Do Tanning Lotions Cause Acne?

It is a well-known fact that excess oil, dirt and bacteria cause acne. Do tanning lotions cause acne as well? Could tanning be doing more damage to the skin than just premature aging, which the lotion is supposed to protect from?

When one tans, the body opens the pores to release sweat to cool the body. This sweat is unable to evaporate because of the enclosed area that the tanning bed provides. This can cause the sweat to seep back into the open pores, which can cause acne. This problem can be aggravated further if lotion is then applied in an excessive amount while the pores are still open, causing the lotion to seep into the pore and continue the infection.

The infection and subsequent acne can leave horrible scars on the face and body depending on the level of care one uses with the acne. These scars can ruin the physical appearance and the functionality of the skin. This can cause premature aging and several self-confidence issues.

While everyone knows that tanning can be bad for the skin with the risk of cancer, not everyone knows about the risk of acne when tanning. This acne, though not as bad as cancer, is a side effect of an already unhealthy activity. Though science has found one’s need for sunlight to be very real, tanning in a tanning booth is not the beneficial sunlight that people need to be healthy individuals. This fake light has too high of an ultra violet rating to be safe for exposure for any longer period.