Summer is often associated with healthier, clearer skin. After spending a few days in the sun, many people notice that their acne appears less visible and their complexion looks more even. However, for a significant number of individuals, acne actually worsens during the summer or new breakouts develop shortly after returning from vacation.

This raises an important question: Why does sun exposure temporarily improve acne in some people while making it worse in others?

Why can acne appear to improve during summer?

Several factors contribute to the impression that acne improves during the sunnier months.

Firstly, ultraviolet (UV) radiation may temporarily reduce superficial inflammation in some acne lesions. At the same time, sun exposure stimulates skin pigmentation, making redness less noticeable and creating the illusion that acne has improved more than it actually has.

For some patients, the combination of sunlight, seawater, and reduced daily stress during holidays may also contribute to temporary improvement.

However, sun exposure does not treat acne. The apparent improvement is usually short-lived and often lasts only a few weeks.

Why does acne often worsen during summer?

High temperatures and increased humidity stimulate greater sebum production and excessive sweating. When sebum, sweat, cosmetic residues, and dead skin cells accumulate inside the pores, the likelihood of follicular blockage increases, promoting the development of new inflammatory lesions.

The most common factors contributing to acne flare-ups during summer include:

• Increased sebum production
• Excessive sweating and skin friction
• Use of comedogenic sunscreens
• Inadequate cleansing after swimming or physical activity
• Frequent touching of the face
• Improper skincare routines

What are "post-summer acne flare-ups"?

Many patients notice that their skin deteriorates several weeks after returning from their summer vacation. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as a post-summer acne flare.

During prolonged sun exposure, the outermost layer of the skin becomes thicker due to hyperkeratosis, which promotes blockage of the hair follicles. Over time, these clogged follicles develop into blackheads (comedones), papules, and pustules.

Although recurrence cannot always be completely prevented, the risk can be significantly reduced with appropriate skincare.

The following measures are recommended:

• Continue maintenance therapy as prescribed by your dermatologist
• Cleanse the skin daily
• Use non-comedogenic, oil-free skincare and cosmetic products
• Regularly apply topical retinoids or azelaic acid when indicated
• Wear sunscreen every day
• Attend regular dermatological follow-up appointments

For many patients, recurrent acne is not a sign of treatment failure, but rather a natural feature of this chronic skin condition.

If you notice the first signs of acne returning, avoid restarting old treatments on your own or waiting until the condition worsens. Early evaluation by a dermatologist allows timely adjustment of therapy, reduces the risk of permanent scarring, and increases the likelihood of long-term disease control.

What is Mallorca acne?

During the summer months, some individuals develop a specific skin condition known as Mallorca acne (Acne aestivalis), often referred to as a "summer rash." It is frequently mistaken for acne, although it is not a form of acne vulgaris, but rather a photodermatosis caused by the combination of UV radiation and oily (occlusive) sunscreen products.

Interestingly, the term Mallorca acne originated in the 1960s after the condition was first described in tourists who developed a characteristic eruption while vacationing on the Spanish island of Mallorca following intense sun exposure.

Unlike acne vulgaris, which is driven by increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization with Cutibacterium acnes, and inflammation, Mallorca acne develops through a different mechanism. It is believed to result from a combination of UVA-induced free radical formation, oxidation of sebum and cosmetic ingredients, an immune-mediated reaction around the hair follicles, and subsequent perifollicular inflammation.

With the introduction of modern, non-comedogenic sunscreens, Mallorca acne has become less common than it was several decades ago.

Skin lesions usually develop 24–72 hours after intense sun exposure, although they may appear several days later.

Typical features include:

• Small, uniform red papules measuring 1–4 mm
• Occasionally small nodules or vesicles
• Marked itching, which is generally absent in acne vulgaris

An important diagnostic feature distinguishing Mallorca acne from acne vulgaris is the absence of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). The lesions are typically uniform in size and appearance, producing a monomorphic eruption.

The rash most commonly affects sun-exposed areas such as:

• Shoulders
• Upper arms
• Décolletage
• Chest
• Upper back

The face is often spared or only mildly affected, which also helps differentiate Mallorca acne from acne vulgaris.

Treatment differs from that of acne vulgaris, making dermatological evaluation particularly important.

Prevention remains the most effective approach and includes:

• Gradual sun exposure
• Daily use of lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreens
• Avoiding oily tanning products
• Showering after excessive sweating
• Wearing lightweight cotton clothing
• Avoiding sun exposure during peak UV hours

How should acne-prone skin be cared for during summer?

Basic skincare recommendations include:

• Use lightweight, non-comedogenic skincare products
• Apply SPF 30+ or SPF 50+ sunscreen formulated specifically for oily and acne-prone skin every day
• Gently cleanse the face after sweating or exercise
• Avoid excessively drying the skin
• Do not squeeze or pick acne lesions
• Continue prescribed dermatological treatment unless your dermatologist advises otherwise

Should acne treatment be discontinued during summer?

One of the most common mistakes is stopping treatment as soon as the skin begins to improve.

Many topical acne medications can be safely continued throughout the summer when combined with appropriate photoprotection. In certain cases, your dermatologist may modify your treatment regimen or adjust the frequency of application to minimize the risk of irritation while maintaining treatment efficacy.

A dermatologist's key advice

If your acne worsens during or after sun exposure, scheduling a dermatology consultation before the summer season can help optimize your treatment plan and reduce the risk of new inflammatory lesions, acne scars, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Consistent skincare, daily sun protection, and an individualized treatment plan prescribed by a dermatologist remain the most effective strategies for maintaining healthy skin throughout the summer.