Why You Need Sunscreen Even in Alaska (and How to Pick a Good One)
Let's clear up the biggest skincare myth in the state.
"It's Alaska, I don't really need sunscreen." We hear it all the time, and it's costing you your skin.
The truth is, the sun reaches you here just as much as anywhere else. In some ways, it's affecting your skin more than you think.
The Alaska sun is sneakier than you'd think
UV rays don't care what the temperature is. They reach your skin whether it's 75 and sunny or 40 and overcast.
In summer, we have daylight for almost twenty hours. That's a lot more sun on your face than you realize, packed into a few short months.
And UV rays bounce. Off water, off pavement, off snow in springtime. You're getting it from angles you never think about.
What the sun is actually doing to your skin
Most sun damage isn't the sunburn. It's the slow, depleting kind that shows up years later.
UV breaks down collagen, which is what keeps your skin firm and smooth. It triggers dark spots and uneven tone. It's the single biggest cause of premature aging, even more than genetics. The American Academy of Dermatology puts daily sunscreen at the top of the list for preventing it.
If you're working hard on your skin and skipping SPF, you're undoing your progress.
Why this matters if you have acne
Here's where it gets important for acne-prone skin.
When you break out, you're often left with dark marks where your pimples were. Sun makes those marks darker and keeps them around longer. So sunscreen isn't just anti-aging; it's how you keep last month's breakout from showing up all summer.
The catch? Most sunscreens are loaded with pore-clogging ingredients. So the very thing you need to protect your skin is the thing breaking you out.
That's why picking the right one matters as much as wearing it.
How to choose a sunscreen that won't break you out
A good one does two jobs at once: protects your skin and keeps your pores clear.
Look for these:
Broad spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, so you're covered against the rays that age and burn.
Free of pore-clogging ingredients, so it protects without triggering breakouts.
A texture you'll actually wear every day, because the best sunscreen is the one that doesn't sit in a drawer.
Skip the heavy, greasy formulas and anything that leaves your skin feeling suffocated. Acne-prone skin does best with something light that absorbs quickly.
A few sunscreens we trust
If you want a head start, here are options we like for acne-prone skin:
Every Day SPF 30 — A lightweight, hydrating SPF 30 sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum UV protection while helping keep skin soft, calm, and healthy-looking throughout the day.
Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 — A lightweight mineral sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection while delivering natural tinted coverage for a smooth, even-looking complexion.
Daily Defense SPF 50 — A lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection while helping hydrate skin and defend against sun damage and premature aging.
Sol-RX Sport SPF 50 — a solid, acne-safe option if you're on a budget. Lightweight, non-greasy SPF 50 sunscreen that provides long-lasting, water-resistant broad-spectrum protection without clogging pores, making it ideal for active lifestyles and daily wear.
How we help
If you've been guessing at sunscreen, or skipping it, you don't have to keep doing that.
We find what your skin really needs and create a topical plan to control your acne, using professional products that protect your skin without clogging your pores. The right SPF is always part of it.
Book a consultation with our team, and we'll set you up with sun protection that’s acne-safe and protects your skin all year-long. ✨
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you really need sunscreen in Alaska?
Yes. UV rays reach your skin in any temperature and any season, and our long summer daylight means a lot of exposure. UV also reflects off water, pavement, and snow, so you're getting more than you think.
What's the best sunscreen for acne-prone skin?
A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher that's free of pore-clogging ingredients and light enough to wear daily. Heavy, greasy formulas can trigger breakouts, so texture matters as much as protection.
Can sunscreen cause acne?
It can, if it contains pore-clogging ingredients. The fix isn't skipping SPF, it's choosing an acne-safe sunscreen that protects your skin without clogging your pores.
Does sunscreen help with acne marks?
Yes. Sun makes post-acne dark marks darker and longer-lasting. Daily sunscreen helps those marks fade faster and keeps new ones from deepening.
