A change of seasons always brings with it new challenges and new needs for your skin, but your local skin clinic is with you every step of the way.
With late spring heatwaves giving us a taste of what summer will be like, many people are making preparations to avoid the discomfort of acne breakouts over the summer.
If they do arise, a range of treatments are available to soothe your skin, prevent and remove the effects of acne scarring, with everything from microdermabrasion to laser therapy providing relief based on your skin type.
However, since preventative aesthetics are better than more intensive treatments, it is worth exploring why we often get breakouts over the summer, what you can do about it and how we can help.
Why Do You Get More Acne Breakouts In Summer?
Our skin is particularly adaptable to seasonal changes in weather, humidity and heat, but it can take time for the skin to acclimatise and for you to develop the right skincare plan for the season.
The primary causes of summer acne are excess oil, which clogs and congests pores, alongside extra skin sensitivity and sweat, but there is a huge range of both biological, environmental and social factors which lead to more breakouts.
Here are just a few, and why they are so critical:
Heat
Warm weather makes our bodies produce sweat, which mixes with the oils already on the skin as well as sunscreen, makeup and other skincare products to block pores.
Humidity
Alongside sweat, the moisture levels of the air tend to increase in summer, leaving us feeling clammy and sticky, and our pores increasingly blocked.
Excess Oil Production
If you already have oily skin, heat can make the T-zone act up further and produce more oil to block pores.
Heavy Sunscreen
Wearing a high-SPF is all but vital in summer weather, but as it is a very thick cream or lotion, it can form too heavy a barrier for some skin types to manage.
Makeup
Additional makeup on top of a sunscreen can intensify the issues some types of skin have with breathing, and lots of oil, sweat and makeup products can lead to breakouts.
Wiping Your Face
When it is hot, you cannot help but touch your face or wipe your face to give yourself a bit of relief, but this can transfer the bacteria and dirt from your hands to your face, causing bacterial infections that can contribute to some types of acne.
Disrupted Regimes
It is not always easy to keep on top of skincare routines, particularly if you are travelling, spending a lot of time outdoors or partying late into the night.
How Can You Minimise Breakouts During The Summer?
The key to minimising breakouts is to plan your skincare routine ahead of time, minimise sweat as much as possible and not allow anything to linger too much on your skin during hot days and humid nights.
- Choose lightweight skin products
- Do not compromise on your sunscreen
- Shower after workouts or spending a lot of time outside
- Wear lightweight cotton and minimise friction
- Keep yourself hydrated