National Skin Awareness Month Spotlight - Sun Damage and Acne: What You Need to Know

September is National Skin Awareness Month, a reminder to check in on the health of your skin. Two of the most common concerns we see at Lifeways Integrative Wellness at this time of the year is sun damage and acne. While they may seem like separate issues, they’re often connected—and the good news is there are effective ways to treat both.

How the Sun Impacts Your Skin

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays cause both immediate and long-term changes in the skin:

• Short-term: redness, sunburn, and irritation.
• Long-term: premature aging, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, sunspots, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
• Deep damage: UV rays break down collagen and DNA in skin cells, weakening your skin’s natural repair system.

The Connection Between Sun Damage and Acne

It’s a common myth that the sun helps clear acne by “drying it out.” In reality:

• Temporary improvement – Acne may look better at first, but only for a short time.
• More breakouts – Sun exposure thickens the skin and clogs pores, leading to future flare-ups.
• Darkened acne scars – UV rays make post-acne pigmentation and scarring more visible.
• Weakened skin barrier – Sun stress makes it harder for your skin to fight acne-causing bacteria.

Treatments That Help Repair and Restore

At Lifeways Integrative Wellness, we offer evidence-based treatments that address both sun damage and acne concerns:

For Sun Damage

• Laser Treatments (Cynosure & Pico Laser): Target pigmentation, sun spots, and uneven tone while stimulating collagen.
• RF Microneedling (Potenza): Repairs UV-induced damage, tightens skin, and reduces fine lines.
• ZO Skin Health Products: Medical-grade skincare to brighten, protect, and prevent further damage.

For Acne & Scarring

• Laser Acne Treatments: Reduce active breakouts and improve skin clarity.
• SkinPen Microneedling: Boosts natural healing, smooths texture, and softens acne scars.
• ZO Medical Facials & Peels: Balance oil production, calm inflammation, and minimize future breakouts.

Everyday Protection is Key

Even with advanced treatments, prevention matters most:

• Use SPF daily (SPF 30 or higher, oil-free if acne-prone).
• Stay hydrated & nourished with skincare rich in antioxidants.
• Seek shade during peak hours (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).

The Bottom Line

Sun damage and acne don’t just affect how your skin looks—they affect how it heals, regenerates, and ages. This month is the perfect time to start protecting your skin and exploring treatments that help repair past damage.

Ready to take the next step? Book a skin consultation at Lifeways Integrative Wellness and let us create a personalized treatment plan that restores your skin’s health and confidence.