Acne can cause discomfort and embarrassment. Most adults and teenagers have acne at some point in their lives, and many have probably tried a number of over-the-counter and prescription treatments. Sunbathing has long been recommended as a natural treatment. Sun exposure is an overlooked part of healing. Aiming for safe sun exposure, especially morning sun can be very beneficial for your health. It helps keep cortisol happy, encourages more restful sleep and boosts your vitamin D which are all super important if you’re struggling with acne. Apply sunscreen every time you are going to be in the sun, but make sure to pick an oil-free variety. (Also read: Beauty and skincare tips to treat and prevent acne breakouts )
Katie Stewart, Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Acne Specialist, explained how morning sun helps to cure acne in her Instagram post.
1. Kickstart cortisol
Getting sunshine upon waking supports your Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR). As soon as light enters your eyes cortisol quickly gets released for about 30-45 minutes until it peaks and then has a normal decline. Low CAR results in having trouble getting out of bed, feeling sluggish and needing coffee to make it through the day. Imbalances in cortisol lead to an increase in pore-clogging sebum.
2. Deeper sleep
if you’re sleep-deprived, cortisol increases and causes stress on the body. Elevated cortisol levels mean more inflammation and more sebum production. A lack of sleep may also decrease your moisture levels, which lends to redness, dryness and acne. Sunlight acts as a trigger to “reset” your circadian rhythm (your sleep/wake cycle).
3. Boosts vitamin D
Studies have found the majority of acne sufferers are deficient in vitamin D. It’s important for not only the immune system but hormonal health as well as these are the two things that impact acne. Exposing your skin to sunlight allows for the natural synthesis of vitamin D to occur in your body. Get 15-20 minutes of sun without the use of SPF before 11 or after 2 pm to avoid peak strength.
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