Avoid the sun if you have acne

Every teenager will probably tell you that sunshine makes acne disappear. However, no matter how much they argue that lying around in the sun all day is good for them, that’s not the case. in fact, it’s best to avoid long periods in the sun and to use a high-protection sun cream if you suffer from acne.

The pros and cons of teenage sunbathing

Sunlight helps reduce the appearance of acne because it suppresses some of the inflammatory reactions in the skin. This means that the spots appear less red and prominet. But the sunlight can sometimes worsen acne by causing scaling that blocks the follicles in the skin.

Zinc and fruits acids

Protect ther areas affected by acne with non-greasy, high-factor sun creams and wash your skin even more carefully than usual after every sunbathing session. Common medical treatments for acne often contain photosensitive substances. For example, sunlight may trigger a rash in patients using tetracy-cline antibiotics. Check carefully to see whether your acne treatment is safe to use in sunlight or consult yout pharmacist. You can continue to use products with a base of fruits acids or zinc without risk, but avoid the others.

Things you may want to know

• Burdock, with its purifying properties, is very effective against acne
• Follow a course of treatment with a base of burdock during the three weeks before your holiday.

Some Key Facts

• The sun may cause acne spots to appear to diminish, but it is certainly not a ‘cure’.
• Use high-factor protection cream on the affected areas and medication with a burdock base.
• Common treatments for acne often contain photosensitive substances.

Internal use of burdock:

Add 60g (2 oz) of dried burdock to 1 litre (2 pints) of cold water, bring to boil and allow to boil for 15 minutes; leave to infuse for another 15 minutes. Drink three cups per day.

External use:

Add 15g(1/2 oz) of burdock root and 15 g (1/2 oz) of wild pansy to 250 ml (1/2 pint) of water and bring to boil. As soon as the mixture boils, take it off the heat and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Clean your spots with this lotion morning and evening.