The sun is not directly responsible for acne; on the contrary, it helps ameliorate this skin condition by drying the hyperseborrhea, i.e. hypersecretion of sebum that leads to oily skin. It also inhibits the proliferation of bacteria naturally present in sebaceous glands that cause acne in the first place. Finally, ultraviolet (UV) light thickens the epidermis, thereby blocking the formation of pimples and spots. This is the reason why we get lovely, glowing skin during summers!
However, this also causes latent skin problems. For starters, the thickening of the epidermis due to UV exposure blocks sebum in the deeper layers, clogging our pores in the process. This is followed by an inflammatory response around September-October as the mercury starts dropping. Around this time, the sebaceous glands open up again we find an outbreak of acne and spots.
Hence, protecting our skin from the sun is very important. If you're likely to be out in the sun for more than 10 minutes at a given time, you should apply a non-comedogenic sunscreen with SPF 30 or 50. Applying sunscreen slows down the skin-thickening process. You should also think about wearing a hat and avoid exposing your skin between noon and 5 PM.
If you are dealing with spots, apply a gentle cleanser, such as soap-free gel or micellar water, to reduce them and get your skin to glow again. You can also apply a mild peeling solution that contains salicylic or glycolic acid to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Scrubbing is essential if you want your sebaceous pores to remain open. Finish off with a light, oil-free treatment that's formulated for blemished skin.
L'Oréal Paris Micellar Water can help you remove all traces of oil, pollution, dirt, as well as make-up effortlessly with a single swipe. The micelle molecules in this water remove impurities with minimal effort. It also hydrates and softens skin and is suitable for all skin types.