Tretinoin is a skincare product that uses retinoids, a derivative of vitamin A, to increase cellular turnover. This helps smooth wrinkles and other signs of aging. It’s also used to help treat acne and reduce scarring and hyperpigmentation caused by breakouts.
Products containing tretinoin can help you care for your appearance and achieve healthier, glowing skin. However, one potential downside is that tretinoin causes the skin to become more sensitive to UV rays. This makes it an absolute necessity to use sunscreen!
UV rays are naturally found in sunlight, but there are artificial sources like tanning beds, some halogen or fluorescent lights, and even digital X-ray machines — if you’re having an X-ray anytime soon.
This is why you should use sunscreen regularly, even on days when you won’t be directly exposed to sunlight. Here is a list of some of the best sunscreens to use with tretinoin.
1. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
This sunscreen from EltaMD is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t block your pores. It doesn’t feel greasy on the skin, and it will help exfoliate and control sebum build-up. This will help prevent acne breakouts.
If you’re looking for sunscreen you can wear comfortably every day, this product is one of the best options. Not only will it help protect your skin from UV rays, but this sunscreen will also help keep your skin looking great.
2. Ilia Beauty Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Ilia Beauty Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 has won many awards. One reason for its popularity is its suitability for all skin types, thanks to being oil, chemical, silicone, and fragrance-free.
This sunscreen contains niacinamide, squalene, and hyaluronic acid to help keep the skin tone even and bright. The product will also help reduce the visibility of skin blemishes caused by acne.
3. SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
This is another sunscreen that doesn’t feel greasy on the skin, making it suitable for regular use. It contains zinc oxide and titanium oxide, which help protect the skin.
This mineral sunscreen will also adapt to your skin tone, helping to make it invisible. It can even help cover reddened skin, which often occurs with regular tretinoin use.
4. SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 32
Made from ingredients that include caffeine and antioxidants, this sunscreen will help complement the effects of tretinoin, improving its effectiveness. Other ingredients include titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which will help keep sensitive skin protected from the sun.
Although mineral-based, this product will not cause the blue or purple discoloration that some other products can cause. The sunscreen even offers a light tint that offers a soft, creamy finish on the skin.
5. Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream SPF 30
This sunscreen was designed with aging skin in mind. It’s made from ultra-hydrating ingredients that help keep skin soft and supple. The coconut juice and aloe leaf juice will help ensure wonderful skin texture and great appearance.
This sunscreen also contains products rich in antioxidants like white grape juice and organic apple to help prevent skin damage from oxidation. It is also available in five shades, helping everybody find something suitable for their skin tone.
6. Supergoop Zincscreen 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 40
This sunscreen has been made to help people with sensitive skin and acne. It contains a blend of natural ingredients, from coconut fruit extract to winter cherry, that offer hydration that helps keep your skin healthy.
In addition, non-nano zinc oxide protects the skin from pollution, blue light, infrared, and of course UV rays.
One common issue with sunscreens in general is that they can leave you with a whitecast. This is not a problem with this sunscreen, thanks to the light pink tint that helps leave a natural appearance.
7. Ren Clean Skincare Mattifying Face Sunscreen SPF 30
If you’re a vegan looking for appropriate sunscreens, look no further. This sunscreen uses no animal ingredients but still delivers impressive results. With help from yellow passion fruit seed extract, this product will help protect you against air pollution and free radicals.
This product can also mattify the skin with help from ingredients like rice starch that will help control skin oil. The result is a less oily and less shiny appearance.
8. CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30
This sunscreen will help keep your skin moisturized throughout the day with help from hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides. The product is also gentle on irritable skin, making it ideal to use with Tretinoin.
One factor that makes this product appealing is the low cost. This sunscreen also leaves no trace on the skin, making it suitable for use in any situation.
9. Kinship Self Reflect Sunscreen SPF 32
This product is another award winner and one of the best-selling sunscreens available. The sunscreen includes turmeric, which has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that help manage acne. Other ingredients include probiotics that help maintain the ideal pH.
With anti-acne properties, this sunscreen is a popular option for accompanying Tretinoin as a way to protect the skin from UV rays. In addition to helping prevent acne outbreaks and keeping the skin safe from the sun, this sunscreen will also give you a healthy and radiant glow.
10. EleVen Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35
EleVen is owned by Venus Williams, and tennis stars know all about keeping safe from the sun while on the court. You can expect a product that works well for athletes and is suitable for various situations.
Ingredients include prickly pear extract, which helps moisturize and soothe irritated skin. This makes it particularly appealing to people with acne.
Use the Right Sunscreen with Tretinoin for the Best Results
Tretinoin can be very effective at helping reduce the signs of aging and keep skin looking healthy. However, sunscreen is required during its use to help keep the skin protected. These sunscreens will help keep UV-sensitive skin safe while also offering other benefits.
About the Author
Jamie Finch is a freelance writer with nearly two decades of experience. He left Britain in the year 2000 and headed East. He is currently living in Bangkok and writes on a wide range of topics, with a particular focus on SEO and marketing.
