Celebrating National Dermatologist Day 2026: EltaMD Honors Skin Experts with a New Standard in Acne-Safe Sun Care

Each year, National Dermatologist Day offers an opportunity to recognize the essential role dermatologists play in diagnosing skin disease, guiding evidence-based skin care, and educating patients about long-term skin health. In celebration of the occasion, EltaMD is highlighting the importance of dermatologist-led guidance in acne management and photoprotection alongside the launch of its newest sunscreen designed for acne-prone skin, UV Clear Blemish‑Prone & Oil‑Balancing SPF 50.

In conversations with Dermatology Times, Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist, founder of Innovative Dermatology in Dallas, Texas, past president of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), and member of the EltaMD Physician Advisory Board, and Annie Woo, MD, senior director of professional affairs at CP Skin Health Group, discussed persistent misconceptions about sunscreen use in acne-prone patients, the clinical rationale behind integrating photoprotection into acne treatment plans, and the development of a new formulation intended to address oil, blemishes, and environmental stressors while maintaining broad-spectrum UV protection.

Q&A with Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD

Dermatology Times: What are some common myths seen in the clinic related to acne, UV exposure, and sun protection? How do you address these with patients?

Desai: One of the most common myths I hear from patients with acne is that sunscreen will worsen breakouts or clog pores. Because of this concern, many acne-prone patients skip daily sun protection altogether. In reality, avoiding sunscreen can actually make acne outcomes worse. Ultraviolet exposure contributes to inflammation and can worsen post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is especially important for patients with skin of color, where discoloration often becomes one of the most distressing long-term consequences of acne.

Another misconception is that people with oily or acne-prone skin should avoid moisturizers or sunscreen entirely. The key is choosing products that are specifically formulated to be lightweight, non-comedogenic, and designed for acne-prone skin. I often tell patients that sunscreen should be viewed as part of their acne treatment plan, not separate from it. In my practice, particularly when treating patients with acne-related dyspigmentation and skin of color, consistent daily photoprotection is one of the most important steps in preventing worsening discoloration and supporting better overall treatment outcomes.

Dermatology Times: What makes UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50 different from other sunscreens currently available?

Desai: What makes this formulation particularly compelling is that it is designed not only to protect the skin from UV radiation but also to address concerns that patients with acne-prone skin commonly struggle with, including excess oil, visible blemishes, and enlarged pores. This is really a sunscreen that does double duty. It protects the skin while also helping correct some of the visible concerns associated with acne-prone skin.

The formulation combines broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection with 11% zinc oxide and 3.5% octinoxate, along with 5% niacinamide, an ingredient well known for helping calm inflammation, improve skin tone, and reduce the appearance of oil and blemishes. In addition, the product features Zinc-AOX Pro technology, which pairs zinc oxide with a blend of antioxidants designed to enhance photostability and help protect the skin from environmental stressors such as UV radiation, blue light, and pollution. Patients with oily or acne-prone skin often struggle to find sunscreens that feel cosmetically elegant. Lightweight, blendable formulas that don’t leave a white cast or greasy finish can make a big difference in patient adherence.

Dermatology Times: What are some of the most significant data points that were found in the 12-week clinical study?

Desai: What stands out about the clinical data is that it evaluates improvements in visible acne-related skin concerns in addition to photoprotection. In a 12-week clinical study of 43 participants with acne-prone skin, the formulation demonstrated significant improvements across several parameters, including:

• 65% reduction in visible blemishes
• 61% reduction in visible oil and shine
• 25% reduction in visible pore size

Investigators also observed improvements in measures such as post-inflammatory erythema, hyperpigmentation, and overall skin clarity. For me personally, these results are notable because they show that sunscreen designed specifically for acne-prone skin can do more than just protect against UV damage; it can also contribute to visibly healthier-looking skin over time.

Dermatology Times: Why is the National Dermatologist Day initiative so significant for dermatologists?

Desai: National Dermatologist Day is a critically important opportunity to highlight the essential role dermatologists play in both medical and preventive care. I was incredibly honored to collaborate with EltaMD to launch the first-ever National Dermatologist Day in March 2024, during my term as President of the AAD.

Dermatologists are often the first line of defense when it comes to diagnosing skin disease, treating complex conditions, and educating patients about long-term skin health. Beyond treating conditions like acne, psoriasis, eczema, and skin cancer, dermatologists also help patients understand how daily habits such as sun protection can influence long-term outcomes.

In an era where skin care misinformation spreads quickly online, dermatologists remain one of the most trusted sources for evidence-based guidance. Campaigns like National Dermatologist Day help reinforce the importance of dermatology in improving patient health while also recognizing the work board-certified dermatologists do every day to help patients feel more confident in their skin.

Q&A with Annie Woo, MD

Dermatology Times: How has Elta MD’s UV Clear line changed the skin care and sun protection industry? Why was this new launch a vital next step in expanding the product line?

Woo: UV Clear has long been one of the most dermatologist-recommended and trusted sunscreens for acne-prone skin, and it helped shift the conversation around sun protection for patients who historically avoided SPF because they worried it would clog pores or trigger breakouts. The formula demonstrated that sunscreen can be both highly effective and well-tolerated for acne-prone skin, which helped establish daily SPF as a more accessible part of acne-safe skin care routines.

This new launch wasn’t about fixing anything within the existing UV Clear franchise. Instead, it was about addressing a broader clinical gap. What we consistently heard from dermatologists and observed across skin care communities was that patients are still unaware of the critical role that sunscreen plays in acne management, even though there is a clear mechanistic rationale. Environmental factors like UV exposure and pollution prolong healing and increase pigmentary sequelae. But patients do not see UV protection as critical to acne management. A significant number avoid sunscreen altogether because they worry it will clog pores, feel heavy on the skin, or worsen their acne.

UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil-Balancing SPF 50 gives dermatologists the confidence that the product performs on acne-prone skin, improves outcomes, and is well tolerated. It changes the acne patient conversation from “this sunscreen won’t clog pores” to “this sunscreen was clinically tested to improve it.”

Dermatology Times: What is the mechanism of action behind this new Zinc-AOX Pro proprietary complex?

Woo: Zinc-AOX Pro is our proprietary technology to improve protection against environmental stressors, which can worsen inflammation in acne-prone skin. At the foundation is zinc oxide, a mineral UV filter known for providing some of the widest-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It’s also well tolerated by sensitive and acne-prone skin due to its naturally soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. In developing this technology, more than 30 different grades of mineral filters were evaluated to identify the optimal form of zinc oxide that would deliver high SPF performance with improved stability and cosmetic elegance. The zinc oxide is paired with a synergistic blend of 4 antioxidants designed to complement UV protection by helping neutralize oxidative stress from pollution, smog, diesel exhaust, and blue light.

Dermatology Times: EltaMD’s new product is launching exclusively in dermatology offices first. Why is this so significant?

Woo: Dermatologists are truly at the core of EltaMD’s heritage and business. The brand has a long history of working closely with dermatologists to develop solutions that address real clinical needs, so it was important that this innovation be introduced in the setting where acne is diagnosed and managed. By launching first in dermatology offices, we’re able to put the product directly into the hands of experts who can educate patients on why daily SPF is a necessary element of an acne treatment plan.

Dermatology Times: Why is the National Dermatologist Day campaign so significant for dermatologists and the industry as a whole?

Woo: National Dermatologist Day recognizes the important and multifaceted role dermatologists play in skin health in our industry. It serves as a moment to pause and celebrate their dedication, unique expertise, and commitment. For dermatologists, I think the day is significant because it validates their extensive training and specialized knowledge. They are experts in diagnosing and treating over 3,000 conditions, ranging from common acne and eczema to life-threatening melanoma. It reinforces the dermatologist's role as the authority on skin health.