Does Getting More Sun Exposure Help With Acne?

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Chances are you’ve waged war against acne at different times of your life. Although popular wisdom says that acne is only a problem for teenagers, that’s just not the case. Adults also get pimples and sometimes struggle with constant breakouts. While most acne sufferers have tried myriad remedies, using the sun to combat breakouts is not the best way to treat your breakouts. Read on to learn why sun exposure to treat acne is only a temporary solution and how adopting a better skin care routine can help reduce breakouts.

Can the Sun Help with my Acne?

Many people believe sun exposure dries out acne-causing oil, thereby curing breakouts. Additionally, getting a tan can temporarily camouflage the blemishes on your face. While that strategy will work in the short run, exposing your skin to too much sun will eventually backfire, causing more breakouts in the future. Here’s why:

• Flaky skin from a sunburn builds up more dead skin cells that clog pores and cause more breakouts.
• Sun exposure causes unwanted skin inflammation.
• The sun can cause dark spots and scarring to appear after pimples heal.
• Sun exposure puts you at a higher risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging.
• If you’re taking certain medications for acne, your skin can be more sensitive to UV light, making it burn faster.
• Sunbathing leads to sweating, giving bacteria a place to thrive and causing more breakouts.

So, while a little sun exposure can temporarily reduce acne, you should adopt more effective methods to keep your breakouts in check.

Effective Skin Care Routines to Reduce Acne

Acne is usually caused by hormone imbalances. When your hormones are out of balance due to causes such as puberty or pregnancy, your skin’s sebaceous glands overproduce sebum (oil). Excess sebum clogs your pores, giving bacteria a place to thrive causing pimples, and setting off a vicious cycle of breakouts. To learn the root cause of your acne, try the following tips to keep your breakouts under control.

• Wash Your Face: Wash your face at least twice a day with a mild, oil-free foaming cleanser formulated for oily skin. Don’t harshly rub your skin. Pat dry gently with a clean towel. If possible, wash your face immediately after a workout or other athletic activities. Make sure you wash away makeup before bed. Sleeping with makeup clogs pores and makes acne worse.
• Use a Toner: Lightly apply a toner or astringent to your face to remove remaining oil. Don’t overdo it – too much astringent can irritate your skin and cause it to produce even more oil.
• Moisturize: Even acne-prone skin needs a dab of moisturizer to stay in balance. Use only a gentle, oil-free moisturizer and apply sparingly.
• Apply Sunscreen: Your moisturizer might contain sunscreen, but before going outside apply a sunscreen designed for faces that contains at least SPF 30. Reapply every two hours if you’re planning to spend the day outdoors.
• Spot Treat: Experiment with different over-the-counter acne fighting products. The most popular treatments contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Use as directed. Be patient with these products since they can take up to eight weeks to deliver results. If you don’t see any results, see a dermatologist.

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Are Sun and Acne Related?

Sunlight can lift our spirits and help with maintaining a natural level of vitamin D, a critical nutrient for our health. But when it comes to sun and skin, there are a lot of myths out there—including that sun is good for “drying up” acne. In truth, the sun can both wreak havoc on your acne and leave you with darker acne scars, so sun protection is just as important for acne treatment as it is for preventing sunburns and premature aging.

In today’s blog, Berks Plastic Surgery’s dermatology physician assistant, Stacey Spehalski, PA-C, MPH, clears up the ways in which the sun and acne are (and are not!) related.

Does sunlight kill acne?

No, exposing your skin to the sun will not treat acne or kill the bacteria that causes it. While you may experience a short term “drying up” of your acne after being in the sun—and it may seem as though getting a tan could help camouflage breakouts—the sun will actually worsen acne in the end. Plus, any healing acne lesions or scabs exposed to sun can become permanently darker, leaving you with worse scars.

In sum, no amount of unprotected time spent in the sun is good to begin with, whether or not you have acne, as it increases your chances of UV damage, scarring, skin cancer, and wrinkling.

Why am I breaking out after being in the sun?

Sun exposure makes acne worse by aggravating the balance of the skin. Acne pimples begin with clogged pores, and the effects of UV radiation from the sun lead to more clogged pores, and therefore more breakouts, in a few key ways:

1. The sun may make acne worse by drying out the skin.

While it may seem logical to “dry out” your acne-prone skin, all skin needs moisture to maintain a healthy, balanced state (even acne prone skin needs moisturizer). When your skin dries out, the body tries to compensate by increasing the production of oil (sebum), which directly leads to worsening acne.

2. Sun exposure stops healthy cell turnover.

A secondary effect of the sun drying out your skin is that the surface hardens. This makes it harder for the top layer of dead skin cells to naturally slough off, which is a recipe for worsening acne, since healthy cell turnover (natural exfoliation) is critical to keeping pores from becoming clogged.

3. The sun makes you sweat.

When you sweat, it creates a moist environment where acne bacteria thrive, contributing to breakouts.

4. Certain medications may make you sensitive to sunlight.

For those who are using certain medications to treat their acne, such as isotretinoin (Accutane®), your skin may be especially prone to sunburn and sun damage. Be sure to carefully follow your dermatologist’s and pharmacist’s specific advice regarding sun protection and your prescription acne medication and topical creams.

Should I avoid sunscreen since I have acne?

No, you should not avoid sunscreen if you have acne; you just need the right sunscreen. Using daily sun protection in the form of protective clothing, shade, and acne-safe sunscreen will actually help to prevent acne breakouts. Applying a lotion of any sort may seem counterintuitive, and it is true that most acne sufferers have had bad experiences with creams (including the wrong sunscreens) that worsen acne or aggravate the skin. But there are many easy-to-wear formulas that are gentle and will not promote breakouts! Rather than guessing among OTC products at the drugstore, I suggest seeing a medical skincare professional like myself: we have superior physician-grade SPF products that feel wonderful on the skin.

What sunscreen should I use if I have acne?

Even sunscreens that are labelled as “non-comedogenic” may clog your pores, so talk with your dermatologist before road testing a new sunscreen. They can help you identify a formula that has worked for patients with the same kind of acne you have. In general, this is what you should look for in a sunscreen:

• Look for an SPF of at least 50. While it is recommended that everyone use an SPF of at least 30, those with acne are best served with stronger protection.
• Choose a lotion (or spray) sunscreen formula with a lightweight texture that is easy to wear and absorbs into your skin. (Not all sunscreens are thick, sticky, and difficult to rub in, and it’s absolutely critical to choose a sunscreen you will be happy and comfortable wearing daily. )
• Look for “oil-free” and “non-comedogenic” on the label.
• Choose a mineral-based sunscreen, formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as the primary ingredients, as these are less likely to cause a reaction on sensitive and acne-prone skin.
• Avoid stick sunscreens, which typically are oil-based and may be more pore-clogging.

Wear sunscreen year-round; even on cloudy days, your skin is exposed to UV radiation from the sun. For full protection, complement your sunscreen use by minimizing direct sun exposure outdoors, seeking shade, and wearing a hat.

Proper sun protection doesn’t just stop sunburn, but it stops sun-induced breakouts and prevents dark spots from developing.

How do you prevent sun pimples?

To prevent acne breakouts, work with your dermatologist or dermatological specialist to develop a skin care regimen—and follow it carefully. Cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and protecting with a lightweight SPF are all key steps in promoting healthy cell turnover and a balanced skin barrier. We can help you choose among medical-grade skincare products that promote clear skin gently.

If you are prone to acne scarring, sun exposure can also darken scarring: this reaction is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. To avoid it, wear a high SPF and a hat when you’re in the sun, especially while your skin is actively healing, so you won’t have discoloration left behind after your acne clears up.

For professional skincare and dermatology services, visit Berks Plastic Surgery in Reading, PA

Berks Plastic Surgery offers solutions for all your acne treatment and dermatology needs. Our dermatology physician assistant Stacey Spehalski, PA-C, MPH sees children and adults for a range of dermatological concerns at our office, including acne, and has the tools and experience to help you get acne under control safely. To schedule your dermatology appointment, contact us online or call (610) 320-0200.

Sun allergy: what it looks like and how to treat it

Likbez

Health

June 12

Check if you thought it was a sunburn.

You can listen to a short version of this article.

What is sun allergy?

Sun allergy is a group of diseases in which painful and itchy red spots appear on exposed parts of the body due to ultraviolet radiation. So most often called a polymorphic light rash, because it is very common: it occurs in 10-20% of Caucasians, more often in women.

In addition to it, sun allergy includes:

• Solar urticaria. This is a rare severe disease in which a general allergic reaction occurs, up to anaphylactic shock, and the skin becomes covered with red, itchy blisters.
• Chronic actinic dermatitis. This is a condition in which, after the sun, dense dry folded areas appear on the body.
• Actinic prurigo, or prurigo. This is another rare skin disease. On parts of the body that are often exposed to ultraviolet radiation, swelling occurs, and after it – an itchy rash.
• Phototoxic and photoallergic dermatitis. So called rash after taking substances that increase sensitivity to the sun, or contact with them.

In some conditions, the symptoms are visible almost immediately, and in others – after a few hours.

What are the symptoms of sun allergy

Symptoms vary depending on the disease. But even within one disease, the clinical picture is not the same. For example, a polymorphic rash is so called because in some people the elements have a different shape: someone will have spots, someone will have itchy raised nodules.

This is how manifestations of allergy to the sun most often look. Photo: Valsib / Shutterstock

However, all states have common features. Eruptions appear after exposure to the sun on the face, neck, shoulders, forearms and other open areas and are accompanied by:

• itching;
• pain;
• redness;
• swelling;
• burning sensation;
• discharge of a clear or yellowish liquid from the burn.

Why sun allergy occurs

Just as photosynthesis occurs in plants in the light, various substances in the skin can change under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Sometimes the resulting compounds cause allergies in people.

Someone’s body reacts to its own changed proteins: the immune system does not recognize them and attacks them as strangers. And for someone, the reaction occurs only after taking medications, applying cosmetics, or getting plant juice on the skin. This is due to the fact that some chemicals have a side effect – photosensitivity, that is, they increase a person’s sensitivity to the sun.

There are two types:

• Photoallergy. Signs appear only in susceptible people upon repeated exposure to changed substances, when the immune system has already managed to develop protective antibodies.
• Phototoxicity. This is when ultraviolet makes substances poisonous, and the reaction of each individual person depends on the amount of these compounds and the characteristics of the skin, and not the sensitivity of the immune system.

Own predisposition

Scientists do not know exactly where it comes from, but they suggest that sensitivity to ultraviolet increases in those who have:

• relatives with an allergy to the sun;
• fair skin;
• skin diseases.

Medications

Medications can cause both phototoxicity and photoallergy. Most often, the reaction occurs when taking:

• antibiotics – tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – ibuprofen, ketoprofen, celecoxib;
• diuretics – furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide;
• retinoids;
• sulfonylurea drugs for diabetes;
• neuroleptics;
• antifungals – griseofulvin, itroconazole;
• quinidine.

Contact with cosmetics and household chemicals

Some substances that come into contact with the skin are phototoxic. Paradoxically, even sunscreens can contain phototoxic ingredients. For example, para-aminobenzoic acid, benzophenes, salicylates and cinnamates. Usually there are such substances:

• in perfume;
• creams;
• essential oils such as bergamot;
• fragrances;
• disinfectants.

Contact with plants

Reaction to plant sap and ultraviolet light is called phytophotodermatitis. This is a phototoxic reaction common to all humans.

The most striking example is Sosnowski’s dill-like hogweed. In cold areas, before the appearance of a strong sun, they take a selfie with him, and in the south they are afraid like fire. Its danger is not in its own toxicity, but in the fact that the juice contains furocoumarins – substances that cause terrible burns in the sun.

There are also furocoumarins in the juice of lime, celery, amma, fig and psoralea. Therefore, it is better that their juice does not get on the skin of a person who is going to sunbathe.

When to see a doctor

Call an ambulance immediately if you have bleeding under the skin or symptoms of anaphylactic shock: loss of consciousness, sticky and pale skin, difficulty breathing.

See a dermatologist if you experience unusual symptoms after exposure to the sun for the first time. The doctor will ask about your condition, possibly conduct additional tests:

• phototesting – a small area of ​​the skin is shined with an ultraviolet lamp and the reaction is observed;
• blood tests;
• biopsy – a doctor cuts out a piece of skin and sends it for examination under a microscope.

This is to distinguish sun allergy from other skin conditions that also increase photosensitivity. For example, from lupus erythematosus or porphyria.

Also be sure to see a dermatologist if you have already consulted a dermatologist about an allergy to the sun, but rashes appeared on areas covered by clothing or rash and itching did not go away after self-treatment.

What you can do yourself if you are allergic to the sun

Often the symptoms go away on their own when you get out of the sun. If this does not happen, you can try to cure a slight exacerbation of photosensitivity at home.

• Apply a cold compress or take a cool shower.
• Use an anti-itch cream based on steroids or antihistamines.
• If needed, take an over-the-counter antihistamine with chloropyramine, clemastine, or cetirizine.

What the doctor will do

He will teach you how to avoid the sun better and prescribe treatment. Depending on the reaction, these can be antipruritics, antihistamines and steroids, and in severe cases, immunosuppressants, substances that suppress the immune system.

How to prevent future exacerbations

Take precautions:

• Avoid sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm because this is the peak time with the highest UV activity.
• Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or 50. Remember to reapply every 2 hours and after swimming.
• Wear glasses and protective clothing. Some thin or mesh fabrics let UV light through. Therefore, choose those that are labeled SPF 50 or made from dense fabrics.
• After a long break, try to gradually increase the time in the sun so that the skin cells have time to adapt to the light. Many people develop symptoms when they are exposed to a lot of ultraviolet light.
• Do not wear perfume or essential oils before going to the beach.
• Avoid known triggers. If you know that a certain substance increases your sensitivity to the sun, try to use it less in spring and summer.

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causes and treatment, allergy to sunlight › Forpost Clinic

The sun’s rays not only warm us with their warmth in spring and summer and delight us in winter, but also help to strengthen the immune system. But, unfortunately, in some people, exposure to the open sun can cause an allergic reaction or an allergy to the sun.

Allergy to the sun, photodermatitis (photodermatosis) are diseases caused by increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. This is not at all a rare occurrence. Statistics show that about 20% of people around the world experience this disease.

Sun allergy is actually photodermatitis or photodermatosis. Because, as such, there is no allergic component in the sun’s rays. The toxic or allergic effect of the sun is manifested by the interaction of solar (ultraviolet) rays with any substance that is on the skin (exogenous photodermatitis) or in the skin (endogenous photodermatitis).

Sun allergy in the form of exogenous photodermatitis

The most striking example of exogenous photodermatitis is the so-called meadow dermatitis. In the summer, during the flowering period, many meadow plants secrete special substances – furocoumarins, which are deposited on the skin when a person is in these places. With simultaneous exposure to ultraviolet radiation, some people who are sensitive to it may experience reddening of the skin and vesicles (vesicles and pustules). The rash is accompanied by intense itching. In the future, long-term pigmentation remains on the affected areas of the skin.

Sun allergy or photodermatitis can also occur if a sun-sensitive person puts on a cream or ointment, or uses perfume and deodorant before going out into the sun. Substances that make up various cosmetics or perfumes can react with ultraviolet rays and cause an allergic reaction. Such properties are, for example, eosin, which can be found in lipstick, and para-aminobenzoic acid (surfactant), which is part of some sunscreens. In addition, polyunsaturated fatty acids, retinoids, bergamot oil, St.

Fair-skinned people and young children, whose skin defense mechanisms are much weaker, are more likely to be allergic to the sun.

Photodermatitis is often caused by many drugs. This effect is possessed, in particular, by sulfonamides, barbiturates, chlorpromazine, some antibiotics (doxycycline, tetracycline), antihistamines, some cardiovascular agents (amiodarone, trazikor), cytostatics, some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, aspirin), oral contraceptives.

In addition, an increased reaction of the skin to the sun’s rays appears when the skin is “weakened” by some additional effect – peeling, tattooing using cadmium salts.

Allergy to the sun in the form of endogenous photodermatitis

This group of photodermatitis includes fairly rare diseases, in the development of which disturbances in the functioning of the body’s immune system, as well as various metabolic disorders (metabolism disorders) play an important role. Endogenous photodermatitis includes, in particular, porphyria, xeroderma pigmentosa, sun eczema, sun pruritus, Hydroa vacciniformia, polymorphic photodermatosis.

Typically, these reactions can proceed through two mechanisms: 1) phototoxic reaction and 2) photoallergic reaction. Phototoxic reactions are much more common than photoallergic ones.

How does sun allergy or photodermatitis usually manifest itself?

Main symptoms of photodermatosis:

• redness and inflammation of the skin,
• skin peeling,
• often accompanied by intense itching and burning,
• rashes may be in the form of folliculitis (pustules) or papules.

Often this condition does not develop immediately. Unlike a burn, it can occur several hours after you leave the beach, and in some cases even after returning from the resort. A phototoxic reaction can occur several hours after sun exposure, while a photoallergic reaction can occur even days after sun exposure.

Increased risk of sun allergy:

• in people with naturally fair skin;
• in pregnant women;
• in young children;
• a number of drugs can make the skin burn faster – including tetracycline antibiotics, sulfanilamide drugs, painkillers, etc.;
• who has relatives with sun allergies. You are more likely to be allergic to the sun if you have a sibling or parent with a sun allergy;
• also having atopic dermatitis or another type of dermatitis increases the risk of developing a sun allergy;
• Some skin allergy symptoms are triggered when your skin is exposed to a certain substance and then sunlight. Some common substances responsible for this type of reaction include fragrances, disinfectants, bleach, and even some of the chemicals used in sunscreens;
• those who abuse solariums;
• In addition, an allergic reaction from exposure to the sun can also develop in those who performed cosmetic procedures using cadmium salts the day before (tattooing, chemical peeling).

Photosensitizer – cause of sun allergy

Some vegetables and plants can cause sun sensitivity when they come into contact with the skin. Mango peel, lime juice, parsnips, celery can cause temporary discolouration (darkening) of the area of ​​skin exposed to the sun. The main phototoxic fruits and vegetables are celery, carrots, rice, parsley, parsnips, and all kinds of citrus fruits. Therefore, before going to the beach, you should not eat oranges, tangerines or grapefruits. Swelling, redness and itching may occur on the surface of the skin, where there are drops of juice from these fruits. And the more active the sun, the more acute will be the reaction of the body.

Prevention of sun allergy (photodermatitis and photodermatosis)

Unfortunately, there are not many methods for preventing such allergies.

If you have very sensitive skin, make it a habit to sunbathe under an awning or umbrella. Avoid exposure to the sun during its peak hours (from 11:00 to 16:00). Protect yourself with a headdress and loose clothing made from natural fabrics: linen, cotton. Children have a very weak protective skin reaction, so babies under three years of age are generally not recommended to be in direct sunlight.

Use high-protection sunscreens from well-known brands at regular intervals of at least every two hours. Please note that the cream contains protection against UVB rays and UVA rays – they are the ones that affect the occurrence of photodermatosis.

It should be noted that the wavelength plays an important role. Try not to go to resorts where the sun is especially strong.

Tips for preventing photoallergies at the beach:

1. Do not use cologne, perfume or regular moisturizers before going to the beach. They contain alcohol, which in the sun can cause a burn.
2. Sunscreen in your case should be used as often as possible. Just pay attention to its composition. A fat-based product can provoke an allergy. It is better to choose a hypoallergenic spray with a protective SPF factor.
3. It is best not to use waterproof sunscreen as it clogs pores and can cause pustules on the skin. For a trip to the beach, you should opt for a water-soluble product.

If ​​there is no way to see a doctor, how to relieve acute manifestations of allergy to the sun?

With any cold lotions: ice, chilled dairy products, tea leaves. Of course, you should use special after-sun creams. They contain panthenol, which soothes and regenerates the skin. It happens that the rash is localized, for example, on the chest or arms.