Within the years prior to this, one of the most common acne and skincare treatments suggested by doctors was the exposure of one’s skin to the sun. It was thought to clean up acne, and also the immediate improvements immediately following sun exposure seemed proof that the treatment worked. However, today’s dermatologists, doctors, and skincare specialists are in agreement – sun isn’t good for the skin, whether acne-prone or not. Why is the sun so harmful?
The basic story is this. The sun’s rays emits electromagnetic radiation, energy that reaches our planet in a number of wavelengths. Certain wavelengths are visible towards the human eye; others seem completely invisible. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are one wavelength group of electromagnetic souped up that can’t be seen by humans. UV rays have three general groupings, namely UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. Each one of these rays can harm the skin, although UVA rays are the main concern. The reason being 99% from the ultraviolet radiation which makes it through the ozone layer are of this wavelength group. Also, since UVA rays don’t cause sunburn, it’s very difficult to measure the amount of exposure a person might receive.
Skin damage occurs when ultraviolet rays penetrate the skin, causing changes in cells and potentially even mutating their DNA, an issue be responsible for cancer. People often think of suntans as indicative of controlled exposure, while believing that only sunburns (technically called erythema) are negative for his or her health. Many don’t understand, however, that the suntan, like a sunburn, also indicates a personal injury towards the skin. Actually, suntans can not be acquired without first damaging the skin. When UVB rays penetrate the epidermis, your skin reacts by stimulating melanin production to limit the depth of future radiation exposure. A suntan, therefore, may be the skin’s a reaction to injury.
As the sun can be a temporary help for acne, the long-term picture is not so great. The sun is believed to kill acne-causing skin bacteria, and to merge new acne scars and blemishes, however continued UV ray exposure actually increases the likelihood of clogged pores as a result of increased oil production and dead skin cells cell retention. For those with skin prone to acne, exposure to the sun could be a double-edged sword; they might be reluctant to use sunscreen to prevent adding grease for their face, but the unprotected exposure actually results in more scare tissue and likely more oil, so more clogged pores and acne.
Fortunately, several products have recently been developed that promise non-comedogenic effects, and therefore they’ve been proven to not cause acne. In addition to sunscreens, these include several moisturizers as well as cosmetic makeup products like foundation that include protection of up to SPF 15. SPF, obviously, means Sun Protection Factor, and is a stride of methods long an item protects your skin against sunburn in comparison with how quickly the skin would burn without that protection. SPF 15 implies that a person can remain in the sun’s rays for 15 times longer than they might without that protection, and without burning. So, for instance, if a person can spend only Ten minutes in the sun without having to burn, SPF 15 would extend that to 150 minutes, and SPF 30 would protect the skin for up to 300 minutes. This estimate, of course, depends on physical exertion and product contact with water, both of which would mean that sunscreen needs to be re-applied faster.
For those with acne problems, sun exposure is not the idealized treatment it was thought to be. In addition to aging your skin and potentially causing skin cancer, the ultraviolet rays emitted through the sun can in fact increase sebum production and sun-damaged skin cells can block pores. Temporary acne relief takes the first few days after exposure to the sun, but acne generally returns quickly, and sometimes more severely. Acne-prone skin, just like any skin, ought to be protected from UV damage by using oil-free products containing a good SPF with a minimum of 15. Since the skin with loose-fitting clothing, and shading the face area with a hat can also protect your skin. The sun is wonderful, but appreciate it responsibly and become well-aware of the risks.
