How does the Sun help or hurt acne?

The sun’s UV rays may also help kill acne bacteria and lessen inflammation, both of which could also help with acne. However, too much sun exposure causes sunburn, which is highly irritating to the skin. Anything that irritates the skin can lead to acne as the skin repairs itself.

Can a sunburn cause a breakout of acne?

However, too much sun exposure causes sunburn, which is highly irritating to the skin. Anything that irritates the skin can lead to acne as the skin repairs itself. If you find that you are breaking out “for no apparent reason” consider if you got a sunburn in the week or two prior to the breakout.

Is it good to get a tan to clear up acne?

Since getting a tan can help hide the discoloration acne can cause, and sun exposure sometimes dries up excess oil, it may look like the sun is helping to clear up the skin. However, both of these benefits are temporary — and once they disappear, acne can flare up and even worsen because of the damage caused by ultraviolet light.

What kind of sunscreen to use for acne?

It’s important to use a sheer sunscreen if you are prone to acne, such as Skinceuticals Brightening SPF or Zo Skin Health Obagi Daily Sheer. How exactly might the sun clear up spots and what’s the science behind it?

Does the sun really cause more acne?

Studies suggest (3) that sunlight can cause dryness and dehydration, which in turn prompts the skin to produce more sebum and leads to more breakouts after the sunlight exposure. According to dermatologist Dr Nina Roos, this myth exists because in the first few days after being in the sun, it does dry out acne and pimples.

Does the Sun help acne or make it worse?

It’s a common myth that sun will help improve acne. “Sun exposure can actually make breakouts worse in some people who are prone to acne” says dermatologist Doris Day. Many people believe that the sun clears skin, but what they’re seeing is the tan darkening the skin around pimples, thus making them stand out less.

Does the Sun help to improve acne?

Some people with acne and/or blemish-prone skin report that their skin condition improves when they enjoy a little bit of sun. Living with acne can be stressful, so if a little bit of sun makes you happy about yourself and your skin then that’s a good thing. You can read more about the psychological impact of living with acne here.

Does being in the Sun make acne worse?

In short, while sunlight might make your acne look better in the short term, the UV damage you’ll get from spending time out in the sun will normally just make your acne worse. It’ll also damage your skin cells, giving you anything from some mild redness to a deep, painful sunburn.