Does The Sun Help Acne? A Dermatologist’s Guide

Ever noticed your skin looking a bit smoother or less inflamed after a sunny day outdoors? You’re not alone. Many people report that spending time in the sun seems to help dry out pimples or give their complexion a more even tone. This has led to the popular belief that the sun might help clear acne. But does the sun help acne in a meaningful and safe way?

The truth is, while sunlight might offer some short-lived benefits, the relationship between sun exposure and acne is far more complex. The short-term improvement is often outweighed by the long-term risks like increased oil production, hyperpigmentation, and accelerated skin aging. This article takes a deep dive into how sun exposure affects acne, whether it helps or harms acne scars, and what safer, dermatologist-approved options exist for managing breakouts.

Key Highlights

• The sun may temporarily reduce acne inflammation, but it often triggers new breakouts and worsens scarring.

• UV rays stimulate excess oil production, leading to clogged pores and flare-ups.

• The belief that the sun helps clear acne is misleading, evidence shows long-term sun exposure increases acne risk.

• Ingredients like Niacinamide, Squalane, and Saccharide Isomerate help treat acne gently and effectively, without UV damage.

• Daily SPF 50+ use is essential for acne-prone skin to prevent post-acne pigmentation and maintain a healthy skin barrier.

What Really Causes Acne Breakouts?

Before we explore whether the sun helps get rid of acne, it’s important to understand what causes acne in the first place.

What Causes Acne?

Acne occurs when hair follicles become blocked with a combination of sebum (the skin’s natural oil), dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. When this mixture gets trapped inside the pore, it creates an ideal environment for inflammation and visible lesions to form [1].

Several factors contribute to this process, including:

• Hormonal fluctuations (especially during puberty, menstruation, or stress)

• Genetics

• Certain medications

• Skincare or makeup products that clog pores

• Environmental and lifestyle factors including sun exposure

What Are The Types of Acne

There are different forms of acne, each with distinct characteristics [1]:

• Whiteheads: Whiteheads are closed, clogged pores trapped beneath the skin surface.

• Blackheads: Blackheads are open comedones that darken when exposed to air not because of dirt, but due to oxidation [1].

• Papules and Pustules: Papules are small, raised bumps that appear as a result of inflammation in the skin. Pustules are similar inflamed bumps but are distinguished by the presence of visible pus within them.

• Nodules and Cysts: Nodules are deep-seated, firm, and painful lesions resulting from intense inflammation. Cysts are larger and fluid-filled lesions that also develop deep within the skin. If not treated appropriately, both can lead to noticeable scarring.

While some of acne types may appear less noticeable after brief sun exposure, the underlying inflammation remains and UV damage can make things worse in the long run.

How Does Sun Exposure Impact the Skin?

Understanding how the sun affects your skin is crucial in answering the question: Does the sun help acne or does it do more harm than good?

Sunlight emits two primary types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin, accelerating aging and collagen breakdown. UVB rays affect the surface layer and are responsible for sunburns. Both types of UV rays can damage skin cells, impair barrier function, and increase the risk of skin cancer over time [2].

So while the sun may temporarily give your skin a more uniform appearance, this comes at the cost of long-term damage including increased breakouts, pigmentation, and weakened skin integrity.

Does the Sun Help Clear Acne in the Short Term?

Yes, some people notice a brief improvement in their acne after sun exposure, leading them to believe that sun helps acne, but the effect is deceptive and temporary. Here’s why:

• Drying Effect: UVB rays can dry out the skin, which may temporarily flatten or shrink inflamed pimples.

• Blending Redness: A mild sunburn can make red spots less noticeable by masking inflammation with a uniform reddish tone.

• Mood Boost: Exposure to sunlight stimulates the production of serotonin, a natural mood-enhancing neurotransmitter. This boost in serotonin not only uplifts mood but also helps lower stress levels, which can, in turn, improve hormonal balance and reduce the severity of hormonal acne.

Why the Sun Can Make Acne Worse Over Time

Although some people notice a temporary improvement in their skin after sun exposure, the long-term impact of UV radiation often tells a different story. If you’re wondering, does the sun help acne scars or clear breakouts? The answer is far more complicated than it seems. While a bit of sunlight might reduce inflammation momentarily, frequent or unprotected exposure can actually worsen acne, leading to pimples due to sun exposure, and delay healing.

Increased Sebum Production

UV radiation dehydrates the skin, which may initially give the illusion of clearer pores. However, this dryness triggers a compensatory response from the body: increased sebum (oil) production. Excess oil mixes with dead skin cells, leading to clogged pores and, ultimately, more acne breakouts. So, while it may look like the sun helps get rid of acne for a few days, it’s often setting the stage for a rebound flare-up.

Darkening of Acne Scars (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation)

Does the sun help with acne scars? Unfortunately, it usually makes them worse. Areas of previous inflammation are more prone to pigment changes. Sun exposure stimulates melanocyte activity, increasing melanin production and making post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation more noticeable and longer-lasting [3]. Instead of fading acne marks, UV exposure deepens them, particularly in medium to darker skin tones.

Heightened Skin Sensitivity and Barrier Disruption

Acne-prone skin is already in a state of inflammation. Add UV rays to the mix, and you compromise the skin's barrier even further. This can weaken your skin’s natural defenses, making it more reactive to environmental triggers. As the barrier deteriorates, redness, stinging, and flare-ups become more frequent [4].

Long-Term Skin Damage

Prolonged sun exposure can lead to a host of long-term issues. Chronic UV damage contributes to:

• Premature aging (fine lines, rough texture, uneven tone)

• Increased risk of skin cancers including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma

• Persistent inflammation that can prolong acne healing and worsen scarring

How Sun Exposure Affects Acne: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Effects

Here's how sun exposure can impact acne in the short term versus the long term:

How Sun Exposure Affects Acne – Short-Term vs. Long-Term Effects

The Role of Vitamin D: Helpful or Harmful for Acne?

Vitamin D plays a role in immune regulation and skin health, and its deficiency has been linked to acne severity. A study published in the International Journal of Dermatology concluded that individuals with acne had significantly lower Vitamin D levels compared to those without acne, and greater deficiency was correlated with more severe symptoms [5].

However, the idea that prolonged sun exposure is necessary for sufficient vitamin D levels is misleading. The truth is, only a small amount of UVB exposure is needed to maintain healthy levels, usually just 10 to 15 minutes on the arms or legs a few times per week. Vitamin D supplements or fortified foods are safer alternatives, especially for those prone to acne or pigmentation.

How Much Sun Exposure Is Actually Safe?

Brief, incidental sun exposure may help maintain vitamin D levels, but even short periods especially during peak UV hours can cause skin damage. If the sun is particularly strong, even 10 to 15 minutes can trigger inflammation, pigmentation, or sunburn, which may worsen acne and accelerate signs of aging.

To protect your skin while still supporting overall health:

• Limit time in direct sun and avoid exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Wear sun-protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.

• Apply a broad-spectrum, non-comedogenic sunscreen (SPF 50+) daily, even on cloudy days.

• Use supplements or diet to meet vitamin D needs.

Sunscreen is essential, even for oily or acne-prone skin. In fact, regular SPF use helps prevent new breakouts and can reduce the risk of dark spots and scarring after acne.

Dermatologist-Approved Alternatives to Sun Exposure for Acne Relief

Instead of relying on unprotected sunlight in hopes that the sun helps clear acne, it is far more effective and safer to adopt clinically proven strategies. Whether you're dealing with active breakouts or post-acne scars, these evidence-based treatments and skincare practices are designed to manage acne without the risks of UV damage.

Professional Treatments 

For moderate to severe acne or persistent scarring, dermatologists may recommend the following professional options:

Chemical Peels

Medical-grade peels are used to exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and reduce both active breakouts and Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation.  

Laser and Light Therapies

Laser and light therapies target acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, and improve pigmentation with controlled wavelengths of light. Unlike unregulated sun exposure, these therapies are precise, safe, and supervised.

Skincare Practices for Clearer Skin

To manage acne safely, following dermatologist-recommended skincare tips are essential:

• Use non-comedogenic skincare and makeup to avoid clogged pores

• Gently cleanse your face twice a day with a pH-balanced cleanser

• Avoid over-cleansing, which strips the skin barrier and may increase oiliness

Key Skincare Ingredients That Support Acne-Prone Skin

The right ingredients can significantly improve acne, especially when used consistently. Here are a few clinically backed options to incorporate into your daily regimen:

• Niacinamide regulates sebum production, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the skin barrier. It is ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.

• PEACHCALM™ is a calming botanical extract that soothes redness and reduces visible signs of irritation.  

• Saccharide Isomerate is a long-lasting hydrator that mimics the skin’s natural moisturizing factors to prevent dehydration-induced breakouts.

• SHAROHYAL® SNAIL VEG is a plant-based alternative to snail mucin that promotes regeneration, hydrates the skin, and improves elasticity. It is excellent for acne recovery and scar support.

FAQs About the Sun and Acne 

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about how sun exposure affects acne:

1. Can sun exposure help with acne scars?

No. While it may seem that the sun helps fade acne scars, UV rays actually worsen Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation. Sunlight stimulates melanin production, making dark marks more visible and harder to fade over time.

To protect the skin and prevent scars from darkening, wear broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+) daily and limit sun exposure.

2. Can tanning beds help acne?

No. Tanning beds are neither safe nor effective for treating acne. While they may temporarily dry out the skin, this effect is short-lived and often leads to rebound oil production and more breakouts. Additionally, the UV radiation from tanning beds accelerates skin aging, and can worsen acne scars.

3. Should I avoid sun exposure altogether if I have acne?

Not necessarily. You don’t have to avoid the sun completely, but sun protection is essential, especially for acne-prone skin. Limit direct exposure, wear protective clothing, and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+) daily. These habits help shield your skin from UV damage while still allowing you to enjoy time outdoors safely.

4. Does acne get worse during summer?

Yes, for many people, acne can worsen in the summer. Increased heat, humidity, sweating, and sun exposure can lead to excess oil production, clogged pores, and bacterial growth, all of which contribute to breakouts. To keep your skin clear, it's important to adapt your skincare routine for the season by using lightweight, oil-free products and maintaining consistent sun protection.

Did You Know?

In ancient times, sun exposure was actually prescribed as a treatment for various skin conditions, including acne. This practice, known as heliotherapy, was popular before the discovery of antibiotics and modern skincare ingredients. While sunlight can have antimicrobial effects, we now know that the damage from UV exposure far outweighs any temporary benefit. Interestingly, modern phototherapy, which uses controlled blue or red LED light, follows a similar concept but completely avoids the harmful effects of UV rays. So in a way, we’ve taken an old idea and reinvented it safely with science.

Takeaways: Does the Sun Help Acne?

Although sun exposure might temporarily reduce the appearance of acne, the long-term effects often do more harm than good. UV rays can increase oil production, darken acne scars, and weaken the skin barrier, all of which contribute to more breakouts and uneven skin tone. Despite the short-term drying effect, relying on the sun to help acne or fade scars can ultimately worsen skin health.

Instead of turning to the sun, focus on dermatologist-approved treatments and daily sun protection. A consistent skincare routine with non-comedogenic SPF 50+, barrier-strengthening ingredients like Niacinamide, and personalized guidance from a dermatologist will support clearer, healthier skin, without the risks associated with UV damage.