Summer should be a time when you look forward to showing off your sun-kissed glow. But there’s a dark side to the glorious sunny months: Hot, humid weather intensifies our skin’s oil production, which can lead to breakouts. Stop summer acne before it starts with these dermatologist-approved skincare tips.
Wash Your Face Regularly
Sweat, environmental damage, and pollution can all cause dirt buildup, so it’s important to wash your face two to three times a day during the summer. It’s also important to blot sweat from your skin – not wipe it away – with a clean towel or cloth to remove excess oil. Wiping sweat off can irritate your skin, which can also lead to breakouts.
Don’t Over-Wash
While a proper summertime routine should thoroughly cleanse pores to increase epidermal turnover, beware of over washing, which can dry skin out, create more inflammation, and induce acne.
Switch to Light SPF Moisturizer
Substitute your thick moisturizer for a lighter formula with SPF in it. Heavy moisturizers can clog your pores and prevent them from breathing. Reapply every two hours to stay protected, especially if you’re going to be in the sun.
Use Oil-Free Sunscreen
Avoid sunburns that inflame your skin by wearing sunscreen every day. Look for non-comedogenic ones, which won’t clog pores or cause blemishes due to their non-acne-forming formulas. The label may say “oil-free” or “won’t clog pores.”
Tone Morning and Night
The summer sun can cause dry skin, which can lead to dead cells that clog your pores. Using toner in the morning and at night removes these dead cells and allows your new skin to reproduce faster. Look for a toner that’s packed with antioxidants, aloe vera, and witch hazel to soothe and detoxify.
If you have particularly oily skin, try toners with key ingredients such as zinc, green tea, niacinamide, and salicylic acid. All these help prevent clogged pores, regulate sebum production, and reduce inflammation. A good replacement for drying toner is a serum with salicylic acid.
Wear Minimal Makeup
You may find foundation is a big pore-clogging culprit during the summer. Instead, cover problem areas with a light tinted moisturizer or an herbal concealer applied with a brush. When going out for the evening, clean your face, then reapply your moisturizer. Follow up with a concealer stick and perhaps mascara. You don’t need to use every product in your makeup bag.
Wash Your Hair
If your forehead is a breakout-prone area, wash your hair more frequently to prevent extra oil from clogging your pores. Frequent shampooing calls for a product that also hydrates your strands.
Take Extra Precautions When Working Out
To prevent body acne, shower after a workout – or at least use a towel and water to remove remaining sweat salts. If you’re exercising in the sun, wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing that wicks sweat away from the skin. And always wash sweaty clothes and gear before wearing them again.