A recent survey of over 1,000 adults has revealed that 1 in 5 (21%) adults admitted to intentionally exposing their acne to the sun during hot weather, in an attempt to clear an acne break-out.

As part of the ‘Life with Acne’ series, La Roche-Posay dismisses the myth that the sun’s rays can help clear the skin, with studies showing that in-fact, UV exposure worsens acne by over-drying the skin and causing the hyper-activation of the sebaceous glands.

Despite this, a further 1 in 6 (16%) believe they are actually more likely to suffer from a break-out as a result of applying an SPF. 1 in 10 (10%) adults also admitted to going without the use of SPF protection in order to help clear blemishes and pimples, with those aged 18-24 most likely (15%) to do this.

This research coincides with the launch of the latest product innovation within the Effaclar range for acne, oily and blemish prone skin by La Roche-Posay – EFFACLAR DUO (+) SPF 30.

Combining the efficacy of award-winning, anti-imperfection formula, EFFACLAR DUO (+), along with added SPF 30 protection, the product works to treat and heal blemish-prone skin, while shielding it from the adverse effects of the sun’s UV rays. Available from pharmacists nationwide, RRP €18.50.

Research findings have also identified the other most common approaches to help clearing a break-out with almost half (46%) of all adults admitting to squeezing their pimples and 1 in 4 (24%) females choosing to go without wearing make-up during a break-out.

(24%) of those surveyed have resorted to washing their face or body more than twice a day during a break-out and 1 in 5 (22%) has admitted to applying toothpaste to pimples in an attempt to make them disappear.