How to Stop Sunscreen from Clogging Your Pores
If you have large pores, finding a sunscreen that effectively protects your skin from the harmful rays of the sun and does not clog pores is challenging. Unfortunately, many sunscreens clog pores, so your skin can’t breathe and this can cause breakouts.
Prevent and minimize clogged pores by using a sunscreen that is not water-resistant and does not contain heavy oils.
Clogged pores can lead to:
- Blackheads
- Whiteheads
- Acne
- Enlarged pores
Look for mineral sunscreens that contain the ingredients zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide to reflect UV rays away from the skin. Other ingredients that are found in chemical sunscreens such as Avobenzone, Octisalate, Oxybenzone, Homosalate, Octocrylene, and Octinoxate absorb the dangerous UV rays which may lead to skin aging, cancer, and other skin and organ damage.
Choose a sunscreen compatible with your skin type
For oily or acne-prone skin, powdered sunscreen is best for not clogging pores. Another option is choosing a sunscreen that contains just the minerals titanium oxide or zinc dioxide, these are less likely to promote a breakout.
The powdered sunscreen works similarly to mineral sunscreens, known as “physical blockers” because they block ultraviolet rays by physically sitting on top of your skin.
Steps for Removing Sunscreen
1. Start with an oil-based or lotion-based cleanser
Sunscreen products are made up of oils and waxes that bind the active ingredients together and keep them from coming off on your clothes or dripping into your eyes. This is especially important for sunscreens with a higher SPF, which usually have more oils and waxes. Water-based cleansers will not remove all the sunscreen residue, especially clogged pores on the face.
2. Use a cleansing mask
Cleansing masks are great for removing sunscreen because they’re made with ingredients that help absorb excess oil and debris on the skin. Choose one that deeply cleanses while leaving your skin soft and hydrated.
3. Use a toner and antioxidant serum
This is because even though you’ve removed most of your sunscreen, a small amount might remain. Left on too long, it can irritate your skin or cause acne. (Interestingly, this is one of the reasons why some people find sunscreen irritating — they aren’t washing it off at night.)
Toner or exfoliant is used to balance the pH level of your skin, close pores, and prepare it for moisturizer while removing bacteria, dirt, and other impurities. An antioxidant moisturizer serum is packed with ingredients that hydrate the skin and protect it against environmental stressors.Toners/ exfoliants also help soothe irritated skin, fight acne, and minimize signs of skin aging.
4. Apply an alcohol-free, chemical-free moisturizer/ lotion
An oil-free or non-comedogenic moisturizer serum is specially formulated to not clog pores. Most people with oily skin can benefit from using an oil-free moisturizer serum as part of their daily beauty routine. An oil-free moisturizer serum will keep your skin hydrated without clogging your pores and causing acne breakouts. Oil-free moisturizer serums are a good option for the face and body. Generally, serums with essential lipids, squalane, and/ or vitamin E are great options.
Follow these helpful tips for the best outcomes with sunscreen. You may be happy knowing you are protecting your skin and pleasantly surprised by the results.