In my daily practice, I receive questions on a daily basis about what kind of sunscreen won't cause break-outs in oily skin. More even, I figured it's a specific concern bothering not only patients suffering from acne, but also non-acne patients. 

Why is sunscreen so important, especially when you have acne? 

People with oily skin often skip applying sunscreen because it makes their skin look greasy with the formation of pimples. It is however of great importance to protect yourself against the sun, since sun exposure has a big impact on the progression of acne. Here's why:

 have anti-inflammatory effects, and therefore it might seem like your acne gets better in the sun. But what UV and blue light also do, is increasing the thickness of the outer skin layer inducing a dysregulation of our skin microbiome. This may worsen the presence of closed comedones (whiteheads), causing inflammation and acne flare-ups in Fall. 

 rays cause inflammation and increase sebum production and proliferation of keratinocytes.

 can induce postinflammatory hyperpigmentation on acne skin (due to irritation, excoriations), especially in 

 Sunlight induces the production of melanin, and this is why, if unprotected, acne scars stay dark. 

Another reason why it is absolute mandatory to wear sunscreen when suffering from acne, is that several acne treatments (antibiotics, isotretinoin, vitamine A creams) make our skin more vulnerable to sunlight. 

like oxybenzone, avobenzone, retinyl palmitate or para-aminobenzoic acid. Also a high concentration of alcohol is nefast in acne-prone skin.

sunscreens based on coconut or grapeseed oil.

You’re using expired sunscreen or tend to leave it baking in the sun:

 which causes breakdown of the active substances.

How to choose the right sunscreen for oily

Some general advice regarding sunscreen for oily skin:

, which means pores won’t be easily clogged.

 while they may be non-comedogenic, tend to be chalky in consistency. Mostly, chemical sunscreen will be more suitable for oily skin.

 their protection is weaker since you only get higher SPF level using more scientific ingredients.

Mist formulas, sprays, gels of chemical sunscreens

 with a water or light liquid base are less occlusive.

 to avoid occlusive make-up layers afterwards

Don’t use sunscreen meant for your body on your face

, since these often have a much greasier texture

Anti-inflammatory, sebumregulating agents

: salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid

Plant-based, anti-inflammatory ingredients: 

 skip sunscreen if you’ve got acne-prone skin. In fact, it’s even 

 imperative that you wear sunscreen if you have pimples. Remember that sunscreen should be applied every day year-round for the best protection, even when it's cloudy or rainy.

→ In case you missed my general overview on types of sunlight and sunscreens, click 

) for a summary of all evidence-based skin care research. 

The Sacred Skin: How to pick the right sunscreen for oily skin

, a tag line you've certainly heard before. But what exactly is SPF, and does SPF alone protect you sufficiently against the sun? To be completely correct, we should use the word 

 instead of SPF. In my daily practice, I am routinely asked about what exactly to look out for when picking sun protection. But what exactly does it protect us from? What is ultraviolet radiation, blue light, and where does it come from?

The sun provides us of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and visible light, both having a significant impact on our skin.

 into UV-A, UV-B and UV-C radiation. UV-A and UV-B rays both affect our skin in a different way. UV-C does not reach the Earth's surface. 

 consists of a rather short wavelength and is the main cause of sunburn and skin cancers. Therefore, most sunscreens mainly focus on UV-B radiation. 

 consists of a longer wavelength and also contributes to skin cancer and premature aging, and has the ability to pass through glass. 

. Blue light is a colour in the visible light spectrum that can be seen by the human eye, and generally comes from TV, smartphone or laptop screens. Unlike UV rays, it can’t burn you, but it can age your skin indirectly via the formation of free radicals and therefore it can speed up the aging process and cause pigmentation. 

: Effects of UV radiation and visible light on human skin depend on pigmentation. It seems that light skin tends to be more susceptible to UV-induced skin damage, while dark skin suffers more from visible light-induced damage.

In general, there are two types of sunscreen: mineral (physical) and chemical sunscreen.

 form a protective layer on our skin, preventing UV rays from hitting it. They usually contain ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, small particles that have been recognized as safe and effective. Protection is immediate. This type of sunscreen is ideal for people with sensitive skin, with skin conditions like contactallergy, rosacea or melasma, as it tends to irritate less. Because mineral sunscreen is sometimes thick, it may contribute to breakouts in people prone to acne. The latter is a subject I'll cover in another article. 

 do allow UV rays into the skin, turning it into non-damaging wavelengths of light or heat, a process that takes place in our skin by chemicals like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. Recommendations based on the latest studies recommend avoiding chemical sunscreens with 

. This form of synthetic estrogen may disrupt hormones and cause allergic skin reactions. There is a waiting time before protection of around 20-30 minutes. Also does it harm coral reefs. An important sidenote in that matter, is that not applying sunscreen is still more harmful to you in the long run than the possible absorption of any small particles.

What is SPF and PA? What should I look for when picking sunscreen?

, meaning Sun Protection Factor, measures sunscreen protection from UV-B rays only. 

 is short for Protection Grade of UV-A, and thus only measures U-VA protection. As you now know, this is given their individual function, an important distinction!

♥ Always go for an SPF of 30 or higher (preferably, SPF50). Any sunscreen with SPF below 15 only protects against sunburn, not skin cancer or skin aging. 

♥ Choose a sunscreen with “broad spectrum” protection, this means they protect you against both UV-A and UV-B rays. 

♥ Especially important if you have dark skin: the best defence against blue light are topical antioxidants. Look for a sunscreen that’s got a high sun protection factor, promises broad spectrum protection and includes antioxidants like vitamin C and E.

The Sacred Skin: Types of light and sunscreen

A few weeks ago, my Mom and I spent the weekend at Antwerp's newest luxury hotel: 

. This five-star superior hotel was created out of a re-established 15th century monastery, forming without a doubt a real asset for us Belgians, as one of the 

! Not only because of its yet renowned name and the royal treatment guaranteed to its guests, but foremost because of its amazingly friendly staff and jovial professionalism at all times. Here's my experience with Antwerp's finest piece of luxury retreat.

, where tones of rustic beige and navy blue come to the fore. Entering this space I witnessed the perfect marriage between the old monastery room's history and contemporary, minimalistic design. We looked over the botanical garden from our window. For a hotel that's located in the heart of Antwerp, amidst the city's noisy chaos, I was surprised to not hear a thing inside. The serenity and quiet that plays here, makes this place to me more unique than any other I've visited so far. During the day we went to have fun in the city, and by nightfall we returned to freshen up for dinner. The staff always surprised us with a small gift and left the room cleaned up by our return. In every room lies an iPad, with which you can control television, have the chance to read more about the hotel, or order room service.

 last week, a small word needs to be said about the exquisite restaurants this hotel hosts. At the Botanic Sanctuary site you'll find 

 (now granted 2 MICHELIN stars) by insane kitchen gods Gert De Mangeleer & Joachim Boudens, and 

 (1 MICHELIN STAR) with chefs Jacob Jan Boerma & Thomas Diepersloot. Our dining experience at Hertog Jan exceeded all expectations, with one of their courses being served in a really special setting, a secret I will keep from you as a surprise! Also the young team of Fine Fleur managed to blow our minds with both their hospitality and culinary skills. On our last day, we had a bite at 

, a place decorated with style that sets the perfect atmosphere for just cocktails too when you're in the neighbourhood, by the way. Last year we had dinner already at 

, the restaurant located next to the monastery garden, which is just as much recommendable. 

, another culinary project by Gert & Joachim, in the future. Something to look forward to. 

Unfortunately we didn't have the chance to fully indulge ourselves into the promising Botanic Spa experience since it was still under construction at the time of our stay. However, we DID have a small retreat feeling with a massage and facial at one of the hotel's 

. Anyway, now I've clearly got an excuse to go back and have myself a Spa stay! 

Most products they use are from a French-Japanese revolutionary skincare brand called 

. They expertise in anti-ageing, and created 

, which contains three collagen molecules of different sizes that target different layers of the epidermis. I myself have a slightly sensitive skin, prone to acne and rosacea, in my experience often aggravated by too moisturising facials. Although the products have a certain price, I was very satisfied with the quality and softness of my skin afterwards. And as a enthusiastic future dermatologist, you understand what that means: I took home a travel kit to try it out further!

Lange Gasthuisstraat 45, entrance via Leopoldstraat 

Hi! My name is Ornella

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