The Best Fungal Acne Safe Sunscreen (Updated List)

Fungal acne, also known as pityrosporum folliculitis, is a type of acne caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin. ^[1] It results from yeast clogging hair follicles on your face and body, which causes itching and tiny bumps in clusters that don’t respond to conventional acne treatments.

This party-loving yeast tends to congregate around the cheeks, forehead, and chin, but it may also appear on your back and chest. If you are unfamiliar with this condition, we have written extensively about it here.

By understanding how to control the overgrowth of this yeast and its acne-like symptoms on your skin, coupled with patience and persistence, it’s possible to regain clear and healthy skin.

While many traditional sunscreens contain ingredients that can exacerbate this condition, such as oils and fatty acid esters, in this guide, we will explore the best fungal acne SAFE sunscreens available this year to help you protect your skin without compromising its health.

To keep your skin safe from both the sun and fungal acne, it’s important to know which ingredients to look for in your sunscreen.

Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, vitamin C derivatives, niacinamide, bisabolol, sodium hyaluronate, and allantoin are all fungal acne-safe ingredients that have been shown to provide either effective sun protection or skin conditioning benefits without aggravating the skin in most cases.

By incorporating sunscreens with these ingredients into your skincare routine, you can enjoy the great outdoors while keeping fungal acne at bay.

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are also excellent ingredients for sun protection, as they are physical blockers that sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays away. However, if you have darker skin, these ingredients may leave a slight white cast.

Octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, and avobenzone are chemical sunscreen ingredients that are effective at protecting the skin from UV rays. They work by absorbing the UV radiation and converting it into heat, which is then released from the skin.

While these UV absorbers are generally safe to use, certain individuals may encounter irritation or allergic reactions. Therefore, it is advisable to perform a patch test on any new product before using it on your entire face and body. ^[2]

Vitamin C derivatives, such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, are great for brightening the skin and reducing the appearance of dark spots. They also provide antioxidant protection against environmental stressors like pollution and free radicals.

Niacinamide is another powerhouse ingredient that can help regulate sebum production, minimize pores, and improve skin texture. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can calm redness and irritation.

Bisabolol, derived from chamomile, is a soothing ingredient that can help reduce inflammation and redness. It also has antioxidant properties that can protect the skin from damage caused by environmental stressors.

Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) is a powerful humectant that can hydrate the skin and improve its elasticity. It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent ingredient for dry and dehydrated skin.

Allantoin is another ingredient that can benefit the skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin and promote healing.

Tocopheryl acetate, also known as vitamin E, is a powerful antioxidant that can protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It can also help to improve the skin’s texture and tone, making it look smoother and more youthful.

This is by no means an exhaustive list; if you want to find out about additional ingredients that are safe for use on skin prone to fungal folliculitis, use our dependable skincare ingredient checker.

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Don’t forget about your lips when it comes to sun protection! Your lips are just as vulnerable to sun damage as the rest of your skin, and without proper protection, they can become dry, cracked, or even sunburned.

To keep your lips safe and sound, look for lip balms with SPF, like our favorite:

MDSolarSciences Tinted Lip Balm SPF 30

This lip balm is formulated with avobenzone, octisalate, and homosalate to provide broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays.

To get the most out of MDSolarSciences Tinted Lip Balm SPF 30, apply it liberally and evenly to your lips for a sun-kissed, glamorous look.

When it comes to fungal acne, the debate between chemical and mineral/physical sunscreens can be quite polarizing. Chemical sunscreens are typically easier to apply and provide excellent protection against UVB rays. In contrast, mineral sunscreens are generally regarded as safer and provide broader UVA and UVB protection but are generally less cosmetically appealing.

Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your skin type and personal preferences.

Several studies have shown that inorganic and organic sunscreen agents are equally effective despite this controversy ^{[3 , 4]}.

Just make sure to choose a “broad spectrum” SPF (sun protection factor) product, as this will offer the broadest protection against the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

While it is true that there are concerns about the potential health risks associated with some of these compounds, it is important to remember that all sunscreen ingredients have undergone rigorous testing and are subject to strict regulations.

As stated, the choice of which sunscreen to use is a personal one, but consumers can rest assured that both traditional and newer formulations can provide effective protection against the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. ^{[5 , 6]}

While sunscreens are essential for protecting our skin from sun damage, it’s important to consider their environmental impacts as well. Chemicals in sunscreens, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, can wash off and pollute our waterways, potentially harming marine life and coral reefs. ^[7]

To minimize the environmental impacts of sunscreens, look for reef-safe options that use mineral active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide instead of harmful chemicals. By choosing eco-friendly sunscreens, you can protect your skin and the environment simultaneously.

The majority of people do not use enough sunscreen, according to a 2015 study by CMAJ. ^[8]

Proper application of sunscreen is essential for achieving maximum sun protection. To ensure you get the full benefits of your sunscreen, apply a generous amount to all exposed skin areas 15 minutes before going outside.

Here are a few rules of thumb based on the teaspoon rule ^[9]

Follow the teaspoon rule

To protect your face, head, and neck from harmful UV rays, apply a teaspoon (5 mL) of sunscreen.

Apply one teaspoon to each of your upper extremities.

Apply one teaspoon each to both the front and back torso.

Apply two teaspoons to each lower extremity.

The recommended amount for the entire body is nine teaspoons (45 mL).

Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming or after towel-drying shenanigans, to maintain continuous protection from the sun’s damaging rays.^[10]

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your skin safe from sun damage and reducing your risk of skin cancer.

In addition to using fungal acne-safe sunscreens, there are other steps you can take to protect your fungal acne-prone skin from sun damage.

Wear hats and sunglasses to shield your face from direct sunlight, and apply lip balm with SPF 30 to protect your lips from sunburn.

With the implementation of these additional measures, outdoor activities can be enjoyed with less concern about exacerbating fungal acne or causing additional harm to the skin.

There are many myths about sunscreen and fungal acne that can be confusing for those who suffer from this skin condition.

One of the most common myths is that wearing sunscreen can actually cause fungal acne to worsen.

The truth is that sunscreen can actually help prevent fungal acne by protecting the skin from harmful UV rays that can cause damage and inflammation.

While it is true that some sunscreens contain ingredients that can exacerbate this condition, many sunscreens are safe and effective for all skin types.

It is important to do your research and choose a sunscreen that is specifically formulated for sensitive skin and does not contain any ingredients that are known to aggravate fungal acne.

Overall, it is important to understand that sunscreen is an essential part of any skincare routine and can be safely used by those with fungal acne when the right product is chosen.

In conclusion, finding the right sunscreen for fungal acne-prone skin is crucial for preventing sun damage and the worsening of the condition.

This guide to fungal acne-safe sunscreens provides a list of the best sunscreens on the market, featuring key fungal acne-safe ingredients like zinc oxide, sodium hyaluronate, and niacinamide.

Remember to apply your fungal acne safe spf properly for maximum protection, and don’t forget to take additional steps to shield your skin, such as wearing hats and sunglasses and using lip balm with SPF 30.

With these tips and product recommendations, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy the sun safely and confidently. So go ahead, soak up some sun (responsibly), and let your skin breathe easy, knowing you’re well protected.

We value your input and would love for you to share your favorite products with us. Vote or share your experience to help us improve the list.

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Above all, know that you aren’t alone in your fungal acne problems. There’s a whole community of people with this issue that are ready to share their tips and tricks for treating the problem. We love our community at Folliculitis Scout! Socialize with us as well on Facebook. It’s so easy to Join and become part of a community that truly supports each other through the journey to better skin.