Why You Need Sunscreen for Oily Skin

Living with oily skin is no walk in the park. Granted, the skin type is not a debilitating disorder that changes your appearance or affects your life, it does come with its own set of inconveniences. Protecting it from UV rays is one of them – until you find the right sunscreen for oily skin, that is.

On social media, you may see girls with flawless mochi skin demonstrating the proper way to apply sun protection. It’s a pretty encouraging sight until you realize your skin isn’t as smooth as theirs and that sunscreen makes you greasier than a fast food burger. So what do you do? Not quit, we hope.

Here’s why you need sunscreen for oily skin and what you can do to make this skincare step your favorite one yet.

It’s a common misconception that people with oily skin do not need sunscreen (because they do not get wrinkles – a myth we wish were true!). The fact is, all skin is susceptible to UV damage and every skin type needs protection from the sun. 

While it’s true that the lipids in sebum offer natural protection against light, studies found that UV radiation also increases the comedogenicity of sebum, resulting in acne. Broad-spectrum sunscreen can shield your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, preventing further breakouts.

Acne is common among oily skin types. Excess oil can bind with dirt, bacteria, and dead skin, which, in turn, clog the pores and lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.

Ingredients used to treat your acne work by exfoliating and speeding up cell turnover to decongest your skin. These include retinoids and BHAs like salicylic acid. While effective, these can make your skin more sensitive to external aggressors, including UV light. Using sunscreen for oily skin is crucial if you want your anti-acne regimen to work – not to mention to keep your skin from burning under the sun.

Some people sunbathe to get a tan and get rid of their acne. Don’t be like them. A tan can make your skin appear more even and glowing in the short term, but the aftermath will not be pretty.

Aside from the skin peeling that comes after a sunburn, your skin will also become extremely dry, prompting your oil glands to produce more sebum to compensate. The inflammation and excess oil can make your breakouts worse.

Traditional sunscreens block UV rays, but new formulas do a lot more. For example, sunscreen for oily skin is easily absorbed so your skin doesn’t feel sticky or look shiny. Some formulas contain brightening ingredients to fade dark spots while preventing hyperpigmentation, or hydrating elements to keep the skin from drying.

To manage oily skin, use a hydrating cleanser that also controls oil. It may sound counterintuitive, but keeping your skin moisturized strengthens your skin barrier and improves its ability to heal. Use Dove Facial Cleansing Mousse Oil Control Care, which comes in a lightweight formula that dislodges impurities without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.

After applying your skincare products, slather on a generous amount of POND'S UV Bright Sunscreen, a non-sticky, skin-perfecting sunscreen that protects against UV damage, dark spots, dullness, and uneven skin tone.

Sunscreen for oily skin may be rare, but this doesn’t mean you have to give up the fight against sun damage. As the dermatologists say, the best sunscreen is the one you’re using. So keep slathering that SPF. Your fast food burger may turn into a glazed donut soon enough.