After or during exposure to the sun, small pimples may appear on the face, neckline or back. For what ? Can the sun reduce acne? Or on the contrary make it worse?
“Sun acne can sometimes occur even if the person has little or no acne as normal. But it mainly affects people who have a predisposition to acne” explains Dr. Flora Fischer, dermatologist. “The main difference between ordinary acne and a sunburn acne breakout is that the latter fires after exposures and sometimes from more dazzling way And more inflammatory than usual acne.”
These are often inflammatory flare-ups that result in the appearance of nodules, either red and painful pimples, papulo-pustules (white pimples) on uncovered and exposed areas such as the face, neckline and back. “These areas are also common strongholds for acne.”
“To begin with, the sun has a drying effect on the sebaceous glands, responsible for the production of sebum and therefore the appearance of pimples. That’s why the skin is more beautiful at first and during sun exposure” explains Dr. Flora Fischer. “But after this phase of drying out and exposure, the whole system falls back into place and a reactive hyperseborrhoea is going to take place, this means that the sebaceous glands, dried up, will produce more sebum and that everything will come out at once.” “It is for this reason that we see a resurgence of consultations after the summer, in September/October.” Finally, you have to be very careful in the case of acne-prone skin: “Most often, they are already weakened by acne treatments very drying like those with benzoyl peroxide, an anti-inflammatory or anti-cystic retinoids. The sun, which also attacks the skin, can create additional irritation.”
“No, I’Sun exposure if one has acne scars is to be avoided because there is a risk of hyperpigmentation of scars and lesions” warn the dermatologist. This recommendation also applies to other types of scars, whether fibrous or inflammatory. “You have to be very careful in the sun because they are fragile, pigmented differently from normal skin.”
→ The best: “Apply high factor sunscreen or a specific healing cream containing a UV protection factor” advises Dr. Fischer.
“It is important to apply a sunscreen with high UV protection factor before any exposure to the sun and renew the application every two hours. To protect your acne-prone skin, or not, you must also avoid exposing yourself to the hottest hours.recalls the dermatologist.
→ Advice : “Go for a protection adapted to acne-prone skini.e. a non-greasy product with a light texture.”
The most suitable treatments are local ones by benzoyl peroxide, zinc capsules and tetracyclines.
To properly protect your skin and avoid post-sun exposure acne breakouts, Dr. Fischer advises:
- Do not stop anti-acne treatments. “If necessary, the person can ask to change treatment so as not to use photosensitizing treatment in the summer.”
- Expose yourself gradually. “Exposure should be very gradual with factor 50 protection suited to the skin type. Adult women who do not have acne but only slightly oily skin should opt for a light cream. If the person has acne, it is necessary to ban sunscreens that are too rich or too greasy and move towards lighter textures such as sunscreen gels or sprays.”
- Continue to take care of your skin with cosmetics adapted to the skin type after exposure. “People with acne-prone skin should, for example, continue to use a gentle cleansing gel, their anti-acne cosmetics, gentle non-daily scrubsof the non-greasy moisturizers…”
To avoid the rebound effect of acne after sun exposure, the dermatologist recommends:
- Of resume acne treatment once the holidays are over if it had been partly stopped and in particular tetracyclines which are photosensitizing antibiotics replaced in the summer by other antibiotics or by Zinc capsules.
- Seek appropriate care in pharmacy.
- Consult a dermatologist if cosmetics are not enough to contain the acne breakout.
- “Continue to moisturize your skin well with suitable products, because even acne-prone and oily skin needs hydration. But the sun dries them up. warns Dr. Flora Fischer. “Thus, consider moisturizing the skin in the morning. Also remember to clean it well with a mild product and apply a suitable moisturizer in the evening.”
“It is advisable to consult your dermatologist if the appropriate cosmetic care purchased in pharmacies is not enough” says Dr. Fischer.
In the event of an acne breakout in the sun, it is often a inflammatory type of acnethat is to say with appearance of papulo pustules or nodules. “The most suitable treatments are therefore local ones by benzoyl peroxide, zinc capsules and tetracyclines“ says the dermatologist. “In addition to these treatments, creams and lotions can be used to overcome this inflammatory acne. It is advisable to seek the advice of a pharmacist or your dermatologist.”
Thank you to Dr Flora Fischer dermatologist and author of the book Confidences of a dermatologist at Robert Laffont.