Overview

If you've got oily skin, you may avoid putting anything on your face that could increase oiliness on your face and lead to a breakout. When you have acne-prone or oily skin, you do need to be careful about the products you choose to put on your face. It's still important to take care of your skin properly and protect it from sun damage -- and that definitely includes putting sunscreen on your face.

The Importance of Sunscreen

Sunscreen helps shield your skin from damaging ultraviolet rays, says the Skin Cancer Foundation. Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays boost your risk of developing skin cancer. Leaving your face unprotected against the elements also makes your skin age faster, as sun damage can lead to loose, tough and wrinkly skin.

Choosing Sunscreen

For oily skin, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests looking for products that are noncomedogenic or are labeled as being oil-free. Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 30. And don't rely solely on cosmetics that include SPF to protect you -- if you're going to be spending more than 15 minutes or so in the sun, use a separate oil-free sunscreen underneath your makeup.

Using Sunscreen

It's important for everyone older than 6 months of age to wear sunscreen daily to protect against sun damage and skin cancer risk, adds the Skin Cancer Foundation. And rubbing it onto your face in the morning isn't sufficient. When you're in the sun all day, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends reapplying your sunscreen about every two hours.

Caring for Oily Skin

Oily skin needs a special care to help ward off acne breakouts. Wash your skin regularly with a gentle cleanser that won't aggravate your face, says MedlinePlus. And in addition to oil-free and noncomedogenic sunscreen, make sure your cosmetics and moisturizers are also designed for oily skin and won't clog your pores.

Protect Your Face

Though it's essential to wear sunscreen to protect your face, you can also cover up in other ways that don't involve adding product to your face. Try to stay in the shade instead of direct sun during midday hours, suggests the American Academy of Dermatology. You can also protect your face with a hat that has a wide brim, as well as a pair of sunglasses.