The short answer is no. Individuals with breakouts believe that sun exposure can help relieve acne symptoms. Unfortunately, the combination of sun and acne can result in worsened breakouts. Understanding how acne develops can help you better find solutions.
"Sun exposure causes dehydration, which stimulates oil production as your skin tries to correct the issue," says Annet King. This excess oil production can result in clogged pores and inflamed pimples. Having a tan may help reduce the appearance of acne or scars, but tanning does not actually resolve the underlying problem.
The Sun and Your Skin
Acne is caused by a buildup of sebum, oil or dirt in pores or hair follicles. The sun provides temporary relief from pimples, but in the long run, can make blemishes worse. Additionally, the sun can damage your skin and make it more difficult for pimples to clear up as your immune system has to work overtime to heal.
Tanning beds come with similar problems. Like sun exposure, they lead to more skin discoloration because they damage elastin and collagen, which help to heal scars and keep skin looking youthful.
The idea that tanning helps acne has sparked interest and debate. In this article, we discuss the effects of tanning beds, spray tans, and the relationship between acne and tanning.
Tanning Beds and Acne
Does tanning make acne worse? The answer is unfortunately no. Tanning beds use UV rays to darken skin color and are linked to skin cancers. While tanning salons help achieve sunkissed skin, the effect of tanning on acne must be considered.
Getting a tan makes skin appear more even-toned, but sun exposure will not treat underlying acne factors. In summary, tanning does not help acne. Guard your skin against the sun by wearing sunscreen, especially on vulnerable areas.
Do sunbeds help with acne? The sun doesn’t eliminate acne or cure it. Sun exposure only makes acne less visible due to the darkening of the skin. Excessive sun or tanning bed use can worsen acne by causing inflammation and additional breakouts.
UV boosts Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency is more common in people with acne, but supplementation with Vitamin D can reduce the appearance of acne. Sunlight is an excellent source of Vitamin D.
However, sunbed tanning can initially help by drying your skin slightly, preventing excess oil from clogging your pores. But continuous use without rehydration leads to increased oil production and more acne.
Many tanning salons say that sunbeds can make acne scars less noticeable, which is not true, and in fact, tanning beds can worsen acne scars. Consulting a medical professional is advisable for persistent acne.
The Risks of Seeking a Tan
Tanning does not treat or prevent acne; it can actually exacerbate it. Prolonged UV ray exposure from tanning also increases skin cancer risk. False claims about the benefits of tanning for acne have been removed due to actions by the Federal Trade Commission.
If you have a tan, it’s important to remember that it’s only hiding acne, not treating it. The sun makes acne worse long-term, and UV light can intensify acne, leading to more breakouts.
Sunburn may seemingly clear acne initially, but increases oil production and skin dryness that lead to more breakouts.
Applying tan spray or lotion without exfoliating first can make pimples more noticeable. Treating pimples with petrolatum or too much moisturizer prevents tanning lotion from adhering evenly, potentially highlighting pimples.
Some people find their acne improves temporarily after sunburns or indoor tanning. But, there’s no evidence that tanning helps acne. For skin health, it’s best to avoid too much sun and seek other treatments without health risks. Unfortunately, tanning beds will not cure acne.