While modern methods of treatment have set aside the potential of sunbathing to treat acne, recent studies have shown that sunbathing is an excellent antidote for acne.

 A study by researchers at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine revealed that fluctuations in Vitamin D3 levels control the body’s immune response and influence wounded skin’s ability to heal.

Acne causes inflammation, swelling and redness on the skin. The wounded skin, for its repairing process, and to protect against infection needs vitamin D3.  A deficiency of this vitamin makes the patient more prone to microbial attacks and hence increases the chances of being infected by skin disorders like acne. The sun is a rich source of vitamin D and hence helps clear acne.

Wounds in the skin produce an antimicrobial peptide called cathelicidin that controls the growth of bacteria. Vitamin D also helps cathelicidin in this attack. When there is a wound, the cathelicidin production increases. Keratinocytes are skin cells present around the wound during injury. This increases the production of vitamin D3 thereby helping in detecting microbes. Cathelicidin along with vitamin D3 is produced with the help of these genes.

Do not overdo sunbathing as the rays of the sun are also capable of harming your skin.