Sun

Acne sufferers are understandably always looking for ways to get improvement in the condition. Some believe sunlight will clear acne up.

Light of different kinds – sunlight as well as blue, red and LED light and others used in some acne treatments – does appear to help acne.

More research needs to be done in this area to answer questions such as how long these effects may last.

Here’s what we know for sure:

• Scores of studies show sunlight is the main risk factor for skin cancer and causes skin aging.

Mild to moderate acne can be distressing…

Some people with mild to moderate acne experience psychological symptoms as serious as those associated with severe acne such as anxiety and depression.
Effects of acne felt years later..

Some acne sufferers say the psychological effects associated with this condition, such as hurt and shame, continue to be felt for many years. Experts call this “emotional scarring”.
Acne and your genes

There is a genetic component to acne. One study of teens sufferers found 78% had a close family relative with the condition. Those with a family history are more likely to get it at an earlier age and develop severe acne.