Anytime there's a tan, there's skin damage. A tan might temporarily camouflage acne, but it could also aggravate it. Dr. Jaliman sees many patients whose tan has hardened their skin. Oil, unable to drain naturally, clogs beneath the tough layer, increasing blemishes. Even if the skin doesn't harden, sunning can worsen acne, thanks to sweat, heat, and higher bacterial count.
Summer is the worst time for acne.