Does the Sun Really Help Clear Your Skin?

It’s almost Summer, and you know what that means-- thousands of people are talking about how they can’t wait to get a tan and for the sun to clear up their skin. Everyone is yearning to feel the sun hit their skin, but we also know that the sun’s rays have super harmful effects on us. So which is it- does the sun help or harm your skin? Let’s get into it.

Here’s what we do know about the benefits of sunlight. Blue light (which is emitted by the sun) can help kill bacteria that causes acne and when blue and red light are used together, they are capable of reducing the sebum that clogs pores. The sun is also an important source of Vitamin D which is essential for the proper functioning of vital processes in our body. On top of all of this, the sun’s rays lift our mood. Our body’s serotonin levels are directly affected by sunlight. High levels of sunlight correlate with high levels of serotonin. This means that it could just be the case that when the sun’s out, we’re happier and calmer, leading to less stress acne.

Daily life is stressful. If you go on summer break, you’re out of your stressful life. We know that living with stress and having breakout free skin don’t go hand in hand. So if the sun is capable of making you happy and therefore allowing your skin to thrive, that’s great! But currently, there is no scientific evidence to prove that the sun is really effective in clearing up your skin. 

On the other hand, there is a never ending pool of research on the negative effects of sun on skin. We know that exposing our skin to the sun increases the risk of developing skin cancer and premature aging. Excessive exposure to the sun can also cause hyperpigmentation and also exacerbate the triggers of acne and make matters worse. And then there’s the obvious sunburn. No one enjoys a sunburn, and they have daunting effects on the skin. We have known all of this for ages!! The sun is our friend, but also can be super harmful. This is why we need to learn how to protect our skin.

Many people try to avoid sunscreen in fear that it’s too thick or too oily and will make their skin worse. However, sun protection is necessary for everyone with every skin type. Choosing the right sunscreen is even more essential for those with acne-prone skin. Be sure to look for sunscreens that are dermatologist approved and don’t block pores!