposure and susceptibility to sunlight, and adjust accordingly. It is important that sunscreens with a higher SPF are still applied frequently, as they offer a higher protection rating but do not last longer. Thirdly, based on studies, an SPF rating of 30 is enough to block 97% of the sun’s rays. For most people, this is enough to protect their skin as long as it is applied properly.