Does Tanning Clear Up Acne?

We’ve all heard the theory tanning helps to heal acne. We may have even had some experience with it ourselves. HOWEVER, the American Academy of Dermatology states “tanning has not been scientifically proven to decrease acne.” Saying that there are a few “illusions” that are actually happening here...

There is scientific evidence the sun weakens the immune system. This suppression of the immune system also decreases the inflammatory response in the skin. Reduced inflammatory response = reduced redness from acne. This sounds like a dream right? Not so fast. The body's inflammatory response is super important because this is the body’s way of healing and protecting itself. Specifically, with the skin, if the immune system isn’t functioning at its optimal level it also can’t properly fight off free radicals which contribute to destroying skin cell DNA and aging. ANDDDDD more importantly and even scarier cancer cells.

A tan or sunburn camouflages acne making it appear less noticeable essentially hiding it. There are two main problems with this. It creates the illusion that it’s healed when it’s actually not. The sun/tanning + acne = post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH) or darkening of pigmentation already present.

Many people still equate drying out the skin with drying out and reducing acne. The sun and tanning dehydrate the skin and temporality reduces oil in the skin. While this sounds ideal, it creates other problems. The oil glands can overcompensate contributing to even more acne. Seems a bit counterproductive huh?

Let’s also not forget that if you have acne you are likely using some sort of acne-fighting skin care product or prescription topical medication that can contribute to photosensitivity and damage. For example, if you using Doxycycline, a commonly prescribed antibiotic for acne which makes your skin sensitive in the sun.

To sum things up...

Tanning to reduce acne → temporary instant gratification → decreased skin health, possibly more acne, premature aging, pigmentation and increased risk of skin cancer.

The risk is simply not worth the (temporary) reward!