Summer is here! Time to enjoy those cold beverages and get your cute crop tops, skirts and comfy T-shirts out of the bed cabinets. For those of us who love summer, the finest parts of the season is that you can bring your A-game to fashion, follow that dedicated skincare routine and look your best. But what about acne that gets worse during summer?
How do we know, you may ask? Well, let’s just say you are not alone. There are a lot of people whose acne gets worse this time of the year. If you wondering why only summer? Keep reading the blog to find out. In addition, we will also be enlightening you with some tips that can help control summer acne.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Why does your acne become worse in summer?
Yes, summer is the culprit. You can freely blame the weather. First things first, you may know that the underlying cause of acne is excess oil production in the skin. This increase in oiliness can also breed bacteria, which can worsen acne.
That said, summer is the time when the weather gets hotter and humidity levels rise. Hence, we sweat a lot. Sweating leads to clogged pores, hence more oil production.
In addition, you can also blame the cold beverages that are full of sugar. Sugar affects your insulin levels and the health of your gut, affecting your skin in the worst way possible.
Tips to prevent acne in summers
Keep your skin clean:
Picture this. You get back home from work and you’re dead tired. We get it. But you should still muster up some courage to get up and wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Sleeping with the dust and pollutants on your skin all throughout the day is the worst thing you can do for your skin. Here is a gentle reminder that sweating can clog pores and lead to breakouts, so it’s crucial to cleanse your skin at least 2 times a day, especially after sweating and before bedtime. Make sure the cleanser you are using is appropriate for your skin type. You wouldn’t want to use cleansers with oils if you have oily skin. It will lead to more breakouts.
Use a lightweight moisturiser:
Oily skin and moisturiser, you may think they don’t go well together. You may believe that moisturising would most probably make your acne worse. But whichever skin type you have – oily or not, a moisturiser is a must.
However, you must ensure that you opt for oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturisers to keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores. Look for products labelled “non-acnegenic” or “non-comedogenic” to ensure they won’t contribute to breakouts.
Protect your skin from the sun:
In summer or winter, you need to protect your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays. You must note that sun exposure can initially dry out acne lesions, it can ultimately lead to increased oil production and more breakouts. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days, and reapply it every two hours when spending time outdoors.
Choose the right skincare products:
You must choose skincare products according to your skin type. Avoid heavy, pore-clogging products such as thick creams and greasy sunscreens. Instead, opt for lightweight, oil-free formulations that won’t aggravate acne-prone skin. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which can help prevent breakouts.
Stay hydrated:
Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins from your body and keeps your skin hydrated from the inside out. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and avoid sugary beverages and excessive caffeine, which can dehydrate your skin.
Watch your diet:
You may have a sweet tooth or you may be addicted to junk food. Whichever the case, you must know that certain foods, such as dairy, sugary treats, and greasy foods, can trigger acne flare-ups in some individuals. Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to promote clear skin from within.
Avoid touching your face:
How many times do you touch your face throughout the day? Countless times, is it? If yes, here is a gentle reminder that your hands can transfer dirt, bacteria, and oil to your face, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Resist the urge to touch your face throughout the day, and if you need to, wash your hands thoroughly first.
Shower after sweating:
What do you do after a workout? Please don’t say that you lie on your bed with all the sweat over your face and body. You must note that after sweating, whether from exercise or spending time outdoors, must take a shower as soon as possible to remove sweat and bacteria from your skin. This will help prevent pore blockages and breakouts.
Closing thoughts
As you gear up for summer fun, don’t let acne dampen your spirits. By following these easy tips, you can keep your skin clear and glowing all season long. So, get out there and enjoy the sun without worrying about breakouts. Here’s to a summer filled with confidence and radiant skin!