When it comes to managing acne, the skin condition that impacts millions worldwide, we often hear that sunlight can be beneficial. However, digging deeper, the relationship between sun exposure and acne is a little more complex, and has the potential to even make acne worse.
Let’s explore the science behind sunlight and skin health, as well as how to look after acne-prone skin in the sun.
Is the sun good for acne?
There is theory as to why many believe sun exposure can help acne. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays have shown to suppress inflammation in the skin, which some believe may reduce swelling and provide temporary relief from acne breakouts.
Sunlight may also dry out natural oils (known as sebum) on the skin’s surface, which prevents the excess oily build up that normally leads to acne.
Sun exposure can lead to many other positive effects such as boosted mood and reduced stress, as well as provide a ‘healthy glow’. For many, these factors contribute to improved skin or appearance, which are often attributed to being in the sun.
However, the initial benefits of sun exposure can be deceptive and may actually mask the long-term damage that sunlight can have on acne-prone skin.
Does the sun make acne worse?
While the sun may curb excess oiliness initially, this can have a rebound effect in the long run. Drying out the skin stimulates skin glands to produce additional sebum to compensate for the loss of moisture. This leads to oilier skin later down the line, creating an environment for acne bacteria to thrive and increasing the likelihood of a breakout.
To make matters worse, although some people believe that sunlight can help acne scars, prolonged exposure to UV rays can interrupt healthy scar formation, worsen scar appearance, and reduce the likelihood of fading. Sunlight exposure also prompts the skin to produce more melanin – the pigment responsible for skin tanning – as a defence mechanism against UV rays. Excess melanin can lead to hyperpigmentation (where darker patches of skin appear), which people with acne or acne scars are especially prone to.
As well as increasing the likelihood of acne and acne scars, sunlight can cause further risks for the skin, including a weakened skin barrier, skin cancer (known as melanoma), and fine lines or wrinkles.
Balancing sun exposure with skin protection
While spending time in the sun can provide the body with essential vitamin D and boost wellbeing, as well as temporarily relieve acne, the long-term effects can negatively impact skin health overall. It’s vital to take steps to protect the skin against sunlight damage, especially for those who are acne-prone. This includes:
- Wearing an oil-free and non-comedogenic sunscreen daily, reapplying after swimming or sweating
- Avoiding direct sun exposure during peak UV radiation hours
- Wearing sun-protective clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves
Many people also find that working with a professional dermatologist can help with the long-term treatment and management of both acne and acne scars. At LINIA Skin Clinic, our expert dermatologists offer a variety of acne treatments. To formulate a personalised treatment plan and start your journey to curing acne, request a consultation today.
