If treated before the summer, acne on encounter with the sun can only benefit. But be careful not to expose yourself too much if the lesions are still inflamed. The dermatologist tells us about it
Does acne get better or worse in the summer? And how should we deal with the sun? Is it true, then, that a tan camouflages pimples? These are the main questions that arise in the case of oily acne-prone skin. At all ages, but especially if you are part of the so-called Gen Z.
“Before going deeper into the discourse onsummer acne, a distinction must be made between simple imperfections of combination and / or oily skin and actual acne inflammation – specifies the dermatologist Maria Rosa Gaviglio.
In the first case, it can only be impurity episodic due to a brief beauty routine, the use of the mask (maskne), psycho-physical stress and, in men, the shaving performed without attention “. From the cutaneous point of view, the pimples triggered by these factors “resemble” each other a bit, that is, they are not the expression of an inflammatory process. «The case in which the skin presents more complex lesions is different, such as papules, pustules and cysts, that is the typical manifestations of acne ». Exposing yourself to the sun, therefore, with the skin inflamed or not, therefore, can really make a difference. “Let’s not forget that acne is a real pathology of the skin”.
Does the sun improve acne?
It depends on the severity of the acne, and the degree of inflammation. “If the skin is sprinkled with so many inflammatory lesions (papules, pustules and cysts), exposure to the sun can only make the situation worse »- explains the dermatologist. The reason? “The sun overheats the sebaceous glands, which become inflamed even more, producing more sebum. This determines a greater proliferation of bacteria, in particular of Propionibacterium acnes (a bacterium that lives on our skin and that in normal conditions does not cause discomfort).
In the case of anti-inflammatory acne, things change. “If the inflammatory lesions have been treated before the summer, the sun becomes an ally, because it dries the sebaceous glands, helping to improve the condition of the skin ». Let’s take an example: imagine a person who went to the dermatologist in the spring and followed the prescribed treatments to heal pimples. Well, it is very likely that she or he has arrived at the sun appointment with a slight lesion (they must be rosy and not red or pus-filled) and blackheads or whiteheads, that is, the non-inflammatory manifestations of acne. “In this case, it is often the dermatologist who recommends exposing oneself to UV rays in the right way and at the right time, as they facilitate the disappearance of inflammatory processes”.
Is the sun good for pimples?
Again, a distinction must be made between impurities and pus-filled, i.e. inflamed, pimples. If the skin has only imperfections, thanks to the mix of sun, sea, psycho-physical relaxation, it can often reach full resolution, that is, becoming more compact and smoother. Sometimes it is the well-being of summer that improves the state of the skin. In the case of real pimples, however, direct and prolonged exposure must be avoided, because heat and UV rays worsen the lesions.
Does acne come back after the summer?
After the summer, acne can return, but it is not the sun itself that exacerbates it, but the lack of beneficial factors, such as the relaxation of the holidays. Of course we always talk about acne cured before the summer, and which was therefore “paused” in order to enjoy all the better conditions of the summer. Then in September there will be time to resume the dermatologist’s treatment.
Should acne treatments be suspended in the summer?
It depends on the type of treatment prescribed by the dermatologist. Some medications can interfere with the sun, making the skin more sensitive. And then some solutions can be photosensitizing, increasing the risk of stains. In any case, it is always good to ask the opinion of the dermatologist where you are being treated.
Are there any specific sun creams for acne?
Today all sunscreens on the market are non-comedogenic, but in case of acne it is good to choose products with SPF with gel or fluid textures, suitable for oily skin. To be more specific, you can buy a specific sunscreen for acne that contains active ingredients that can de-inflammation the sebaceous glands and regulate the sebum production. An example is niacinamide.
As for the solar filter, in general, unless you are less than 15 years old, a SPF 30, because it is necessary to protect the skin, but it must also allow the positive action of the sun on the “drying and flaming” gland.
Sunscreen products for skin with pimples
In the gallery below, look at the selection of DMBeauty.it to protect the skin from the sun in case of acne and pimples. There are dry creams on the market, which are not greasy and absorb excess sebum. You can also find them in a colored version to mask imperfections.
The article continues after the gallery.
– Oil Control by Eucerin
– Cleanance by Avène
– Defense Sun Aknet by Bionike
– Acnestyl by Rilastil
– Sebaclear from SVR
– Vichy dry touch sunscreen
Should the sun be applied to “naked” skin?
What is the beauty routine before going to the beach in case of acne-prone skin? Let’s clarify immediately that, being summer, the skin is very hydrated from the inside, so it is better to apply the sunscreen on the naked face, that is, without any previously applied product.
Then in the evening you have to cleanse your face with a specific detergent for impure skin and apply a cream indicated for the acne stage, that is, if blackheads or pimples prevail. Better if with a mat effect. If you feel the need to moisturize your face, you can apply a serum based on hyaluronic acid to restore water balance.
When sunbathing, then, it is not recommended to use exfoliating scrubs on acne-prone skin, at most you can make a clay mask but not more than once a week.
Sun makeup: with pimples, yes or no?
Under the sun it is better not to make up acne-prone skin because often the make-up is comedogenic, with the risk of causing more blackheads and blemishes. In case, it is better to turn to pharmaceutical products, designed for problem skin, which therefore do not create an inclusive effect.
Is sea water good for pimples?
“Yes, and for this reason I advise not to rinse your face immediately, once out of the water, but to wait a bit for the healing power of the salt to take effect!” – concludes the dermatologist Gaviglio.
