Season of Zits

I read an article in the New York Times that explored whether or not "acne is affected by changes in season." According to the article, "many dermatologists say it is generally thought to flare up in the winter and improve in the summer." The article then goes on about two studies that were conducted in 2002, but they both came up with different findings. One agreed with most dermalogists while the other said the opposite: more outbreaks occur in the summer than in the winter.

Who to believe?

Well, one problem with the studies that found more acne rear their ugly heads in the summer is that "they were based largely on participants' own reports. "

Going back, the reason why pimples lay low in the summer is because of the "increased exposure to sunlight. Studies have found that light, particularly ultraviolet light, destroys an acne-causing bacteria called porphyrins." A study that was out in 2000 claims that light works even better than traditional acne medication such as benzoyl peroxide.

However, according to Dr. Sumayah Jamal, a dermatologist at NYU, warns against excessive sunbathing just to relieve one's self of a constellation of zits. Instead, one should go to a dermatologist who can provide harmless light to remove the pimples.