La Roche-Posay’s ‘Life with Acne’ survey series has revealed that one in five adults intentionally expose their acne to the sun in an attempt to clear an acne break-out.
La Roche-Posay dismisses the myth that the sun’s rays can help clear the skin, with studies showing that UV exposure actually worsens acne by over-drying the skin and causing the hyper-activation of the sebaceous glands.
Despite this, a further one in six believe they are actually more likely to suffer from a break-out as a result of applying an SPF. One in 10 adults also admitted to going without the use of SPF protection in order to help clear blemishes and pimples, with those aged 18 to 24 most likely (15 per cent ) to do this.
This research from La Roche-Posay coincides with the launch of the latest product innovation within its Effaclar range for acne, oily and blemish prone skin – Effaclar Duo (+ ) SPF 30. La Roche-Posay’s new Effaclar Duo (+ ) SPF 30 works to treat and heal blemish-prone skin, while shielding it from the adverse effects of the sun’s UV rays.
With one in six (16 per cent ) adults believing that applying SPF protection will result in an acne break-out, La Roche-Posay’s study has highlighted the perceived positive effects of the sun as one of the great beauty myths. Research findings have also identified the other most common approaches to help clearing a break-out, with almost half (46 per cent ) of all adults admitting to squeezing their pimples, and one in four females choosing to go without wearing make-up during a break-out.
Dr Niki Ralph, consultant dermatologist with La Roche-Posay, commented: “Many people believe that sun exposure is an effective treatment for acne, however, any potential benefit is very temporary. Ultimately, sun exposure leads to drying of the skin and this causes excessive sebum (oil ) production and dead skin cells being shed.
“This leads to blocking of the pores which may not result in an acne breakout until weeks after the sun exposure, hence people do not make a direct association with sun and acne flares. Not only is using natural or artificial ultraviolet radiation (sunbeds ) extremely dangerous, but it can actually aggravate blemish-prone skin.”
La Roche-Posay’s new Effaclar Duo (+ ) SPF 30 is available from pharmacies nationwide.
