For many people, summer is also the season of the year dominated by the occurrence of unwanted acne. The heat, humidity, and increased sweat can affect the skin, leaving people fighting breakouts when they should be basking in the sun.
Fortunately, summer breakouts can be avoided with a few easy steps that keep the skin clear and radiant. Let’s begin with some tips and highly effective strategies for how you can ensure the bright, glowing look of your skin throughout the summer months.
Tips To Prevent Summer Acne
1. Wash Your Face Properly
Sweat and oil accumulation are major culprits behind breaking out with acne. Increased temperatures and increased humidity means your skin produces more oil. That, in turn, can join together with sweat plus dirt to block pores. Begin fighting that process by making sure to cleanse your skin properly. Cleanse your skin with a mild oil-free cleanser to get rid of excess oil, sweat, and impurities from the skin. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide help open up pores and remove the acne-causing bacteria. However, over-cleansing can take away the skin’s natural oils which can cause irritation, so, avoid doing it.
2. Exfoliate Your Skin Regularly
Exfoliation is necessary because the dead skin cells are not given any chance to accumulate and block the skin pores. This is even more critical during summer when dead skin can combine with sweat and sunscreen to cause breakouts. It’s perfectly okay to use a chemical exfoliant containing AHAs or BHAs. These active ingredients will help in the dissolution of dead skin cells by not allowing pores to clog. But over-exfoliation is a no-go; just 2-3 times a week will suffice. More than that will only result in a lot of redness, and irritation, and could make your acne worse.
3. Choose Non-Comedogenic Products
The products you apply to your skin will make all the difference in trying to prevent acne. Use non-comedogenic sunscreens, moisturizers, and makeup since they do not clog your pores. In this way, you minimize the chances of getting breakouts. Mineral sunscreens that contain either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide can be a good option for sun protection and minimum skin irritation.
4. Don’t Touch Your Face
It is tempting to touch your face, especially when you’re sweaty or feel like you need to adjust your sunglasses. But all you are doing is transferring dirt, oil, and bacteria from your hands onto your skin, leading to ramped-up chances of acne. Try to consciously avoid touching your face throughout the day; if you do have to touch your face for whatever reason, at least make sure your hands are clean.
5. Use Oil-Free Moisturisers
Even if you have oily skin, you should not avoid the moisturiser. In fact, using a light oil-free moisturiser helps in keeping your skin’s production of oil in check. Always look for moisturisers labeled “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic.” Such products moisturise your skin without pouring oil into it and help keep your skin in balance and keep outbreaks away.
6. Wear Lightweight Sunscreen
Sun protection is always important, but in the summertime, it is really important for your skin to protect it. Many sunscreens are thick and can block pores and to avoid that, find one designed for acne-prone skin. Look for “oil-free” and “non-comedogenic” products. Some sunscreens offer additional anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as niacinamide, to further help calm the skin and reduce the redness often seen with acne.
7. Manage Sweat
One of the more dominant causes of summer acne comes in the form of sweat. When combined, oils, bacteria, and sweat lead to a pimple breakout due to clogged pores. If you work out or have spent a lot of time outside, make it a point to clean your face after a good sweat session. That may mean using facial wipes or micellar water to clean the sweat off when washing your face isn’t an option. Wearing breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics may also reduce perspiration and lower the chance of acne.
8. Watch Your Diet
What you eat can reflect on your skin’s health. High sugar and refined carbohydrates can actually cause insulin levels to increase, thus potentially resulting in increased inflammation levels which may raise a host of skin issues, including acne. Eat fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in balanced portions. Berries and leafy vegetables are full of antioxidants that can help with inflammation and support good skin.
9. Professional Help
If you have already applied several over-the-counter remedies and still experience summer acne, you may want to see a dermatologist. They will further advise based on your particular condition and prescribe stronger treatments if necessary. For persistent acne, even professional treatments such as chemical peels and laser therapy can be resorted to in order to give your skin a better look.
Conclusion
Prevention of summer acne includes taking care of your skin properly. Consistency is the key to clear skin. Apply these methods to your daily routine and get ready to have an acne-free summer full of glowing skin. Consider seeing a dermatologist for specialized acne treatment if over-the-counter products aren’t working or are making it worse.
