Is your skin breaking out now that it’s summer? Here’s how to get rid of acne.
Summer means sundresses, beach days, increased vitamin D … and breaking out? We wish it weren’t true but the changing of the seasons, spiking temperatures, humidity,and our own increased sweating can wreak havoc on our skin. Of course, acne’s just about the last thing we want to worry about during the more relaxing months of the year.
If you’ve been noticing unusual acne flare-ups since summer started, but weren’t sure if the two were connected, you can at least rest assured that they are. Dr. Dennis Gross, NYC dermatologist and founder of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare, confirmed that suspicion: “Acne in particular and all complexion issues in general seem to be worse in the heat of the summer time.” Cue the collective groan.
Keep reading to find out why you’re breaking out, and how you can prevent it.
Why We Break Out In the Summer -- and What To Do About It
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Why We Break Out In the Summer -- and What To Do About It #1
By Sara Spruch-Feiner
Summer means sundresses, beach days, increased vitamin D ... and breaking out? We wish it weren’t true but the changing of the seasons, spiking temperatures, humidity,and our own increased sweating can wreak havoc on our skin. Of course, acne’s just about the last thing we want to worry about during the more relaxing months of the year.
If you’ve been noticing unusual acne flare-ups since summer started, but weren’t sure if the two were connected, you can at least rest assured that they are. Dr. Dennis Gross, NYC dermatologist and founder of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare, confirmed that suspicion: “Acne in particular and all complexion issues in general seem to be worse in the heat of the summer time.” Cue the collective groan.
Keep reading to find out why you're breaking out, and how you can prevent it.
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What Causes Breakouts?
As for why our skin problems get worse in the summertime, Dr. Gross puts it simply: “Oil production increases, which clogs pores.”
“Summer weather brings humidity. It softens our skin and brings back the moisture lost in winter,” Joie Tavernise, master esthetician and founder of JTav Clinical Skin Care explains. While this sounds like a good thing, unfortunately it can lead to blemishes. "With very hot weather we have an increase in sweat, Tavernise says. "This means more oil production which can clog pores." And though they're good for your health, all those outdoor activities in the heat (beach volleyball, bike rides, morning runs) can negatively impact your skin. All the more reason to have a great plan of action for at-home skincare.
To make matters worse, bacteria levels increase in the summertime, says Gross. "There is also seasonal eczema, which is a result of airborne pollen. Also, obviously by the end of summer many women are dealing with the results of months of sun-exposure (including sunburn, peeling, redness, and dry skin), and so re-hydrating skin is essential,” he notes.
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Keep it Clean
Swap out your cleanser in the summer for something that will target those clog-prone pores, so you can fight acne proactively. Dr. Gross advises looking for toners with alcohol-free ingredients to prevent stripping of the skin. Look for natural alternatives to alcohol, such as Witch Hazel, found in Dr. Dennis Groth Skincare's All-in-One Facial Cleanser with Toner.
You can also try Mizon Acence Tea Tree Tock Blemish Spot, which uses a formula of 15 percent tea tree oil to spot treat blemishes.
Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser contains a combo of charcoal, which helps draw out impurities, and salicylic acid, which acts as an exfoliant, to fight acne.
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Feel Oily? Moisturize Anyway
It may be tempting to use every oil-blocking, mattifying product in your arsenal oiliness -- but your skin actually needs some moisture.
“A good home care regime can help maintain environmental aggressors as well as combat breakouts,” Tavernise explains. “To prevent breakouts, I’d suggest products that are tougher on oil and lighter on moisturizing. The new SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3 supports hydration levels without clogging and also helps even any discoloration.”
Eminence Organics Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer is another solid option -- it's ultra-light and contains soothing cucumber and blemish-blasting tea tree oil, along with exfoliating probiotics to keep skin clear and hydrated. You can also try Cetaphil Moisturizer. The fragrance- and oil-free making it a safe pick for staying hydrated throughout summer.
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Always Spring for SPF
While it can be hard to look past the pimples in the here and now, easily the most important thing you can do for your skin in the summer, in the long-term, is to use SPF. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way from the pasty pale-pink formulas of our youth. SkinCeuticals’ SPF Physical Fusion UV Defense Sunscreen 50 is sheer, super lightweight, boosts the skin’s radiance, and contains SPF 50 -- a number you can be proud of.
Neutrogena's Oil-Free Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF makes it easy to moisturize and protect against the sun all at once.
Further, serums like SkinCeutical’s C E Ferulic work to prevent photoaging and neutralize free radicals for added environmental protection.
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Get Toned + Eliminate Excess Oils
Resist the urge to overdo it with exfoliation. “On hot summer days, cleanse and tone skin normally, as over-scrubbing will in fact, produce more oils,” Dr. Gross explains. Serums like SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel can help calm and soothe the skin, thanks to ingredients like cucumber and thyme. For a more budget-friendly option, Simple's Ultra-Light Gel Moisturizer is a great buy.
You can also try Inglot Refreshing Face Mist -- it comes in two formulas (one for dry/normal skin, and one for oily skin).
