If sunshine goes hand in hand with smoother, blemish-free skin, this improvement is often only temporary, much to the dismay of acne-prone skin. Behind this phenomenon lies what is known as the rebound effect. Let’s separate fact from fiction to better understand how to care for acne-prone skin during the summer and prevent blemishes from returning when autumn arrives.

What effects does the sun have on acne-prone skin?

Although the sun may seem beneficial for soothing skin conditions such as acne, eczema or psoriasis thanks to its anti-inflammatory action, its effect is only short-lived. Before going any further, let’s explore the "false" benefits of the sun on the skin:

• Smoother skin: to protect itself from UV rays, the skin thickens, giving the impression that acne has disappeared and creating the illusion of temporarily smoother skin.
• Less oily skin: sun exposure can make our skin appear less oily, but this is actually the skin’s defense response to dehydration caused by intense heat, resulting in an overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous gland to compensate for this loss of moisture.
• Less visible blemishes and scars: sun exposure can sometimes cause scars to darken, making them less visible alongside a tan. This is explained by the increased production of melanin by the skin to protect itself from UV rays, the pigment responsible for tanning. This is known as hyperpigmentation.

This temporary improvement in the skin leads to a phenomenon known as the rebound effect.

Find out more: everything you need to know about the benefits and risks of sun exposure.

What is the rebound effect?

Although we all love basking in the sun to show off a pretty tan and peachy skin during the summer, the sun can also bring unpleasant surprises for acne-prone skin. Indeed, the skin appears to improve because the sun dries out spots and thickens the epidermis, but don’t be fooled: these effects are only short-lived and lead to a flare-up of skin breakouts at the end of summer. This is known as the rebound effect.

Does the sun cause acne spots?

Skin thickening after sun exposure causes pores and pilosebaceous follicles to become blocked, creating an excess of sebum that cannot be properly eliminated. This excess sebum promotes the development of the P.acnes bacterium through the digestion of sebum triglycerides, which can lead to skin inflammation, as well as the formation of blackheads and microcysts.

When the skin becomes thinner again as autumn arrives, significant breakouts may occur, and as the tan fades, the spots become more prominent, while unprotected scars remain marked by pronounced hyperpigmentation due to the skin’s production of melanin to protect itself from the sun. In addition, the skin may become drier and develop itching due to irritation caused by UV rays.

To better understand, here is an explanatory diagram of the inflammatory process behind the acne rebound effect after sun exposure:

Key

1. Hyperkeratinization: the skin becomes harder and thickens to protect itself from UV rays.

2. The increased production of sebum by the sebaceous gland blocks the pores and makes it difficult to eliminate sebum.

3. The multiplication of the P. Acnes bacterium: by digesting the triglycerides in sebum, it secretes pro-inflammatory substances.

4. Hyperpigmentation: the skin produces more melanin to protect itself from UV rays and darkens the scars.

How can you prevent acne rebound?

To prevent blemishes from returning after summer, here are the good habits to adopt to keep your skin radiant all year round:

Before and during sun exposure

• Use sunscreen every day with broad-spectrum protection, an SPF suited to your skin type and a non-comedogenic formula, meaning one that does not clog pores, especially for acne-prone skin. During the summer, remember to reapply it every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. These habits will help limit premature skin aging and prevent scar hyperpigmentation.
• Avoid exposing yourself during the hottest hours of the day, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and seek shade regularly to limit direct exposure to the sun.
• Wear protective clothing and accessories such as sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats or long-sleeved shirts.
• Stay hydrated regularly by drinking enough water throughout the day.
• Choose natural makeup using lightweight cosmetics and remember to remove your makeup and cleanse your face every evening to remove impurities and prevent clogged pores.
• Beware of medications! Many acne treatments, particularly antibiotics such as tetracyclines and retinoids, are photosensitizing. When exposed to the sun, they can trigger skin breakouts or allergic reactions. However, in most cases, the treatment does not need to be stopped but should preferably be applied in the evening.
• Prepare your skin before exposure with our sun Gummies with no added sugar, enriched with beta-carotene, tyrosine and antioxidants, for an exceptionally effective 3-in-1 action.

After sun exposure

• Apply a soothing after-sun product containing aloe vera or witch hazel to calm inflammation, reduce redness and deeply hydrate your skin.
• Exfoliate your skin regularly: choose gentle exfoliation with fruit acids (AHA), which is less aggressive for the skin than coarse-grain scrubs, such as sugar, which can “scratch” your epidermis.
• Avoid products containing alcohol, fragrances or any other toxins that could worsen the rebound effect.
• Avoid touching your blemishes to prevent scarring. Instead, apply acne treatments to the affected area, such as an azelaic acid serum in the morning, to reduce the formation of spots.
• Choose anti-blemish Gummies, the targeted solution for rebalancing skin prone to hormonal acne. A 3-month course is recommended to regulate sebum production in depth, soothe skin inflammation and reduce blemishes thanks to an exclusive synergy of black rice and prickly pear developed for blemish-prone skin.
• If acne persists, do not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist, who can help you overcome your blemishes.