Many people believe that the heat of the sun can improve acne-prone skin by drying out excess oil and reducing pimples. However, contrary to this common belief, the sun is far from a friend to oily or acne-prone skin.

During sun exposure, UV rays may temporarily dry out blemishes, making the skin look clearer at first. But this effect doesn’t last. Shortly afterwards, the skin produces excess sebum in response to the dryness. This overproduction, combined with a thickened skin barrier, clogs pores and traps bacteria beneath the surface. A few days later, this often results in a flare-up of spots and blackheads - a reaction known as the rebound effect.

Because the rebound effect is delayed, many people underestimate the role of the sun in triggering acne breakouts. Dermatologists regularly warn that unprotected sun exposure increases the risk of flare-ups, especially in summer. To help prevent outbreaks, it’s important to use a sunscreen specifically formulated for oily or acne-prone skin.

In addition, sun exposure can make acne scars and dark spots worse, as UV rays are a leading cause of hyperpigmentation.

If you’re using acne medication or topical treatments, your skin may be more sensitive and prone to burning. In this case, daily sun protection is essential, as UV rays can irritate sensitised skin and provoke new pimples. Remember: you’re exposed to UV rays all year round, not just when the weather is sunny.

Photoderm Woman with hat

Photoderm AKN Mat for Oily Skin Prone To Acne SPF30

Anti-blemish efficacy with mattifying, invisible finish.

Acne-prone skin Combination to oily skin

Good to Know: Sebum, Oily Skin, and Acne Breakouts

Sebum is a natural, oily substance produced by the body’s sebaceous glands. Composed of lipids, fatty acids, waxes, and other natural compounds, it sits on the skin’s surface to protect and moisturise it. Sebaceous glands are found all over the body, but the highest concentrations are on the face and scalp.

Oily skin occurs when the body produces too much sebum, leading to excess oil that can contribute to clogged pores, blackheads, and acne breakouts.

Daily sunscreen is the most effective way to protect acne-prone skin from the rebound effect. Regular use of sunscreen helps prevent the harmful effects of the sun on combination and oily skin, including excess sebum production that can clog pores and trigger breakouts.

In addition, because UV rays can worsen hyperpigmentation, wearing sunscreen also helps reduce the risk of acne scars and dark spots, keeping skin healthier and more even-toned.

Women with black skin using AKN Mat SPF30 sun protection for acne-prone skin

When selecting a sunscreen for your face, look for products specifically formulated for combination, oily, or acne-prone skin. These sunscreens often contain active ingredients that not only protect your skin from UV damage but can also help improve its overall health, without worsening spots or pimples.

In addition to sun protection, a good acne-friendly sunscreen offers valuable skincare benefits, keeping your skin balanced, hydrated, and less prone to breakouts.

Certain ingredients in skincare and sunscreens can help prevent acne, including glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Widely used in dermatology, these ingredients are known for their keratolytic action, which gently exfoliates the skin, removes dead cells and smooths surface irregularities.

By preventing the build-up of dead skin and excess oil, they help stop the skin from thickening and reduce the risk of the rebound effect, keeping acne-prone skin clearer and healthier.

The little box contains salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin and remove dead cells

Combining several finely milled, powdery ingredients can help control shine and mattify acne-prone skin. A sunscreen with a mattifying effect absorbs excess sebum on the face, leaving skin looking smooth and less oily throughout the day.

Container with a combination of powders to control shine and mattify the skin by absorbing excess sebum

A non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic sunscreen is specially formulated not to clog pores. When choosing a suncare product for acne-prone skin, it is essential to check that it is non-comedogenic, as products that block pores can worsen breakouts and aggravate acne. 

Photoderm acne scraching skin

The most effective sunscreen is the one you actually apply regularly. To encourage daily use, choose a product with a pleasant texture that suits your skin type. Look for a sunscreen that is easy to apply, non-greasy, and has a soft, comfortable feel.

If you wear make-up, make sure the sunscreen works well as a base and won’t flake or disturb your foundation during application. This ensures both protection and a smooth, flawless finish for acne-prone skin.

Photoderm sun

Product presentation Photoderm AKN Mat SPF30, sun protection for acne-prone skin by reducing sebum production and long-term mattifying action

Drawing on an ecobiological approach, Laboratoire BIODERMA has developed Photoderm AKN Mat SPF30, a sunscreen specifically formulated for sensitive, acne-prone skin. This product combines Bioderma’s dermatological expertise with the patented Fluidactiv™ technology, a powerful blend of active ingredients, and a reduced oily phase perfectly suited to acne-prone skin.

 

Anti-Blemish Benefits

  • Fluidactiv™ technology: Helps regulate sebum production and improve its quality, preventing skin thickening and reducing imperfections.
  • Salicylic and glycolic acids: These keratolytic ingredients gently exfoliate daily, smooth skin texture, and help prevent the rebound effect.

     

Long-Term Mattifying Action

  • Mattifying powders: Carefully selected powders provide a matte finish and lasting shine control, keeping oily and combination skin balanced throughout the day.

     

Additional Features:

  • Lightweight, fluid formula with an invisible, non-greasy, non-sticky finish.
  • Suitable as a make-up base.
  • Non-comedogenic and resistant to water, heat, and high humidity.

Photoderm AKN Mat SPF30 protects acne-prone skin from UV damage while simultaneously helping to control shine, prevent breakouts, and improve overall skin texture.

Proven efficiency on acne-prone skin 

The efficacy of the formula has been verified by dermatologists during clinical testing.

  • -61% inflammatory lesions¹
  • Skin is mattified all day long for 94% of users ²
  • Non-greasy finish for 94% of users²

The tube is made of 100% recyclable plastic and all outer boxes are 100% recyclable and made of paper from sustainably managed forests.

¹ Clincal study on the prevention of rebound effect in acne prone skin patients, 351 subjects
² Consumer test on 102 subjects with acne-prone skin over 14 days

Sébium Foaming Gel

Gentle purifying cleanser. Removes impurities and controls shine.

Combination to oily skin

Sébium Kerato+ Gel Cream

Visibly effective on pimples, blackheads and marks within 2 days. High tolerance.

Acne-prone skin

Photoderm AKN Mat for Oily Skin Prone To Acne SPF30

Anti-blemish efficacy with mattifying, invisible finish.

Acne-prone skin Combination to oily skin