You may hear that sun exposure can help you to reduce acne appearance, but is it actually true? Well, UV exposure may initially improve acne, but it can lead to long-term damage and worsening of breakouts. To prevent this, always use the best sunscreen for oily skin and acne-prone skin, especially during summer. The best sunscreen for oily and acne-prone skin is one that is oil-free, lightweight, and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores or cause breakouts. For hot and sunny weather, look for a sunscreen with a high SPF rating of at least 30 and broad-spectrum protection, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. 

Applying sunscreen daily, even when it's cloudy outside, can help prevent long-term damage from UV exposure, fast skin ageing, and reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. In addition to sunscreen, it's important to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and seek shade when spending time outdoors. Read on and discover why we don’t recommend you to fight acne by sun exposure, and what we suggest doing instead. 

Does More Sun Exposure Help Fight Acne: The Basics 

The idea that sun exposure can help fight acne is a popular myth, but it's actually the opposite. Although UV rays may initially dry out pimples and reduce inflammation, they can also cause long-term damage to the skin, including premature ageing, discolouration, and an increased risk of skin cancer. 

Moreover, sun exposure can lead to clogged pores, which can worsen breakouts. Therefore, it's essential to use SPF, especially the best sunscreen for oily skin and acne-prone skin, to protect your face and body from the sun's harmful effects. Here are the reasons why you can’t reduce acne by staying in the direct sunlight without protection, and tips on how to protect your skin depending on its type. Check out below! 

Does More Sun Exposure Help Fight Acne woman sun glasses

Reasons Why More Sun Exposure Doesn’t Help Fight Acne 

1. Sun damage 

Sun exposure can cause a host of problems for the skin, including inflammation, which can exacerbate acne. While many people believe that the sun can dry up pimples and improve the appearance of acne, the reality is that UV rays actually damage the skin and make it more susceptible to breakouts. This is because sun exposure causes your skin to produce more oil, leading to clogged pores and an increase in acne. Additionally, the sun rays can cause hyperpigmentation and other forms of skin damage, which may worsen the appearance of acne and lead to long-term skin issues. 

2. Excessive oil production 

One of the main reasons that sun exposure can exacerbate acne is that it stimulates the sebaceous glands in the skin to produce more sebum. Sebum is a type of oil that helps to moisturise and protect the skin, but when produced in excess, it may also clog pores and lead to breakouts. Prolonged sun exposure causes the sebaceous glands to go into overdrive, producing more sebum than the skin needs. This can result in oily skin, clogged pores, and an increase in acne. Also, the heat from the sun makes your skin less hydrated, which triggers the production of even more sebum as the skin tries to compensate for the lack of moisture. 

3. Temporary effect 

It's a common misconception that sun exposure can improve the appearance of acne by drying up pimples and reducing skin redness. While it may provide temporary relief, it doesn't address the underlying causes of acne, such as excess oil production and bacteria on your skin. In fact, prolonged sun exposure can actually worsen acne over time by causing skin damage and inflammation. This actually leads to more breakouts and even scarring, which is really difficult to treat. It's important to remember that sun protection is an essential part of any acne treatment plan, as it can help prevent further damage, and allow other treatments to work more effectively. 

Top Tips on How to Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage 

1. Use sunscreen 

To protect your skin from sunburn, it's important to cover up with clothing and avoid direct sun exposure, especially during peak hours when UV rays are the strongest. In addition to using sunscreen, covering up with clothing is an important step in protecting your skin from sunburn and long-term damage. This includes wearing a hat to protect your face, neck, and ears, as well as wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants made from lightweight, breathable fabric. When spending time outdoors, it's also important to seek shade whenever possible, especially when the sun is shining brightly. By taking these simple steps, you can help prevent sunburn and reduce your risk of developing skin cancer, while keeping your skin looking healthy, youthful and beautiful. 

For higher protection level, you may try the Lakme Sun Expert SPF 50 Pa+++ Ultra Matte Lotion, that blocks harmful UV rays and leaves your skin shine-free. Apply the lotion 20 minutes before going out to the sun, and do not forget to renew the layer every few hours. If you prefer cool and lightweighted gel texture, pick up the Lakme Sun Expert Ultra Matte Gel Sunscreen SPF 50 Pa+++ with non-sticky protective formula, perfect for Indian weather conditions. It is one of the best solutions for oily skin, that spreads effortlessly and provides matte finish. 

Does More Sun Exposure Help Fight Acne woman Lakme SPF

2. Don’t skip SPF on cloudy days 

One of the best ways to protect your skin from sun damage is to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin before going outside. This can help prevent sunburn, premature ageing, and reduce the risk of skin pigmentation or damage. It's important to apply sunscreen generously and frequently, especially when spending extended periods of time outdoors or when participating in water or sweat-inducing activities. If you have oily skin, choose a sunscreen that is oil-free and non-comedogenic to avoid exacerbating acne. Additionally, remember that UV rays can penetrate through clouds and windows, so it's important to apply sunscreen even on cloudy days and when spending time indoors near windows, too. 

Never forget that you need your sunscreen not only when it’s sunny, but even on cloudy days it is very important to protect yourself from UV rays. On gloomy days, you may choose the lower protection level product, like the Simple Protecting Light Moisturiser with SPF 15. This light moisturiser doesn’t contain colour, perfume, or harsh ingredients, only skin loving and protective ones to leave a smooth, non-shiny finish.

Does More Sun Exposure Help Fight Acne woman Simple

3. Re-apply your sunscreen 

Don't forget to re-apply your sunscreen every 2 hours, or more frequently if you are swimming or sweating, to maintain its effectiveness and continue protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. This is particularly important for people with dry skin, as sun damage can exacerbate dryness and cause flakiness, redness, and itching. To prevent these symptoms, choose a sunscreen that is formulated for dry skin, and consider using a moisturiser with SPF for added protection. By taking these easy steps, you will protect your skin from sun damage, keep it looking healthy and beautiful. 

Lakme Sun Expert Ultra Matte Spray contains SPF 50 PA++, it’s a lightweighted product, that doesn’t leave oily or sticky feeling on your face. I hydrates your skin, and you can easily apply or renew the sunscreen layer. Just shake the bottle and generously spray on your face and neck. Let it absorb to get a silky soft finish.

Does More Sun Exposure Help Fight Acne woman sunset Lakme SPF

How to Protect Your Skin Type 

Protecting your skin from sun damage is crucial, whether you have oily or dry skin. While using a high-quality sunscreen is important for both skin types, choosing the best sunscreen cream for oily skin and for dry skin can be challenging. However, with the right tips and guidance, it's possible to find a sunscreen that provides adequate protection while also being suitable for your specific skin type.

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Benefits of Using the Best Face Sunscreen for Oily Skin 

Using sunscreen is crucial for protecting oily skin from harmful UV rays, and the best sunscreen recommended by dermatologists in India for oily skin can also help with acne. The best sunscreen for oily skin in India is lightweight and non-greasy, making it easy to wear every day. 

1. Protects skin and prevents sun damage 

Using the best sunscreen for oily skin in India can prevent sunburn and skin damage caused by harmful UV rays. Which sunscreen is best for oily skin in India? Look for the best sunscreen for oily skin SPF 50, and the best sunscreen for oily acne prone skin in India, that provide effective protection against sunburn, prevent premature ageing and skin damage. 

2. Controls oil and acne while keeping skin nourished 

The best sunscreen for oily acne-prone skin can help control excess oil production and prevent breakouts. The best face sunscreen for oily skin, recommended by dermatologists in India, helps keep your skin matte and shine-free all day long. Your best sunscreen recommended by dermatologists in India for oily skin prevents breakouts and nourishes your skin. 

3. Provides lightweight and non-greasy hydration 

Sunscreens with gel or lotion bases are the best sunscreens for oily skin, because they can provide lightweight hydration without feeling heavy or greasy. The best sunscreen for men's oily skin in India also provide lightweight and non-greasy hydration, as well as the best sunscreen for oily sensitive skin, which is protecting and soothing your skin from environmental stressors and pollutants. 

Does More Sun Exposure Help Fight Acne woman sea side

Benefits of Using Sunscreen for Dry Skin 

Dry skin can be especially vulnerable to sun damage, which may exacerbate dryness and cause premature ageing. Fortunately, using sunscreen can help protect dry skin and offer a range of benefits beyond sun protection. From preventing skin damage to improving skin texture and hydration, using sunscreen regularly is an effective way to keep dry skin healthy, youthful, and radiant. 

1. Prevents skin damage 

Sunscreen is a crucial tool in protecting dry skin from sun damage. UV rays can exacerbate dryness, flakiness, and other skin conditions, as well as lead to premature ageing. By applying sunscreen regularly, you create a barrier between your skin and the harmful sun rays, reducing the risk of sunburn, discolouration, and other forms of skin damage. This, in turn, can help keep your skin looking and feeling healthier, more youthful, and enhance glow over time. 

2. Hydrates the skin 

For those with dry skin, sunscreen may provide more than just protection from the sun. Many sunscreens are formulated with moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin that can help hydrate dry skin. These ingredients work to prevent moisture loss, soothe dry patches, and leave the skin feeling soft and supple. Using a sunscreen that hydrates your skin helps to prevent further dryness and improve the overall health of your skin. 

3. Improves skin texture 

Regular use of sunscreen may also help improve the overall texture of dry skin. Sun damage can contribute to fine lines and wrinkles, as well as uneven skin tone and texture. By reducing the amount of sun damage your skin is exposed to, sun protection products prevent these signs of ageing from developing or worsening. Additionally, some sunscreens contain ingredients like niacinamide or vitamin C that help even out your skin tone, making the skin look brighter and more radiant overall. 

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FAQs 

Q1 Why do people believe that lying in the sun helps fight acne? 

There are few reasons for this, the first one was mentioned above — sunlights dry up your skin and make it tanned, that’s why skin inflammations may become less noticeable after sun session. But that doesn’t mean UV exposure helps your skin deal with acne. Actually, on the contrary, staying under the sun without SPF leads to excresive oil production, scarring, premature ageing, and hyperpigmentation. 

Q2 What is light therapy for acne? 

Light therapy for acne is a promising option for those with acne-prone skin because it targets the underlying causes of acne without causing side effects. By using specific wavelengths of light, light therapy can kill acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, and improve skin texture. Unlike other acne treatments, light therapy doesn't involve harsh chemicals or prescription medications, which can be expensive and have unpleasant side effects. Instead, it's a non-invasive treatment that can be used on its own or in combination with other therapies. For people who prefer treatments that activate the skin's natural healing response, light therapy can be an effective and convenient option for treating acne. 

Q3 How to choose the best sunscreen for men oily skin? 

Look for specifically formulated for men and oil-free European, Indian, or Korean sunscreen best for oily skin and non-comedogenic, which means it won't clog your pores. Male skin is usually oily but still needs protection from sun, so choose a formula with at least SPF 30 and a lightweight, mattifying texture to control shine. 

Now, you can be pretty sure that sun exposure doesn’t really help to fight acne. Also check how to deal with acne breakouts caused by swimming