11 Acne-Prone Skin Treatment Steps Dermatologists Recommend

7. Use daily sun protection (SPF 30+)

Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must, especially if you use retinoids or chemical exfoliants that increase sun sensitivity. Dermatologists recommend SPF 30 or higher, applied every morning and reapplied during long sun exposure. Apply sunscreen to face, ears, neck, and chest—areas often treated for acne that also show sun damage. For convenience, consider an AM moisturizer with built-in SPF or a lightweight mineral or chemical sunscreen labelled non-comedogenic. Sunscreen also reduces post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which acne-prone skin can be prone to after breakouts heal. If you’re outdoors or sweating, use a water-resistant formula and reapply every two hours. Protecting the skin daily helps preserve treatment gains and reduces the risk of scarring and dark marks that are harder to treat later.