Sunburn for clear skin? Here’s all about the latest acne treatment trend

For many individuals, summertime is associated with a bronze complexion, and they want to show their sunkissed look off with blemish-free skin. But recently, social media users have put these ideas together to come up with a very strange treatment for acne — sunburn. That’s right, they expose themselves to the sun for long periods in a bid to get their skin looking “refined” and “refreshed,” much to the dismay of health professionals.

What is this new beauty fad — sunburn treatment for acne?

It seems despite all the information about the damage it causes, overexposure to the sun is continuing to inspire some absurd and harmful beauty trends. The latest? Using UV rays to supposedly clear up acne and other skin imperfections. Sunburn has become one of this summer’s hottest — and perhaps most dangerous beauty trends as some influencers seek out perfect skin. Instead of being content with a light, safe tan, some enthusiasts are basking in the scorching sun for hours on end in a bid to achieve smooth, blemish-free skin.

Numerous videos of influencers showing off their intensive tanning sessions to get rid of their pimples have gone viral. One such video, for example, has racked up nearly 2 million views, with the influencer showing her face exposed to UV rays in the hope of making her imperfections disappear.

But does the sun actually have the power to make skin clearer? According to a recent report by dermatology experts at Eucerin, UV rays do have an “immunosuppressive” and therefore an “anti-inflammatory” effect. New York-based dermatologist Jennifer Chwalek said that new evidence shows that vitamin D, which is obtained through sun exposure as well as certain foods, “may play a role in sebum production and pore health.”

Protect your skin first and foremost

While these facts may explain why the sun can temporarily improve skin’s appearance, it doesn’t mean you should follow this dangerous trend — the sunburn acne treatment. In fact, Jennifer Chwalek also emphasises that people who get sunburned are more likely to develop skin cancer and sun damage.

Jennifer A. Stein, a dermatologist at NYU Langone, points out in a New York Post article: “It is estimated that one in five of us will get skin cancer during our lifetime.” She urges: “The best way to protect yourself from UV rays is to cover up. The more of your skin you cover, the less you have to depend on sunscreen for protection.”

This isn’t the first time that unusual sun-related trends have invaded social networks. Recently, “heat stroke makeup” — imitating sunburn with blush — won over makeup fans. Last year, it was “SPF contouring,” a technique that involves playing with the application of sunscreen to create sculpted areas on the face.

It’s important to remember that while some trends may seem appealing or effective in the short term, they can have serious health consequences. Rather than risk permanent skin damage, it’s best to consult a dermatologist for safe solutions to your skin problems.

Hero and Feature Image: Courtesy Photography jacoblund/Getty Images

This story was published via AFP Relaxnews.