You can fake your complexion for a second with layering lots of makeup, but at the end of the day, those visible fine lines, wrinkles and acne scarring are still obvious. Wearing makeup to cover those blemishes is easier but if you were to ask any dermatologist and beauty editors all around the world, they’d say the first step in protecting your skin barrier is to wear sunscreen—and we couldn’t agree enough. 

I wish I’d known the importance of wearing sunscreen sooner. They’re the MVP in preventing all types of skin distress. Sunspots, sun damage, scarring, uneven skin tones and the list goes on. In short, wearing sunscreen should be a part of your daily routine besides chugging those 5 dollar coffee latte. I kid you not. You should always, I can’t stress this enough, always have sunscreen with you. Especially since we live in crazy hot humid weather all year long. 

Beauty Insider is heavily patronising in wearing sunscreen so if you’re looking for some kick-ass sunscreen that suits all skin types including you with acne-prone, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s normalise wearing sunscreen everyday, yeah? 

First, Why Are You Getting Acne? 

Adult acne often grows around the U-zone of your face. Your cheeks, your chin and even jawline. The reason behind the growth of hormonal acne is due to hormonal imbalances, your PMS, stress and environmental contamination. For women mainly aged 18-50, Estrogen and Progesterone levels actively play their part, and they will drop just before your period happens. During your menstrual cycle, the levels of Androgen—also known as masculine hormones—are higher than your other femminine hormones. Which leads to clogged pores. And while most of us think it’s only affecting teenagers, it can also occur at any stage of an adult’s life. Even around 40-50 of age. 

How to tackle hormonal acne? Hormonal Acne: What Causes Them And How To Treat Them?

The Importance Of Wearing SPF Everyday 

As mentioned earlier, it is vital for you to include sunscreen into your daily beauty routine. How can you be so okay knowing that your skin often soaks not only the UV rays caused by the sun but, by all the blue and green lights from your devices? And we know even the idea of slathering the chalky sunscreen can make your skin go icky due to its formulas, but the good news is there are indeed a lot of lightweight and oil-free sunscreens that you can find and use in your daily routine. 

Related article: What Is A ‘’Tone Up Sunscreen’’, And Why You Should Be Wearing It Right Now!

What Level Of Sunscreen Suits Acne Skin? 

To be honest, all skin types including those battling with severe acne problems should at least incorporate the level of SPF30 on their skin. However, consider a try and test beforehand. Not all levels of SPF would fit all skin types. While SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB, SPF 30 blocks 97% of your skin barrier. If you would like more, aim for SPF 50 which takes up more than 98% of your skin protection. The more the SPF manages to cover your skin barrier and layer, the better. They’ll help to shush away the sunburns, sun damage, and worse, skin cancers. No need to use too much, one once is enough to keep your skin in tuck all day. 

Sunscreen Is Known To Fight Aging Too

Have you ever wondered why some 50 years old French women tend to look younger than American women who are in their 30s? The answer is none other than sunscreen. If there’s one thing that French girls cannot live without when it comes to skincare, it is applying sunscreen before putting on their makeup. If you walk around the town in France, you’ll see that all French women tend to look comfortable and relaxed in their skin, not to mention, even if their skin indeed shows signs of ageing, they embrace it openly. Because they know they have SPF to look after their skin. So please remember to layer a good amount of sunscreen even if you’re working from home. You need good protection from those green and blue lights coming out of your electronic devices, as well. 

Want to learn more about French’s beauty? Read: Bonjour, Madame! 5 Simple Steps To Nail The French Girl Beauty

The Best Sunscreen For Acne Prone Skin 

1. Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF 50+ PA++++

Lightweight and quickly-absorbed. This Shiseido tone-up sunscreen is perfect to wear under hot and humid weather, especially for us Asian women. You don’t have to worry about getting sweat all over your face as well because this sunscreen is straight up sweat resistant and non-oily. Definitely worth investing in. 

Why we love it: 

  • Sweatproof 
  • Non oily
  • Reduce the appearance of wrinkles

Price: $65.00

Where to buy: Shiseido Singapore

2. Glowscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Primer SPF 40 PA+++

With just a few squeeze of this magical Supergoop! Glow Screen, your dull and uneven looking skin will turn into a dewy, luminous and smoother looking complexion. This sunscreen is very lightweight, and can even be worn as a primer underneath your makeup. How convenient? 

Why we love it: 

  • Lightweight 
  • Can be worn alone or as a primer 
  • Protect the skin barrier

Price: $55.00

Where to buy: Sephora

3. Sunplay Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50, PA++++

Not only does it smell delicious, like lavender but this special sunscreen essence will help neutralize all the inflammation caused by dryness. It helps to tighten the skin barrier and overall protect your skin from uv rays, green light and blue light. Whether you’re indoor or outdoor, this sunscreen is perfect for you. 

Why we love it: 

  • Contains fruit extract 
  • Blur your imperfections
  • Smells like lavender

Price: $27.90

Where to buy: Watsons

4. KOSE Suncut Tone Up UV Essence

Another sunscreen that will not help protect your skin layer, but smell good as well. This sunbuilt UV essence from Kose will make your complexion stand out even without having to wear makeup. Your skin will look airbrushed like a photo filter on Instagram. They help hide all the imperfections on your skin!

Why we love it: 

  • Blurred out imperfections
  • Non greasy sunscreen
  • Small and easy to carry everywhere

Price: $23.90

Where to buy: Watsons

5. ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare BB Foundation

A tone-up sunscreen that will not only serve as a sun protection but also your makeup base. There’s a reason why this Anessa sunscreen is considered No.1 in the Japanese beauty market. They will help cover large pores, dark circles and obvious acne scarring. They give you a perfect matte finish, too. 

Why we love it: 

  • Can be worn as a sunscreen or makeup base
  • Flawless matte finish
  • Hydrating

Price: $25.41

Where to buy: Watsons

6. Innisfree Tone Up No Sebum Sunscreen SPF50+

This mighty tone-up sunscreen from Innisfree contains no sebum, nor any other oily ingredients. It is perfect for your everyday use, whether you’re staying at home or stepping outside under the sun. They are infused with powerful antioxidants ingredients like cantella and green tea extract. Protecting you from all those harmful sun chemicals. 

Why we love it: 

  • Infused with cantella and green tea extract
  • Lightweight, non greasy
  • Suitable for everyday wear 

Price: $12.00

Where to buy: Innisfree

7. The Face Shop Yehwadam Tone-Up Sun Cream

A highly recommended tone-up sunscreen that will immediately improve your skin’s density, act as a skin corrector, and overall anti-aging products. Seriously, what not to love about this magical product? They are jam packed with healthy ingredients like ginseng, pine mushroom and wilfordi root. You can now kiss your imperfections goodbye. 

Why we love it: 

  • Jam packed with natural and healthy ingredients 
  • Rejuvenates and hydrate your skin
  • Texture feels rich and smooth on skin

Price: $25.90

Where to buy: Shopee

8. Laneige White Dew Tone Up Fluid SPF35 PA++

Free from any harsh chemicals, this Laneige tone-up fluid used only the best multipurpose ingredients that will not only help protecting your skin barrier up to more than 8 hours, but also serves as hydrating primer that will covers and fades all the redness and imperfections that are stuck underneath your skin. Resulting in a healthier looking complexion!

Why we love it: 

  • Cruelty free 
  • Free from any harsh chemicals 
  • Gives your a healthier looking complexion

Price: $29.90

Where to buy: Shopee

9. Cute Press All Day Brighten Tone Up Sunscreen SPF50+ PA+++

I’m a little biased with this one because I have tried it and I’m loving it. You can use this either on its own or underneath your makeup as a primer. What’s best they help to brighten up your skin and make them look as flawless as ever. They contain up to SPF 50+ and PA+, so this one is suitable for you with acne skin. 

Why we love it: 

  • A 2-in-1 sunscreen 
  • Suitable for everyday use 
  • Fast absorbing and non sticky 

Price: $22.90

Where to buy: Watsons

10. La Roche Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Dry Touch Gel Crème

For those of you with oily skin, you need this sunscreen ASAP. They don’t clog any pores or have a thick texture that can further block your skin. It feels light, smooth and glides easily on your skin. They have a slight matte finish which is perfect for day to night wear. 

Why we love it: 

  • Feels lightweight and watery 
  • Matte finish 
  • Suitable for oily and acne skin

Price: $49.90

Where to buy: Watsons

11. KIEHL’S Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++

You could always count on the amazing Kiehl’s to protect and repair your complexion. This trustee sunscreen is formulated with a blend of sunscreen filters including Mexoryl SXTM and Mexoryl XLTM which can help fight against skin-ageing and free radical and skin inflammation. 

Why we love it: 

  • Contain Mexoryl SXTM and Mexoryl XLTM and UV-defense
  • Packed with Vitamin E 
  • Contain rosa gallica extract to calm irritated skin

Price: $56.60

Where to buy: Kiehl’s

12. Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defense

Another wallet-friendly sunscreen on your radar! This Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defense is formulated with patented Mexoryl technology, with a system that is up to 8 litres to provide an ultimatum of sun protection across all your skin barriers. This sunscreen can also be used as a basic moisturizer. 

Why we love it: 

  • Suitable for everyday use 
  • Can be used on its own 
  • Contain Mexoryl technology 

Price: $35.90

Where to buy: Watsons

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