The morning sun streams through my window. I sit up and stretch as I hear the wildlife sing and begin my day of basking in the warm summer sun. 

Those of us with acne can be hesitant to use SPF. While we may want to protect our skin, SPF is notorious for causing breakouts. If you find yourself struggling with acne, using SPF does not mean that you need to sacrifice smooth skin. Knowing what to look for when choosing an SPF formulation along with an after-SPF skincare routine will allow you to protect your skin while keeping it smooth all summer long. 

When looking for a sunscreen, I make sure to choose products that are specifically made for the face, oil-free, made for acne, and noncomedogenic. Some formulas are lighter than others, and it may take some experimentation to find an SPF that feels weightless and doesn’t leave that ghostly white cast. 

I apply SPF after doing my daytime skincare routine. On summer days like these, I try to let my skin breathe as much as possible; thus, I rarely apply makeup over my sunscreen if I am just lounging in the sun. I make sure to top up every few hours to avoid burning. 

When the day is done, the way you take off sunscreen is crucial in preventing breakouts. Double-cleansing by first using a makeup wipe or another type of makeup remover before going in with your cleanser ensures there is no trace of sunscreen left behind. While it may seem tedious, double cleansing is crucial after sunscreen use. Many formulas are formulated to withstand water and sweat and don’t come off very easily. 

After cleansing, I put on my most hydrating moisturizer to replenish my skin’s moisture. While summer is the time to be carefree and spontaneous, remembering to care for your skin will allow you to have endless fun summer days with gorgeous, glowing skin to match.  

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