Acne and the sun: how to protect your skin in summer

28/08/2025

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Arcadie B.

With the warmer weather, you might think the sun is a friend to blemish-prone skin. And for good reason: it seems to dry out spots and reduce redness. But be careful, this "healthy glow" effect is often short-lived. Once exposure is over, blemishes can reappear... more intensely. Why does the sun affect acne this way? What steps can you take to enjoy summer without making the situation worse? In this article, discover our tips for taking care of your acne-prone skin in summer, avoiding the rebound effect, and incorporating the right skincare—anti-blemish and sunscreen—into your summer routine.

Why can the sun have a beneficial effect on acne?

Sunlight can dry out pimples and reduce inflammation

Summer is coming, your complexion is getting brighter, and you feel like your imperfections are fading? It's normal. Under the effect of the sun, the skin thickens slightly and UV rays slow down inflammation . The result: redness diminishes, spots appear drier, and the skin looks clearer.

But be careful, this improvement is often temporary. It is explained by a reaction of the skin which slows down its sebum production for a while and camouflages imperfections ... without treating them in depth.

From the first rays of the sun, it's essential to maintain a gentle and appropriate routine. AC CONTROL Anti-Imperfections Balancing Treatment helps limit the appearance of new spots.

The role of vitamin D in skin and sebum regulation

We know that the sun allows the skin to produce vitamin D , which is essential for the body to function properly. This vitamin also plays a small role in skin balance. In particular, it helps strengthen the skin barrier and could, in some cases, help limit excess sebum.

But again, there's no need for long hours in the sun: a short daily exposure (15 to 30 minutes) is enough to fill up on vitamin D, provided you have protected your skin well.

The ideal? Choose a sunscreen that respects acne-prone skin, such as SUN PROTECT Moisturizing Sun Milk SPF50+ . Non-comedogenic, it provides effective protection without clogging pores.

Why can sun exposure make acne worse?

The rebound effect: when imperfections come back in force after summer

Sun exposure often makes acne appear to disappear. In reality, what we see is only a temporary illusion. When skin is exposed to the sun, it reacts by thickening its surface layer . This phenomenon temporarily masks imperfections. But once exposure is over and the skin returns to its normal state, pimples sometimes reappear in greater numbers.

This is called the rebound effect . Pores, clogged by thickening skin, become "blocked," preventing sebum and dead skin cells from being properly removed. As a result, acne can flare up at the start of the school year, often worse than before the summer.

In addition, the sun can promote the appearance of pigment spots in areas that are healing.

To limit these effects, a regular routine with suitable skincare is essential. For example, AC CONTROL Balancing Care helps prevent the appearance of new imperfections while respecting the skin, even during exposure (to be combined with suitable sunscreen).

Dehydration, weakened skin... a breeding ground for imperfections

The sun tends to dry out skin , which may seem beneficial at first. But when oily or acne-prone skin becomes dehydrated, it often reacts by producing even more sebum to defend itself. This imbalance then promotes the appearance of shine, enlarged pores, and new pimples.

Without proper care, skin becomes more fragile, uncomfortable , and prone to irritation. An impaired skin barrier also allows more external agents (dust, pollution, bacteria) to penetrate, which can trigger or worsen inflammation.

To keep skin healthy and soothed, it's best to opt for light but effective hydration . AC CONTROL Balancing Care is also perfect after a day in the sun: it comforts the skin without making it greasy, while helping to limit imperfections.

AC CONTROL

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Combination to oily skin

AC CONTROL
Mattifying fluid

40ML

Regular price 12,90€

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Combination to oily skin

AC CONTROL
BALANCING ANTI-BLEMISH CARE

40ML

Regular price 13,50€

Regular price Sale price 13,50€
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Combination to oily skin

AC CONTROL
Intensive serum

34ML

Regular price 18,80€

Regular price Sale price 18,80€
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AC CONTROL
Purifying micellar water

200ML / 400ML

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How to effectively protect your acne-prone skin in summer?

Apply daily sun protection suitable for blemish-prone skin
When you have acne-prone skin, it can be tempting to avoid sunscreen to avoid getting shinier or breaking out in spots. However, sun protection is essential, even (and especially) for blemish-prone skin.

Why? Because UV rays weaken the skin, increase inflammation, and can cause pigmentation spots , especially in areas that are healing. Without protection, spots can leave visible marks for longer, or even worsen.

The key is to choose a non-comedogenic sunscreen , which protects without clogging pores and thus helps reduce the risk of developing comedones, or blackheads. SUN PROTECT Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ is an excellent option: its light and invisible texture is ideal for combination to oily skin, while offering very high broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

And for larger areas (shoulders, décolleté, back, etc.), the SPF50+ Hydrating Sun Spray allows for easy and even application, even for quick touch-ups.
Moisturize and soothe your skin after each exposure
After a day in the sun, your skin needs comfort. Even when protected, it can feel overheated, dehydrated, or slightly irritated. To prevent the rebound effect or the appearance of new imperfections, adopt a simple but essential step: after-sun care.

SUN PROTECT After-Sun Fresh Jelly intensely moisturizes, soothes overheating sensations, and leaves skin soft and supple. It's a habit to adopt every evening, even on days without a beach!

When it comes to blemishes, also consider incorporating targeted care to keep your skin clear. AC CONTROL Intensive Serum , with its fluid, non-greasy texture, helps reduce existing spots and prevent them from reappearing, while maintaining good hydration.
Adopt a gentle and suitable routine all summer long
In summer, combination to oily skin changes: it can become more shiny, thicker, or dehydrated. To avoid unbalancing your skin, focus on a simple, effective, and above all , gentle routine:
- Cleanse your face morning and night with a purifying gel that respects the skin's balance, such as AC CONTROL Purifying Cleansing Gel . It removes excess sebum and impurities without being harsh.
- Use a mask to purify your skin. The AC CONTROL Purifying Mask , for example, purifies and hydrates the skin by absorbing excess sebum and tightening pores. Your ideal ally in summer!
- Moisturize with lightweight textures, like AC CONTROL Mattifying Fluid , which regulates shine while keeping skin comfortable.
- Remember to drink enough water , eat a balanced diet and sleep well: your lifestyle also plays an essential role in the health of your skin.

In summer, the sun can give the illusion of more beautiful, clearer skin... but this improvement is often short-lived. Poorly protected exposure or a neglected routine can lead to a rebound effect, with a resurgence of imperfections at the end of the vacation.

The good news? It's entirely possible to enjoy the sun without sacrificing your skin's balance . By adopting a gentle, regular routine tailored to the needs of acne-prone skin, you can prevent problems while taking care of yourself.

At TOPICREM, we have designed two complementary ranges to support you throughout the summer:

AC CONTROL to purify, soothe and hydrate without damaging;
SUN PROTECT for effective, sensory sun protection that respects sensitive skin.

Because every skin deserves the best, even under the sun. 🌞

SUN PROTECT

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Sensitive skin exposed to the sun

SUN PROTECT
Moisturizing sun spray SPF30

150 ML

Regular price 17,70€

Regular price Sale price 17,70€
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Sensitive skins exposed to the sun

SUN PROTECT
Moisturizing sun spray SPF50+

150 ML

Regular price 18,80€

Regular price Sale price 18,80€
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Sensitive skins

SUN PROTECT
FRESH AFTER-SUN GEL

200ML

Regular price 13,50€

Regular price Sale price 13,50€
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RE-MOISTURIZING SHOWER

200ML

Regular price 8,30€

Regular price Sale price 8,30€
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