Sunscreen & Blemishes

We all know how important daily sunscreen for our skin is, right? Daily SPF with active ingredients protects against sun damage - yes, sunburn, but also dark spots and skin tone issues, textural changes like leathery skin and premature fine lines and wrinkles. Daily application is a no-brainer unless of course, your SPF also leads to blemishes. No one wants to choose between blemishes and premature skin ageing, and with Kiehl's suncare, you don't have to.

Why Does Sunscreen Lead To Blemishes?

We hear you, some sunscreens do lead to blemishes for some, often clogging pores or making skin feel more oily. The key is to look for types of sunscreens labelled non-comedogenic -- which means that the formula contains zero ingredients that will clog pores. We have two dedicated sunscreens, both non-comedogenic, so you can choose either and they will not clog pores. Both chemical sunscreens, our formulas are safe, lightweight and suitable for everyday use.

How to Choose the Right Sunscreen

Sunscreen should be the last step in your skincare routine every morning. Getting to know your skin type is helpful when it comes to building a skincare routine. All skin types, including oily skin can become dehydrated when water quickly evaporates from the skin leaving it feeling tight and dry. Combination skin (when skin has areas of dry patches and also oily areas) is often actually oily skin that’s dehydrated. You may produce a lot of oil and have oily skin, or not enough and have dry skin. Reactive skin that quickly goes red and feels uncomfortable is also known as sensitive skin. Find out more with our guide How to Determine Your Skin Type or book a consultation with one of our skin pros.

When it comes to sunscreen and skin type, our water-light gel formula Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++ is ideal for oily skin types and anyone who dislikes heavier sunscreens. For those with oily skin, finding a sunscreen that doesn't feel heavy or greasy is crucial. Our Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++ is specifically designed with oily skin types in mind. Its gel formula feels incredibly lightweight on the skin, allowing it to be easily absorbed without leaving behind any residue. Not only does this sunscreen provide high-level sun protection with an SPF of 50 and PA++++, but it also offers a mattifying effect. It helps to control excess oil production, keeping your skin shine-free throughout the day. This is especially beneficial for those prone to blemishes and redness, as excess oil can contribute to clogged pores and lead to blemishes. However, its non-greasy texture means it is comfortable to wear, even for those with normal or combination skin.

For those who prefer a more moisturising sunscreen, but never greasy and always fast-absorbing, try our Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++. This lightweight daily sunscreen formulation is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. The non-comedogenic formula won't clog pores and the lightweight mily texture sinks in quickly and easily for long-term skin protection against the rays that can lead to skin cancer.

Tips for Using Sunscreen on Blemish-Prone Skin

Always apply facial sunscreen as the last step in your morning skincare routine. This allows the sunscreen to form a protective barrier on your skin, preventing harmful UV rays from causing damage to skin tone and irritation to your skin barrier. If you wear makeup, apply it after your facial sunscreen. To ensure adequate sun protection, apply a generous amount of sunscreen to all exposed areas of your face. The general rule is to use about a 50p-sized amount for your face and a shot glass-sized amount for your body.

It's also important for all skin concerns and skin issues to remove sunscreen every evening with a gentle cleanser. For blemish-prone skin we recommend our Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash, a deeply cleansing creamy, gel facial wash that is specially formulated for oily, combination skin. Dampen face and hands with warm water, pump the deep cleansing face wash into your hands and work into lather. Massage lather onto skin with gentle, circular motions and rinse with lukewarm water which will remove dirt, debris and any lingering SPF. It's a good idea to follow your cleanser with an exfoliator to help remove any dead skin cells which might otherwise clog pores. Our Daily Refining Milk-Peel Toner works to gently refine and exfoliate while replenishing the skin's moisture levels. Keep your skin in mind as you choose a moisturiser that's appropriate to your skin type. Our Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream gel moisturiser for oily skin to normal skin has a cooling effect and helps maintain skin’s moisture balance for skin that’s shine-free and comfortable. In the daytime, always finish your routine with your sunscreen to keep your skin protected from damaging rays.