When it comes to sun exposure there is a lot of debate on whether the sun helps or hurts someone who has acne. We have found that limited exposure (10 to 20 minutes) is extremely beneficial especially for those with cystic acne. We don’t mean sunbathing of course, too much exposure can and will aggravate acne.

For many of you your goal is not just to have skin that is acne free, but, to keep your skin young and healthy looking. Understand that over exposure to the sun works like a destructive time machine giving you the skin of a person many decades older. When rays of light enter the skin cells they react with oxygen creating free radicals. These unstable oxygen molecules in turn damage virtually every aspect of your cells including the membranes, fats and the protein the cells need to operate, and the DNA and RNA they need to replicate. This process, called “photo-aging” damages your skin in ways that normal aging does not.

If you have to go out in the sun for extended periods we suggest you where a hat, sunglasses and protect your skin with sunscreen.