Summer is finally here! As the sun makes its way closer to the northern hemisphere, our to-do list of sun-drenched activities is filling up. But with the added heat, humidity, and consistent re-application of sunscreen, you might find yourself noticing more whiteheads, blackheads, breakouts, and inflammation.

Not everyone experiences an increase in acne during the warmer months, but it is a common problem that can depend on several factors:

• If you have oily skin, the sun tends to dry out our skin more in summer, increasing oil production.
• Sweat is more likely to occur, further escalating the chances of makeup, dirt, sunscreen and other substances getting into our pores, making them clogged.
• Some sunscreens and skincare formulas are too heavy for the summer, especially if you already have acne-prone skin, leading to blocked pores and a greater likelihood of breakouts.

Having pimples can get in the way of your summertime fun, making it harder to enjoy it to the fullest. The best course of action is to take steps to avoid any breakouts before they even happen with a few simple steps:

1. Lighten up your skincare routine.

Making seasonal switches in your skincare routine can help you evade the chances of clogged pores that can lead to blemishes. If your skin is prone to oiliness, it’s better to stick to lighter, non-comedogenic formulas with oil-regulating ingredients like AHAs, Retinols, or Salicylic Acid to help combat the effects of summer weather on your skin.

2. Wash your face more frequently.

Stepping up your cleansing game is another easy fix that can save you from a complexion meltdown. With the increase of sweat and oils, especially after working out or spending time in the sun, washing your face more often will help to clear pores from residues and impurities that can anger your skin and cause an acne flare-up.

3. Choose an appropriate sunscreen.

Wearing sunscreen is already a must, but in the heat of summer, adding another heavy or greasy layer to your face might not sound like the best idea. However, with today’s innovations, you can find a suitable SPF formula for acne-prone skin. Look for options that are lightweight and oil-free to stay protected without weighing your skin down.

4. Stay hydrated.

More heat and sunscreen can leave you and your skin feeling dried out, leading to an increase in oil production to compensate for the moisture loss. Keep yourself comfortable and hydrated by drinking plenty of water—your skin will thank you for it!

5. Be mindful of your makeup.

Heavy skincare is not the only culprit that could be causing blocked pores. Denser liquid and cream makeup formulas could also lead to pimples and breakouts, especially when combined with sweating and oily skin. Opting for lightweight and/or mineral makeup will help minimize your risk of summer blemishes.

Although we do our best to prevent blemishes from happening, sometimes no matter the effort, they still emerge. If you find yourself in a pimple panic, don’t worry! There are some quick fixes you can try to help speed up healing and get your complexion perfection back in no time.

1. Apply a topical spot treatment.

A spot treatment with exfoliating and purifying ingredients will offer a more intensive action on your blemishes to clear them up faster.

2. Use an antibiotic ointment before bed.

Applying an antibiotic ointment on your pimples before bed can help them more thoroughly absorb the ingredients to clear up the breakout-causing bacteria.

3. Reduce swelling and inflammation with ice.

Wrapping an ice cube in a paper towel and placing it over your breakouts for 10 minutes at a time can help to reduce redness, swelling and pain in the area to not only make them look smaller, but also keep you more comfortable.

4. Seek out professional advice.

If all else fails and you’re still not seeing clearer skin, consult with a licensed dermatologist who can guide you to the right regimen for a targeted action against acne. 

Having an acne breakout in summer can be frustrating, but with the right steps, you can prevent, treat and conceal blemishes and minimize your chances of future occurrences.