It can be tempting to take advantage of beautiful days and spend hours outdoors soaking up some vitamin D. But if you have an ongoing battle with pimples and blemishes, you may wonder if more time in the sun will make your skin condition worse.
The truth is, there may be some connection between frequent sun exposure and acne breakouts, but this doesn’t mean that you should avoid the outdoors altogether. Here, we’ll explore how spending time in the sun affects your skin’s health and help you reduce any adverse effects of the sun on your acne-prone skin.
Dries out the Skin
Sunlight dries out the skin and strips away natural oils, which are essential for keeping skin healthy and hydrated. When these oils disappear, the skin begins to produce more sebum (oil) to protect itself. Unfortunately, too much sebum production can cause clogged pores and breakouts.
Makes You Sweat
Excessive sun exposure can worsen acne due to the sweat produced in response to the heat. Sweating and sebum are both parts of your body’s natural temperature-regulating process. When you sweat, sebum seeps out from your pores and can mix with dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria to create blocked pores and acne.
Prevents Natural Shedding
Excessive sun exposure can prevent your skin’s natural shedding and exfoliation process. The ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can strip away the top layers of your skin. This hinders your body’s ability to bring new cells to the surface, which can make your skin look dull and dry.
Additionally, it can lead to clogged pores, as your body can’t shed dead skin cells and oils like it normally would. Your clogged pores can lead to breakouts and acne flare-ups, making your skin look worse than before.
Worsens Scarring
Sun exposure can worsen acne scarring and the appearance of existing acne. It does this by causing inflammation, which makes the skin more sensitive and prone to scarring. The UV radiation from the sun can also lead to an increase in melanin production, which gives skin its color. When your skin produces too much melanin, it can make existing acne scars darker and more noticeable.
The bottom line is this: sun exposure can make acne worse, so it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your skin. Applying sunscreen promotes healthy, beautiful skin and can reduce acne flare-ups. Wearing protective clothing, such as hats, is another measure you can take to protect yourself from the sun.
Remember that the sun’s rays can cause damage even when you don’t feel them, so take extra care to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects. With a combination of sun safety and an acne-targeting skin-care routine, you can keep your skin looking and feeling its best.
