How to Avoid Summer Breakouts

It’s not your imagination. Your skin really does produce more oil during hot, humid weather. Sebum feeds acne bacteria and mixes with dead skin cells to clog pores. You’re also sweating more during the summer, and while sweat doesn’t directly cause acne, it can help enhance the conditions that make acne thrive. So how can you get the most out of summer with the least disruption to your skin? A few tweaks to your routine is all it takes to break away from the summer breakout cycle.

Turn Up Your Toner

You should be toning all year round, but in the summertime, you need this pore-refining boost more than ever to keep dirt and oil from building up on your skin and creating impactions. It’s also a good time to bump up to a little more potent toner. Normalizing Tonic Forté takes refinement and radiance to the next level with its AHA cocktail of glycolic, lactic, salicylic, and citric acids, plus healing witch hazel. For a refreshing bonus, store your toner in the refrigerator.

Don’t Skip The SPF

Contrary to popular belief, sun is not good for clearing acne. Instead, UV exposure causes inflammation which can make acne worse. It can also cause a pimple to become a dark hyperpigmented scar. Use sunscreen whether spending a day at the beach or just running around town to avoid aggravating acne and initiating photodamage. Day Treatment Lotion SPF 15 delivers non-greasy, non-comedogenic moisture and sun protection in one.  

Keep Your Skin Clean

Basic, right? But the increase in sweat and oil combined with sunscreen and makeup means greater potential for clogged pores so extra diligence is required. Use a cleanser formulated to kill acne bacteria and support a healthy skin mantle. Our BP 3% Acne Wash or Mandelic Acid 3-In-1 Exfoliating Cleanser are good choices. For an added clarifying boost, carry Daily Repair Pads formulated with salicylic acid to refresh throughout the day.

Beware of Hair

Oil from your hair can exacerbate acne, especially on the forehead and cheeks. Additionally, many shampoos contain comedogenic ingredients that can make their way onto your face. Some of the worst offenders are common in hair care products. Isopropyl myristate, oils (with the exception of sunflower, safflower and tea tree), sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, and sodium chloride should all be avoided. Wash and condition your hair before washing your face so you can remove any residue left by your hair care products. Keep hair clean and pulled back from your face to avoid adding to your breakout woes. 

Ditch the Makeup

Makeup can contain a lot of pore-clogging (comedogenic) ingredients. With skin already struggling under the additional challenges of the season, this is a good time to lighten up your foundation and avoid cream blushes. If you aren’t ready to go totally makeup free, at least pare down to just the essentials during the summer months to give your skin some breathing room. Use mineral powder in place of foundation. You can mix mineral powder with Vivant’s Day Treatment Lotion SPF 15 for non-comedogenic coverage with sun protection.

Wear Breathable Fabrics

Heat and humidity can increase flareups on the back and chest in addition to the face. These areas are more vulnerable because clothing can trap sweat, dirt, and oil against the skin. Wear loose, breathable clothing and shower immediately after working out to keep skin clean and clear. If you do get body acne, Clear Body Therapy’s potent vitamin A and lactic acid formula is your go-to for a quick clear-up.