POSER VOS QUESTIONS AU DR.AGNES, CEO de Herborium et experte en médecine naturelle.
As the summer approaches everyone would like acne free and healthy looking skin, and be able to enjoy the sun and outdoor activities. For some individuals limited exposure to the sun helps improve their skin condition at least temporarily. It is a myth however that sun exposure helps to cure acne. Sweating combined with sun protection products may actually exacerbate acne as the pores and hair follicles get clogged by this unsavory mix in the presence of sebum. The most vulnerable areas are the forehead and chin as well as upper torso (back) A less known and prevailing problem is that a number of topical and systemic products used for the treatment of acne actually require that you restrict sun exposure if you are using these products. AcnEase® is absolutely safe for use in the sun with NO Sun Restrictions. AcnEase can be used if you are trying to get a jump start on summer by visiting a tanning salon or you participate in outdoor sports or activities. Obviously to maintain improvement to your skin you should keep your hygiene habits on a continuing level. Take a shower and wash your face after outdoor sports and after using sun protection products. Do not rub your skin or use harsh soaps. Use a soft cloth and mild soap or cleansing bar/lotion just enough to remove any clogging that may come from sweat and sun protection products. Once clean then pat the skin dry. Look at the list of acne product below and make note of their interaction with the sun. Remember AcnEase treats and prevents acne as the only available Acne and Rosacea product that does not have any sun restriction and is good for light and dark complexions as well as for women and men. AcnEase works well in the heat of summer and the cold of the winter.
Retin-A (Tretinoin) is a member of the retinoic acid based topical products. These products make the skin more sensitive to sun light (easier to get a sun burn). This topical ingredient is found in products with Brand Names that include:
Another member of the retinoic acid family is Isotretinion. The most common brand of isotretinion is Accutane and Roaccutane. These products are taken orally and are systemic. The package insert for Accutane aside from warnings relating to teratogenic side effects also warn not to use isotretinion in the sunlight and limit exposure to Ultraviolet light (UV) which is what is used in tanning salons. Isotretinion is also marketed as:
The last member of the retinoic acid family is adalapene sold under the Brand Name Differin. Differin is a topical product that warns against use in the sun. The makers recommend using a high level sunscreen or clothing to prevent sun exposure. In addition they warn against applying Differin to sunburned, wind burned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. It shares the common property of increasing the sensitivity of the skin to the sun. Another class of drugs used to treat acne are antibiotics. The most common antibiotics belong to the class known as Tetracyclines. The most common Tetracyclines used for the treatment of acne and rosacea include:
Tetracycline makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight also known as inducing photosensitivity. The magnitude of this sensitivity to sunlight depends upon the variety of tetracycline and the amount taken. It is most likely to occur with doxycycline and least likely with minocycline. All forms of tetracycline come with a warning to limit sun exposure. Over the counter products Most of the over the counter acne products contain salicylic acid that in addition to its drying properties makes skin more sensitive to sunlight and therefore carry warnings about limiting sun exposure while using the products.