Why Acne Can Worsen in the Summer
How the Summer Can Cause More Acne
Heat and Acne
When the sun is shining, it’s normal to be outside more than the rest of the year. Sports are in session, school is out, and people are having get-togethers. For people who suffer from acne, these situations might make the skin more irritated for a number of reasons.
Being active in the sun can cause us to sweat more and can lead to clogged pores from dirt and oils sticking to moist skin, as well as in our hair and on our bodies. Humidity might make these conditions worse, so keeping our face, hair, and bodies washed and clean regularly will help pores stay small and empty.
Keeping the Skin Clean
Acne has a bacterial component to it as well, which thrives in areas with no oxygen, like oil-filled pores. It’s believed that the bacteria causes more inflammation to the area, which is already disturbed from the dirt and oil held in the pore. While this bacteria doesn’t cause the acne, it does make the inflammation worse, especially in cases of severe acne.
Products like moisturizing creams, oils, and sunscreens might have ingredients that are actually irritating your skin and can clog your pores. Finding products that have minimal ingredients might help keep acne outbreaks under control.
Stressors in Summer
The social scene in the summer might cause some stress for people with acne or increased pressure to keep any blemish under control for those with normally clear skin. In either case, over-washing in an attempt to keep the skin clear can become a problem too. When we strip our skin of natural oils, it might produce more to compensate for what was washed off. This, plus your moisturizer, might end up making your skin more oily and promoting congested pores.
Parties in the summer are a given, but much of the food served can be bad for acne. Sugar, chips, cakes, pasta, soda, alcohol, and meat are all contributors to excess sebum, which can build up and clog pores. Maintaining a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and plant-based proteins will help keep the negative effects of sweets, snacks, and certain kinds of drinks at bay.
Being out more and into late hours can also be stressful on our bodies. It might also interrupt our sleep schedule, which is an important time for skin cell regeneration. When we lose too much sleep, it shows on our skin. With duller and dryer skin, pores are more likely to be congested or covered, setting the stage for not only acne, but potentially wrinkles and poorly nourished skin in the long term.
Keeping Skin Care Habitual
With busy schedules, it’s very important to keep a regular skincare routine, a consistent sleep schedule, and a balanced diet. Staying hydrated throughout the day is always essential for general health and skincare, especially during the summer with higher temperatures that can dry us out. Drinking plenty of water will also keep your blood moving, helping your cells stay hydrated and supporting your skin in removing impurities and buildup.
This summer, make sure you keep your acne under control by making skincare a daily habit. For professional acne treatments like a chemical peel, laser therapy, or microdermabrasion, schedule an appointment to talk to one of our dermatologists to see what would be best for your skin’s needs.