Many of those with acne look forward to summer because they're convinced that getting a tan helps clear their skin. While they may be right to a point, there's a huge downside and that's the dreaded Blemish Boomerang Effect. That is, after the initial appearance of clearing, breakouts are likely to come roaring back worse than ever before.
In addition to potential harmful side effects of prolonged sun exposure, such as skin cancer, UV light - whether from the sun or a sunbed - has the potential to worsen the appearance of existing acne scars over time. The Blemish Boomerang Effect, more prominent acne scars, the risk of skin cancer, and looking weathered and old before your time are a high price to pay for a little color.
But all is not lost. Remember:
- Practice and finesse your application technique for bronzer and self-tanning products (which means blend, blend, blend, particularly over the jawline and onto the neck - a few times first before applying it for a big event or going away on vacation. This way you'll know how to get the best results, what to expect from the color and how long you can expect it to hold.
Now, if you want a little color, no worries, bronzers are fine on troubled skin. Whatever you do, test the product you plan to use a couple of times in the weeks before to finesse your technique and know how it will look, particularly with what you're wearing. The key here is to blend the bronzer - particularly over the jawline and onto your neck and chest - for an all-over golden look. The last thing you want is to look like you are wearing a mask that stops right at your jaw.
- Don't forget to always use SPF products on top of self-tanned skin or cosmetically-bronzed skin when you're outdoors. Remember, the color provided is merely temporary and cosmetic and does not protect your skin from sunburn or sun damage.
