There’s nothing better than spending
a lazy Summer Saturday basking in the sun. As the days get warmer we all want
to be outside having fun, but for people with acne-prone or sensitive skin,
summertime isn’t always fun and games. You probably already know about the
importance of wearing sunscreen and protecting your skin from sunburn, but what
you don’t know is that your acne medication combined with sun exposure can
cause irreversible damage to skin leading to premature aging.
Almost all prescription acne
medications have side effects, some worse than others. Roaccutane can cause
severe depression, liver damage and birth defects in pregnant women, chemical
face washes can over-dry and even burn the skin making it ultra-sensitive, and
antibiotics can promote nausea, intestinal infections, resistance to
antibiotics and hormone changes.
In addition to this, all of these
prescription or over the counter acne medications cause increased sun
sensitivity which leads to more sunburns, skin discolouring (such as blotches
or freckles) a higher risk rate for skin cancer and premature aging.
Here’s the lowdown on different acne
treatments and how they increase sun sensitivity:
Topical Acne Treatments (Face Cleansers, Skin Peels, spot treatment gel, etc.)
-All of these acne treatments work
as exfoliants; chemically removing the top layer of the skin. While this can
help reduce the appearance of pimples and acne lesions, it can also prematurely
expose a new layer of fresh skin which can be extremely sensitive to the sun.
Combined with sun exposure this results in shorter burn times, darkening of the
skin, spotting, freckling and more severe sunburns.
Dermatologist Acne Treatments
-Laser acne treatments and
microdermabrasion are two of the most common acne treatments performed by
dermatologists. Generally these are used in severe cystic acne cases and can be
very effective in removing acne, rejuvenating the skin and treating acne scars.
The nature of these treatments is based on removing a layer of skin, leaving skin
ultra-sensitive and prone to sunburn, discolouration and irritation when
exposed to direct sunlight.
Prescription Acne Medications
-Doxycycline and Roaccutane are two
of the leading anti-acne prescription acne treatments. They don’t topically
remove a layer of skin like some other treatments, but they are chemically
based and proven to highten levels of sun sensitivity in many users. Keep in
mind that these drugs affect the entire body; not just the face or
acne-affected areas, so remember to wear sunscreen or cover up all exposed
skin.
How to Avoid Sun Damage
Planning before a day in the sun is
essential! It is important to remember that your skin on acne medications is
much more sensitive and will burn much quicker than without the acne
medication. Acne Fighters recommends using a daily moisturiser with at least
SPF 15, and applying a higher SPF sunscreen frequently when spending prolonged
amounts of time in the sun. Wearing a hat or covering exposed or sensitive
areas of skin can also be beneficial in preventing sun damage.
However, the only way to completely
reduce your risk of sun sensitivity caused by acne medications is to avoid
them!
The only alternative acne treatments
that don’t cause sun sensitivity (and other health problems) are naturally
derived vitamin and mineral based acne supplements.
Acne treatments such as SkinB5 are
gaining popularity among acne-ridden teenagers and adults alike for their gentle
yet effective solution to curing acne. Many of these acne products (SkinB5 for
example) are 100% naturally formulated with vitamins and minerals proven to
reduce acne by regulating skin oil production, reducing stress, boosting the
immune system and regulating hormones. Switch to a healthier, all natural acne
supplement today and notice the difference for yourself!
http://www.skinb5online.com/
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