Summer Acne: What Causes It and How to Prevent It

Summertime is all about fun under the sun, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of your skin and its radiance. Many people have acne breakouts during this season, but it is possible to identify the causes and take care of your skin to regain a clear complexion.

What causes summer acne?

While having breakouts in the summer can be disappointing, it’s a common problem that many people struggle with. The hot weather in combination with seasonal activities can often irritate the skin. Learn more about the causes of summer acne and solutions to keep your skin clear and happy all season long.

1. Avoid the heat

Heat can be one of the top triggers for summer acne. Discomfort aside, DermOnDemand dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman confirms that warmth makes your pores more likely to trap oil, bacteria and dead skin cells.

“This creates a perfect environment for acne-causing bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes to thrive,” Kopelman says.

She also adds that acne flares are natural during the summer, especially for people who are physically active and spend time outdoors.

“I see a lot of patients come in with breakouts that are worse than usual once the weather gets hot and humid,” Dr. Kopelman says. “The combination of sweat, oil and sunscreen buildup can clog pores and trigger inflammation.”

It’s in your skin’s best interest to schedule time to stay out of the sun when you can. Balance your outdoor activities with some nice cool time in the air conditioning.

2. Improve your diet and lifestyle

Sun exposure can be harsh on the skin, but other factors are also at play. Mike Stark, owner of Dermani Medspa Fort Myers, says the skin undergoes plenty of stress during the summer due to diet and lifestyle changes.

One way to help your skin is to eat lighter meals with fruits and vegetables. Helping your body get the nutrients it needs is paramount to skin healing. You should also stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.

Sleep is also key to rejuvenating your skin. While it’s tempting to stay up late when you’re on vacation, your skin will thank you if you stick to a consistent routine.

3. Take care after swimming

A dip in the pool can be a refreshing experience, but the pool’s chlorine content can have mixed effects on the skin’s health.

“Chlorine can be mildly antibacterial and may temporarily dry out oily skin, which can seem helpful for acne at first. But over time, it can strip the skin barrier and lead to irritation or rebound oil production, which can worsen breakouts,” Dr. Kopelman explains.

Swimming in the ocean isn’t always better either.

“Salt water can have a calming effect for some, but it can also be drying or irritating for others, especially if there are open pimples or sensitive skin,” Kopelman says.

Be sure to moisturize if your skin feels dry after swimming, and always cleanse if you have active breakouts.

4. Find a non-comedogenic sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must during the summer, but picking the right product is also important. Dr. Kopelman recommends using a non-comedogenic sunscreen during summer, as greasy or pore-clogging ones may cause more acne flare-ups.

Try Alba Botanica Hawaiian Face Sunscreen for a sunscreen that is also hypoallergenic and fragrance-free to protect the skin. You’ll enjoy water resistance for as long as 80 minutes. If you’re looking for a sunscreen-based face lotion, Eucerin Age Defense Lightweight Sunscreen Lotion skips the oxybenzone and octinoxate to make a skin-friendly formula. It even has hyaluronic acid to boost moisture.

Have sensitive skin? Try Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum — this sunscreen is created for sensitive and gluten-sensitive skin. It has a mineral formula and ceramides for softer skin.

5. Choose gentler ingredients

Upgrade the rest of your skin care routine by looking for gentler acne-clearing products.

“Products that contain ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, chamomile, tea tree, arnica montana and benzoyl peroxide all help clear and prevent breakouts,” Stark says.

Dr. Kopelman seconds this, saying, “In the summer, I often recommend lighter, gel-based products that won’t clog pores. Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and niacinamide are great go-to ingredients. They’re effective at reducing oil, calming inflammation and keeping pores clear.”

She also says azelaic acid is a fantastic option for people with more sensitive skin since it gently treats acne. You can find this ingredient in Reviva Labs Multi-Factor Brightening Creme, along with tranexamic acid, kojic acid and niacinamide.

Kopelman also recommends avoiding heavy creams. It’s best to skip occlusive oils and fragranced products since they can trap heat and worsen breakouts.

6. Wear minimal makeup

A full face of makeup on a hot day often leads to skin feeling sticky and clogged. In the summer, try minimizing your routine by cutting out high coverage foundation and thick powder. If you want a skin tint, consider one with built-in SPF. You can also search for more water-based products for breathability.

Stark says that breathability can help with avoiding acne.

“Humid weather and high temperatures create more sweat, which then mixes with oils (sunscreen, makeup), resulting in more clogged pores and dead skin cells, which creates acne,” Stark says.

Remember to wash off all your makeup before bed. Removing products encourages new skin cells to regenerate and breathe. Double cleanse with a makeup remover and foamy face wash for the best results.

7. Change out of sweaty clothes

It’s also important to prevent acne on your body. If your current clothes feel damp after a long day, shower and change into a fresh set. Send your summer outfits straight to the laundry so they’re clean and safe to wear again.

Don’t forget your summer hats and headgear, as well.

“Wearing occlusive gear like hats or helmets can also worsen breakouts in friction-prone areas like the forehead, shoulders or back—what we call acne mechanica,” says Dr. Kopelman.

While hats are great to protect your face from the sun, you may see more breakouts along your hairline. Be sure to cleanse that area a little extra, and give your hats a wash after a sweaty day.

8. Keep your hands off the pimples

When you see a pimple pop up, it’s tempting to want to take care of it yourself. However, improperly popping a pimple can cause it to scar or linger for weeks.

Keep your hands clean and off your face. If you find yourself picking at breakouts, cover them up with pimple patches. They provide a protective barrier while absorbing the pus and managing the inflammation within.

Keep your summer skin clear

Achieve a clear complexion by managing skin stressors this summer, from heat to excess oil and dripping sweat. You can also go the extra mile by purchasing products that are lightweight, sun protective and acne-friendly. Taking care of your skin will help you enjoy the best days of summer stress-free.