Many people love to get a nice tan because it makes acne look so much better. In the short run, acne does look better. Bright red lesions are less noticeable with a tan since they don’t stand out as much. But in the long run, your acne can become worse.
Initially, your acne will dry out but your body will react by quickly trying to replace the lost oil and that in turn will cause break-out. As you increase your exposure to the sun, you will risk getting new acne and clogged pores. The UV radiation dilates tiny blood vessels close to the skin and it causes inflammation. Inflammation creates oxidative stress in the sebum follicle and that increases keratinocytes (or dead skin cells). The overload of dead skin cells causes clogged pores. That helps bacteria to thrive and hence your acne becomes worse.
And don’t forget the damage that over exposure to the sun creates like aging, pigmentation changes, and ultimately skin cancer. Tanning can make acne scars worse. Don’t forget the sunscreen when you’re out in the sun.
The best way to clear up acne is with good products like benzoyl peroxide, mandelic acid and salicylic acid. See a dermatologist on a regular basis when you have acne to prevent scarring and further damage. But don’t rely on the sun as a cure.
Using The Sun To Cure Acne
Dermatology
16 Sep 2024 | 0 | by kjh