Acne is one of the most common skin problem and summer heat can exacerbate the condition further. So, what’s a girl got to do to stop acne breakouts from ruining a summer glow-up? Well, to fight any problem effectively, it is always best to know the root causes, and in the case of summer acne, the culprits are usually sweat buildup and oil-clogged pores.
That’s why buying products that don’t clog your pores is a good rule of thumb, especially during the hot summer months. But there is a lot more that you can do to stop acne right in its tracks before it blows up into an almighty breakout. And so, to help you in your battle against acne, we came up with five essential hacks that everyone needs to follow to keep their skin glowing and acne-free.
Avoid Irritating the Skin
Honestly, this may seem like pretty basic advice, but we just can’t stress this enough. You must avoid irritating your skin at all costs. So, no hard scrubs or harsh exfoliants. Also, avoid using rough towels or handkerchiefs to wipe your skin. In fact, we suggest that you don’t wipe your skin at all.
Instead, always lightly pat away any sweat build-up because this method is a lot gentler on the skin compared with vigorous rubbing and wiping that just irritates the skin and does more harm than good. A good tip is to switch out rough towels with softer cotton ones because they are less likely to damage the skin.
Avoid Sweat Buildup
Another thing that we can’t stress enough is hygiene. Always remember that our skin tends to produce more oil and, of course, sweat during the summer, so taking regular showers is really important if you want to avoid breakouts.
Because it’s this deadly combination of oil and sweat that clogs up pores and causes those horrible pimples, we recommend wearing clothes that are made of more breathable materials like cotton so that you do not sweat too much.
Also, remember that it’s really important to take a shower after exercising; otherwise, sweat and bacteria will just accumulate on your skin. Furthermore, wash sweaty workout clothes before wearing them again.
Switch Up Your Skin Care Routine
If you want to keep summer breakouts at bay, investing in a few good skincare products can make a huge difference. Of course, each person’s skin is different, and you may want to consult your dermatologist to get professional advice on skincare products.
This will ensure that you buy something that is well suited to your own skin, but there are a few key skincare ingredients that are generally recommended to prevent acne. For example, look for soaps or body washes that have Benzoyl peroxide in them because they are a great way of fighting bacterial accumulation.
But our all-time favorite is a glycolic acid face wash. Glycolic acid is literally a miracle worker for the skin because it not only prevents acne breakouts but also helps reduce hyperpigmentation, lines, and wrinkles on the skin. This is a skincare product with multiple benefits, so you might want to keep it in mind.
We also highly recommend that you switch out heavy creams and oil-based moisturizers for lighter serums. You only need to focus on keeping your skin hydrated and so it’s better to leave those heavy-duty creams for winter.
Plus, make sure that you get products that have non-comedogenic properties. Basically, these are products that do not clog your pores, so the chances of getting acne breakouts are next to nothing when using these products.
Lastly, you can also get a good clay mask from any drugstore. These are really very affordable, especially if you don’t want to spend too much getting more high-end skincare products. A good clay mask removes excess oil from your skin and also sucks out any impurities, so it’s definitely not a bad option.
Choose The Correct Makeup Products
Just like skincare, with makeup too, less is more, especially when the humidity levels start to shoot on a hot day. So, ease up on the heavy full-coverage foundation and the layers of concealer. Another big mistake is working out with your makeup on.
Sweat plus make-up only equals clogged pores, which is pretty much inviting an acne breakout to happen. So, opt for lighter products like tinted moisturizers and liquid blush tints but stay away from all cream-based make-up in general during summertime.
Tiny Diet Changes Can Have Big Results
According to dermatologists, your diet also plays a role when it comes to summer acne. Try to avoid eating oily or fried foods and also try to minimize processed foods in your diet. Processed food is chock-full of trans fats that increase oil production in the skin, which can lead to acne.
Also, try to cut back on sugar intake because, just like trans fats, a high sugar diet can lead to an increase in oil production as well as clogged pores. This can lead to inflammation and may increase the chances of breaking out, so you may want to factor this in when choosing your meals.
Try to include more fiber in your diet (oats are a very good choice), and also try to get your daily intake of vitamins by incorporating more fruits and veggies.
Eating foods with Vitamin A and carotenoids is also very important because carotenoids help reduce acne. This is why including carrots and spinach in your diet is quite beneficial if you want to prevent acne and inflammation.
Final Thoughts
So now we have taken a look at everything you need to know when answering the question of how to prevent developing acne during hot weather? Preventing acne breakouts involves following a holistic approach, and there is no instant cure. Your best bet to prevent summer acne is to invest in a good skincare regimen that includes oil-free products and a well-balanced diet that replaces sugary foods with healthier options like fruit and vegetables.
