Pimples or acne on face generally occur after you get exposed to the sun for longer duration. It is sometimes called as photo-sensitivity and requires quick medical attention.
Sometimes the genetic pattern also determines acne outbreaks. In various cases, the appearance of pimples disappear or are minimized after the sun exposure is limited.
However, in some other cases, this may take several days to go and heal. Others get skin lesions on the face due sun and such cases require dermatological treatment or sometimes plastic surgery to repair the damage.
Pimples, Drugs, and Sun-Poisoning
When you go outside in sunlight without covering your face, the UVA and the UVB rays penetrate deep within the skin layers of the face.
This makes the sebaceous glands present beneath the skin more active and they start secreting more sebum (a type of oil), the presence of excess oil gives an environment for the bacteria to flourish, they grow and reproduce and cause pimples.
What’s more?
Their eradication leaves dark scars on the face that takes time to heal.
Acne drugs such as Tretinoin, Tazartoene, Adapalene, and Azelic acid also increase skin sensitivity towards the sun.
Thus, those who take these drugs are at increased risk of getting pimples. These drugs contain active ingredients Retin A, Avita and Renova that activate the sebaceous gland when one goes out in the sun.
Symptoms
What are the possible symptoms of pimples?
Sun allergy is of various types and can happen anywhere on the body including face. Pimples can be caused in any type of sun poisoning.
Have a look at some of the symptoms:
- Polymorphic light eruptions: this type of sun allergy on face results in the appearance of bumps, papules, plaques etc. It generally vanishes when sun exposure is reduced or removed. Acne and bumps caused due to it heal in a few days.
- Solar urticarial: it is also an acne-type condition that is caused due to the sun. Such type of sun sensitivity results in the appearance of blisters and sun hives on face. These also fade away if sun exposure is reduced.
- Actinic pruigo: it causes the development of raised patches of skin on the face. This condition may not necessarily arise due to sun exposure.
Prevention
Pimples can be prevented in a number of ways. Let’s see how:
- Acne/pimples caused due to the sun can be reduced and prevented by limiting sun exposure.
- Cover your face while stepping out in the sun.
- Wear make-up during the summer months, it blocks the pores and prevents excess sebum to be secreted, it also cuts down extra UVA and UVB rays.
- Aloe Vera gel does wonder on pimples, apply it on the skin while sleeping.
- Tea tree oil is also another great option to treat face rashes and pimples. It is rich in anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties and is an alternative to chemicals and chemical based creams.
- Tomato contains a pigment called as lycopene. Squeeze its juice and apply it on the pimples, it helps in their quick healing.
Bottom Line
It is very important to shield the skin from the harmful rays of the sun because these not only cause acne but also disrupt the natural pH of the skin thus weakening the natural barrier allowing acne bacteria to proliferate.