Do I need to use a sunscreen every morning when using this product?

Dear Dr. Irwin, Does using a 2% salycilic wash and 2% salycilic gel make you sun sensitive? The nurse at the Dr's office said no but I have heard others say yes. I know I should wear sunscreen everyday and I try to but I have tried sooooo many and they either break me out or turn my face read. Thank you!

So….. for the first question, they will make you just slightly more sun sensitive because they thin the outer dead layer (stratum corneum) a little.   It’s similar to the way that retinoids (Retin A, Renova, etc.) will make you slightly more sun sensitive.

The bigger issue is finding a sunscreen you can tolerate because, if you care about the quality of your skin, you need to put one on every single morning……at least your face, neck, chest and backs of your hands.    Have you tried some of the sunscreens that are easiest for sensitive acne prone skin to tolerate like the Colorscience Sunforgettable Powder or the Elta MD Clear for acne prone skin?  Both are about half way down the linked page.   Your dermatologist should be able to help you on this.

 Hope this helps,  Dr. I  

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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