Joanna Kenny's Top 10 SPFs for Acne-Prone Skin

As someone who's struggled with acne for fifteen years, I've found it really hard to find sun protection that doesn't make me break out more.

I usually find it's the creams that smell like a holiday in a bottle that irritate my skin the most. That's why I decided to try CeraVe - it's fragrance-free! 

When I started using their Face Moisturizer with SPF 30, I was particularly surprised by its light texture. You can apply this moisturizer worry-free knowing that you're not only protected but also keeping your skin hydrated with its added benefits of hyaluronic acid.

Something I'm really passionate about at the moment is using products that are safe for not only for humans but the planet, too. 

Ultimately all our favorite skincare products end up being washed off into the ocean one way or another, but something that is noticeably destroying marine life is suncream. 

So when I found COOLA's reef-safe SPF, I was so excited I could finally buy SPF that would both protect my skin and our oceans! 

As a company that specializes in sun protection, COOLA has a large selection to choose from, making it easy to find one to suit your skin type. I fell in love with the Mineral Face Matte because it keeps my face shine-free!

In 2015, I moved to the Caribbean, and the one thing that was niggling at the back of my mind was how was the heat and humidity were going to affect my acne. And like any oily skin type will tell you, I hate the feeling of greasy textures. 

The most annoying thing about living in a hot country is the laborious task of applying SPF regularly throughout the day. Greasy hands touching everything! 

That's why I really enjoyed using Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen - it helps absorb excess oil and is dry to the touch! YES!

If you're anything like me, you have quite the skincare collection at home. And while I am always scrutinizing the ingredient lists of all my new purchases, I'm also conscious of the price tag, too. It's not easy finding high performing skincare on a budget! 

That's where Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion stands out from the crowd. This sunscreen boasts a light texture and is free of both oil and fragrance. For anyone with acne who is new to using sunscreen, this is a great place to start!

When it comes to skincare, there are some brands that I just know I can trust. Dermalogica is one of those brands well respected in the industry for its ingredient integrity. 

So when it comes to using their Light Sheer Tint Moisture, it feels more like using one of your favorite moisturizers rather than using SPF. 

The reason I love this one so much is that the tint is perfect for helping you find the confidence to go barefaced. Concealing in the hot weather is such a chore, but I've found this gives me just the acne coverage and sun protection I need!

Although my acne has mostly cleared up, I do still have patches of hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. And for me, that's what zaps my confidence the most! 

I find Clinique's Moisture Surge CC cream conceals redness just as well as my most durable foundations. In fact, it's the same consistency as most of my liquid foundations, so I've found applying it with a beauty blender works really well. 

For anyone who doesn't believe that a tinted moisturizer is enough to conceal your breakouts, I would recommend starting here to help the transition from foundation to moisturizer.

One thing that acne has taught me is that less is most definitely more! Where I used to have a million and one things open at once, now I try to have a maximum of ten things open at one time. 

Streamlining my routine has meant that I demand more out of each product. And using fewer products shouldn't have to mean fewer results! 

What makes Paula's Choice CLEAR unique is that it is a clear fluid. And unlike other products containing SPF, it boasts the ability to reduce acne marks and protect your skin from sun damage. The extra benefit does sometimes come with a larger price tag, but in my opinion, it's worth every cent.

This antioxidant-rich broad-spectrum suncream from Murad thinks well beyond harmful sun rays. This SPF also works on protecting our skin from other types of environmental damage with its clever use of powerful antioxidants to reduce inflammation within the skin. 

Another ingredient that I'm always on the lookout for is Vitamin C. In the past, I've found this the most effective ingredient at improving my acne scarring. 

But it's not just what is inside this SPF that's impressive! What isn't included is also a big plus for me. Murad contains none of the nasty, irritating, pore-clogging ingredients like sulphates and phthalates.

I've had acne in varying degrees for fifteen years, so naturally what I need out of my skincare has changed over time. Acne isn't just for teenagers! My skin is aging! 

Recently I've been drawn to products with anti-aging benefits. Lancôme Renergie Lift Multi-Action Day Cream feels more like a moisturizer with the benefits of SPF 15 protection. And after just one week of using this product daily, I noticed my skin was visibly firmer. 

So for those of you whose teenage years seem like a distant memory, you'll love the anti-aging benefits of this product!

Another tinted moisturizer? Yes, cyster! They are my new obsession after dismissing their effectiveness for so long. 

Jane Iredale's Dream Tint Tinted Moisturizer is my new favorite! The downside to most tinted moisturizers is often their poor color match. But with seven colors to choose from, Jane Iredale is so confident you'll find the perfect one for you, they offer a 100% color match guarantee. 

But better than that, what this company stands for is what impresses me the most. This brand contains no nasty ingredients, is reef safe and water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. Sorry, but is that not everything I search for all in one product?