Enhancement of comedogenic substances by ultraviolet radiation

Abstract

Ultraviolet radiation enhanced the capacity of human sebum, sulphur, cocoa butter, squalene, and coal tar to produce comedones in the external ear canals of rabbits. An enhancement of the comedogenicity of coal tar and squalene was similarly demonstrated in man. We conjecture that in occasional patients sunbathing may aggravate acne by augmenting the comedogenicity of sebum.