Even people without acne-prone skin can find themselves dealing with breakouts during the summer months. For those who regularly experience acne, summertime can make the problem much more severe.
Being proactive in the summer with skincare products and routines can avoid seasonal breakouts altogether, or mitigate ones that have already flared up.
Esthetician Stephanie Criscione, Director of Education and Acne Clinic at Face Reality, shares her insights about what causes summer acne, how to navigate it, and what products she recommends to her clients.
Q: How does summer weather impact acne?
A: Increased sebum (oil) production due to hot weather and UV exposure leads to higher levels of bacteria, skin inflammation, and overall skin damage. Excess heat and humidity can prevent products from properly absorbing and easily clog pores.
Additionally, many summer activities that involve specific gear, such as helmets and masks, can lead to acne mechanica — a type of acne caused by friction or pressure against the skin.
Q: What ingredients should clients with acne stay away from?
A: Lightweight, oil-free products are especially important during the summer. Individuals with acne-prone skin should generally avoid ingredients that can clog pores or cause irritation such as heavy oils (coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter), alcohols, silicones, and mineral oil.
I recommend that clients experiencing frequent breakouts, whether year round or just in summer, switch to products specifically created for acne-prone skin.
Q: What specific ingredients do you recommend acne-prone clients to add to their skincare routine to help combat the effects of summer?
A: Salicylic — a beta hydroxy acid — helps exfoliate the skin, dislodge impactions, and reduce sebum production. Also, Vitamin C protects against environmental damage, reduces inflammation, and helps to prevent dark spots from forming.
Q: If someone is experiencing acne for the first time during the summer, but typically has clear skin in other seasons, what might be the culprit?
A: Acne tropicalis, also known as tropical acne, tends to affect individuals in tropical or subtropical regions, though it can also affect people who are simply experiencing prolonged hot, humid conditions where they live.
The condition is often more severe than regular acne and can be challenging to manage due to the constant environmental triggers: namely, heat and humidity create the perfect conditions for bacterial and fungal growth and infections.
It's important to keep the skin as clean and dry as possible throughout the day. Shower regularly, especially after sweating; wash your face properly with a gentle cleanser; and wear moisture-wicking, breathable clothing.
Q: Any other advice for avoiding summer acne?
A: Stick to exfoliating two to three times a week with a gentle scrub (for non-inflamed acne) or a chemical exfoliant containing mandelic, salicylic, or glycolic acid.
Stephanie's Picks for Summer: Face Reality's 5% Advanced Acne Med, Ultimate Protection SPF28, Sal-C Toner, Brighten-C Mask, 5% L-Mandelic Serum, 5% Glycolic Serum.