Originally Posted by
Ailos
My apologies Shift, but I have to contradict you.
The sun can temporarily reduce acne by making the skin inhospitable to P. Acnes, and also by drying out the skin upon receiving damaging UV radiation. However, this is a temporary effect and will soon stop working. Not only that, any amount of sun damage will lead to an increase in the chance of developing skin cancer (UV radiation creates tyrosine dimers in the DNA of skin cells).
However, I can't argue against a nice tan. There are enzymes called photoreactive enzymes (PRE) that repair these tyrosine dimers upon exposure to blue-spectrum light. PRE is actually added to sun block now, but if you want a safe tan, perhaps you could locate PRE without UV blockers (though your skin will still exhibit aging).
Back to acne, I had acne for the longest time and nothing seemed to work on the topical level (though I had it on my back, chest, face, and neck). I ultimately went to my dermatologist, who recommended isotretinoin (Accutane). Despite it's scary reputation (with claims of depression, suicide, etc.), he seemed to think it was fine. And it works. I'm still on it now, and my skin is as clear as summer blue skies. Studies actually show that the incidence of suicide is actually higher in the general population than in the population taking isotretinoin. I have noticed a slight fluctuation in mood, but I've always kind of been that way.
Though if you find response to topical treatments, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, etc., then that's great. You may also want to look into systemic antibiotics, though they run you the slight risk of colitis (at least some of them do).
Anyways, hope that helps!