While most skincare advice tells people to protect their skin from the sun, some TikTok users are deliberately exposing themselves to UV rays in the hope that getting a sunburn will clear their acne.

The trend, sometimes described as 'sunburning,' is based on the idea that sunlight can dry out pimples, reduce oiliness or make inflammation appear less noticeable. But dermatologists warn that any improvement can be temporary, while the damage caused by excessive UV exposure can leave skin worse off.

Sunburn is a sign that the skin has been damaged by ultraviolet radiation. It is not an acne treatment, and deliberately burning the skin can create additional problems rather than solve breakouts.

Why Are People Sunburning Their Skin for Acne?

The appeal of the trend may come from something people can actually observe: after spending time in the sun, some pimples may temporarily look less noticeable.

According to dermatologists cited by The Indian Express, sun exposure can temporarily dry the skin and reduce the appearance of inflammation. This may make acne seem better for a short period, encouraging people to believe that more sun exposure will produce better results.

But a temporary change in the appearance of a breakout does not mean the underlying acne has been treated.

Acne develops through several processes, including clogged pores, excess oil production, inflammation and acne-causing bacteria. Treating one visible symptom temporarily does not address all of these factors.

Can Sun Exposure Actually Make Acne Look Better?

Sun exposure can sometimes make acne appear less noticeable because UV radiation can temporarily dry out the skin and affect inflammation. That short-term effect may explain why some people believe the trend works.

The problem is that this does not make intentional sun exposure a safe or effective acne treatment. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) specifically advises people with acne to stay out of the sun and tanning beds, noting that tanning damages the skin and can worsen acne.

There is also a difference between getting some incidental sunlight and deliberately staying in the sun until the skin burns. A sunburn occurs when the skin receives too much UV exposure, causing damage to skin cells. Repeated sunburn can cause cumulative skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.

In other words, any temporary improvement in the appearance of acne is not worth deliberately injuring the skin.

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How Can Sunburn Make Acne Worse?

The skin may respond to excessive sun exposure in ways that work against the goal of clearing acne. According to dermatologists cited by The Indian Express, prolonged exposure can initially dry the skin but may subsequently contribute to increased oil production. Changes in the outer layer of the skin may also contribute to clogged pores and further breakouts.

UV exposure can also make pigmentation more noticeable. Dark spots left after acne can become darker with sun exposure, which can make the aftermath of a breakout more difficult to manage. The AAD recommends sun protection to help prevent dark spots that can develop after acne clears.

And the risks extend beyond acne. Sunburn can cause pain, redness, peeling and other signs of skin injury. Repeated UV damage can contribute to premature skin aging and increase skin cancer risk.

What Should You Do Instead?

Rather than trying to burn away acne, dermatologists recommend treatments that target the processes responsible for breakouts.

Depending on the type and severity of acne, evidence-based treatments can include topical retinoids such as adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and azelaic acid. More severe or persistent acne may require prescription treatment and assessment by a dermatologist.

Acne treatments also take time. The AAD notes that people generally need to follow a treatment plan consistently for at least six to eight weeks before they begin to see fewer breakouts.

Protecting the skin from UV exposure is part of that process. Dermatologists recommend seeking shade, wearing sun-protective clothing and using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. For acne-prone skin, a non-comedogenic sunscreen can help reduce the chance of clogged pores.

A sunburn may temporarily make acne look less noticeable, but that does not make deliberately exposing the skin to UV rays a safe treatment. The damage caused by sunburn can worsen acne, darken post-acne marks and contribute to longer-term skin damage.

Instead of following a TikTok trend that relies on burning the skin, evidence-based acne treatments and consistent sun protection remain safer ways to manage breakouts. If acne is persistent, painful or leaving scars, a dermatologist can help identify the right treatment rather than relying on a viral DIY remedy.

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