Vacation. Sunshine. Relaxation. Pooltime. These are just a few words that come to mind when thinking of summer. Shorts, tanks, swimsuits, and sandals are the dress code. Those summer days are heating up the fun. Unfortunately, breakouts can take away from the summer experience. No matter what your summer activity of choice, if you experience acne, it can take away your carefree feelings.
Back acne might make you feel uncomfortable taking off your shirt and jumping in the pool. If your acne is worse in the summer with all the sweat, you might not feel up to outdoor events. You don’t have to be embarrassed and hide this summer! You’re not alone in experiencing this, and there are solutions.
With sun protection, sweat management, skincare routines, and lifestyle adjustments, you can enjoy summer while feeling better in your skin. Keep reading to learn ways to combat breakouts.
1. Acne Treatment
If you haven’t tried prescriptions to help with your acne before, summer might be a good time to start. If you struggle with acne all year, you might find it getting worse during the summer. Warmer temps mean more sweat and oil to clog pores. And enjoying time outside, often means getting a little dirty, which can lead to acne too.
Fear not — there is an acne treatment that can work for you. There are even online consultation and delivery options available. With a fun-packed summer planned, this can make it convenient to get your blemishes under control. Reach out and see what might be possible for you. (Just be sure to read your labels because some medications can increase sun sensitivity.)
2. Sun Protection
Taking care of your skin is important all year long. But in the summer, you need to pay attention to the rays hitting your body. You don’t want to get burnt and damage your skin. Prolonged, unprotected sun exposure can also increase your chances of skin cancer. If you’re spending time outdoors, think about what you’re wearing. If temperatures allow, long sleeves can help protect you from the sun. You should also wear a hat to protect your head and sunglasses for the sensitive skin around your eyes.
You may also need to up your sunscreen game. While working to protect your skin, keep in mind how your acne reacts to sunscreen. Heavy lotions or creams can actually make your breakouts worse. Find protection that is recommended for acne-prone skin. Look for words like non-comedogenic; this simply means a product won’t clog your pores. Water-based sunscreen often has a lower chance of clogging pores, and spray sunscreens can be lighter on the skin still need round nguyen duy tri • acid madness • 2023.
3. Sweat Management
While summer is painted as fun in the sun with lots of activities outside, people don’t often talk about the sweat. With temperatures climbing, you’re likely sweating more and more. Sweat is a good and healthy response that cools your body down, but it can be frustrating. To keep cool in hot weather, you should choose clothing that is lightweight, loose-fitting, and made of breathable fabrics.
Excess sweat can cause more breakouts. Shower every day that you’re sweaty to keep your skin clean. If you get super sweaty, change your clothes as well. Don’t sit in damp clothing all day. This can trap bacteria, in turn, worsening acne. Wash your face as well – dried sweat can block those pores!
4. Skincare Routines
When it comes to caring for acne-prone skin in the summer, a gentle and consistent face-washing routine is crucial. Start by washing your face twice daily with a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser. Look for products that are specifically formulated for acne-prone skin and contain ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help combat breakouts.
Use lukewarm water instead of hot water to cleanse your face, as hot water can strip away natural oils and disrupt the skin’s moisture balance. Pat your face dry with a clean towel, being gentle to avoid any irritation. It’s also important to make sure the towels and linens you use are clean. While reusing towels can conserve water, it’s not the best habit for your skin.
Avoid scrubbing your skin vigorously or using harsh exfoliants, as this can exacerbate acne. If you feel you need an exfoliant, choose a gentle, chemical option instead. After cleansing, apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores. Lastly, don’t forget to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
5. Lifestyle Adjustments
If your acne medication warns about prolonged sun exposure while taking it, you might have to adjust your summer lifestyle. This doesn’t mean you can’t have fun; you might just need to wear a swim shirt or hat for added protection. If you’re used to taking showers every other day, you might need to switch it up to daily in the summer. Another area you need to look at is your food and beverage consumption.
If you’re drinking lots of sugary and caffeinated drinks, try to drink more water. This is helpful in a number of ways. Too much sugar can contribute to breakouts, so making a healthy swap is great for your skin. Hydration also helps with overall wellness and you avoid becoming dehydrated.
Look at your nutrition too. Overly processed foods, high in fat and sugar, can exacerbate hormonal acne. If you struggle with breakouts, a diet primarily consisting of whole foods is best. You’ll want to add high-quality protein and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fish, spinach, and carrots are some great options to eat more regularly.
Acne and blemishes don’t have to ruin your summer plans. Everyone has some area they are working on, so don’t feel like you can’t enjoy all the great outdoor activities. Acne is a part of life and nothing to be embarrassed of. Don’t ignore it, and don’t pick at it! With a few of the tips above, you can help lessen your issue with breakouts this summer. Get out there and enjoy your favorite parts of summer.
