Does Sun Exposure Really Help Acne?

Some people find that spending time in the sun makes their acne less noticeable and dries up excess oil on their face. However, these effects are short-lived, and the damage to your skin outweighs any temporary benefit.

When you spend time in the sun, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays enter your skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis, a process that allows your body to make and store this important nutrient. Sunlight can also reduce inflammation, boost your mood, and fight infections.

Sun exposure may cause the acne on your skin to temporarily look better, as acne on tanned skin is less noticeable. The sun may also temporarily dry up the oil on your skin. However, this can cause your body to produce more oil, leading to more breakouts.

Blue light therapy, which has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), can improve mild to moderate acne. This is not the same as light from the sun, though. If you are interested in blue light therapy, talk to your doctor to see if it is right for you.

Every time you are in the sun, your skin is exposed to UV rays. While a small amount of UV exposure can help your body create vitamin D and may address certain health conditions, including psoriasis, rickets, or jaundice, too much UV exposure can be harmful. Some risks associated with sun exposure include:

• Sunburn
• Premature aging
• More predominant wrinkles
• Tight, leathery skin
• Skin cancer
• Weakened immune system
• Cataracts and eye injuries
• Actinic keratoses (rough, scaly patches of skin) or skin growths
• Photosensitivity disorders
• Heat illnesses and injuries

If your skin is prone to acne, you may be more likely to have more breakouts during the summer months. This may be a result of you sweating more and experiencing higher sun exposure, which causes your skin to produce more oil. When sweat mixes with bacteria and oil on your skin, it clogs your pores, and acne forms.

It is also possible to develop a condition known as pityrosporum folliculitis, which is caused by excessive yeast in your hair follicles and can look like acne.

To prevent acne caused by increased sun exposure and sweat, it’s important to keep your skin clean and protect it from the sun.

Applying a daily sunscreen can help protect your skin from UV rays. When choosing a sunscreen, opt for an oil-free product meant for facial skin to prevent additional breakouts. Some research has found that wearing sunscreen can actually enhance acne treatment and help prevent hyperpigmentation (dark spots).

Some acne medications make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. If you are taking one of these medications, avoid being in the sun whenever possible. Instead, stay in the shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

According to dermatologists (medical doctors specializing in skin conditions), acne treatment can look different for everyone, depending on the type of acne you have and its severity. A few general practices can help you manage your condition and prevent it from getting worse while following your treatment plan. Here are some tips:

• Cleanse your skin consistently: Try to wash your face at least twice daily and after sweating. Avoid scrubbing your face, and be gentle with your skin.
• Refrain from touching your face: Keep your fingers off your face, especially if you have a breakout. Avoid picking at or popping blemishes, as this could increase your risk of infection, scarring, and hyperpigmentation.
• Wash your hair regularly: The oil from your hair can increase the risk of breakouts, especially if it hangs on your skin. So, keep your hair clean and away from your face.
• Follow your treatment plan: If your dermatologist has recommended a treatment plan, you should follow their advice. Switching treatments frequently or trying something new can increase your risk of breakouts or irritate your skin.
• Use the right skin care products: Your dermatologist may recommend avoiding products that contain alcohol, astringents (chemicals that tighten skin and shrink pores), toners, or exfoliants. These substances can dry out your skin and make your acne worse.
• Avoid tanning beds: Using tanning beds can worsen acne and significantly increase your risk for skin cancer. Additionally, some acne medications make your skin very sensitive to UV light, which would increase your chance of sunburn from a tanning bed.
• Take off your makeup before bed: Wearing makeup to bed can increase your breakouts and age your skin. Make sure to wash your face each night with a gentle cleanser.
• Remove your makeup before workouts: Working out opens your pores and causes you to sweat, so avoid wearing anything that could irritate your skin or cause acne breakouts.
• Choose an oil-free sunscreen: If your skin is prone to breakouts, choose a sunscreen designed for your face that is oil-free and non-comedogenic (does not clog pores).

Being in the sun may temporarily improve the appearance of acne, as tanned skin tends to hide it. However, dermatologists caution that sun exposure can eventually worsen acne because it causes your skin to produce more oil, leading to breakouts.

To manage your acne in the summer, it is important to follow your treatment plan and protect your skin from the sun. It can also be helpful to wear a sunscreen designed for your face to prevent your acne from getting worse.