Summer Acne Survival Guide

There are few things better than the days (and nights) of summer.  

Sun-drenched afternoons at the beach flow into the gentle warmth of evenings lit by the glow of fireflies, and late nights surrounded by those you love most. 

This season, for many of us, can be a real balm for the spirit after long, gloomy winters and cold, rainy springs. 

But for those of us who suffer from acne, it can spell hot, sweaty, trouble for breakout-prone skin. 

The good news? There’s something you can do about it.

Most commonly, environmental triggers like the heat and humidity of warmer months contribute to breakouts by amping up the production of pore-clogging sweat and oil. 

“In the summer months,” dermatologist Sean McGregor, DO, tells Cleveland Health, “increased sweating can lead to clogged or obstructed pores.”¹ He goes on to say that other environmentally-related factors, like certain sunscreens, can also contribute to acne by trapping oil and debris against the skin. 

According to recent research, the sun itself may even be behind worsening acne. According to a study published in 2023, while sun exposure may temporarily improve acne lesions (blemishes), solar radiation can actually trigger or worsen acne breakouts.² 

A dip in the pool could take its toll, as well. A 2022 study found that just one hour of swimming in chlorinated water could leave skin more prone to both acne and dryness.³ 

Additional research suggests that other environmental considerations, like the conditions created by air conditioning, may dehydrate the skin and disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, which can contribute to the development of acne.⁴ 

In addition to the weather and environment, especially in the case of adult summer acne, there may be a number of additional blemish-causing culprits at play. 

Summer can cause hormonal shifts in both men and women, which can be significant for acne-prone skin. Increased exposure to the sun means more vitamin D, which can influence estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone levels. In addition to other summer conditions like heat, and dehydration, and can do a number on sleep hormones like melatonin and stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline (or epinephrine).⁵

• Alcohol. More time spent having cocktails (if you partake) on the patio with friends can mean more acne flare-ups on the surface of skin. According to University of Colorado researchers, people are about “19% more likely to have consumed alcohol in July than in January. This spike,” they say, “is likely due to increased socializing, vacations, and outdoor events during warmer months.”⁶ While alcohol may not cause breakouts directly, its impact on bodily systems like immunity and hormone production is linked to both new and worsened acne.

• Smoking. The occasional cigarette can also be a breakout trigger. Like alcohol, research shows that cigarette use tends to trend upwards in the summer months.⁷ Scientists have found strong correlations between cigarette use and breakouts.⁸

With summer fun can come elevated stress. While it may be the season of slower, easier living, summertime often means travel plans, disrupted routines, and packed social calendars, which can all contribute to elevated levels of stress. Research shows very strong ties between stress and acne, especially in adult women.⁹ 

• Reduced appetite. Hot temps can suppress appetites, which can lead to lower intake of essential skin-supporting nutrients.

• Dehydration. Water is a vital nutrient, just like vitamins and minerals, and proper hydration levels play a crucial role in helping the body absorb nutrients that support all bodily systems, including healthy skin.

• Electrolytes. Sweating can lead to a loss of electrolytes, including minerals like magnesium and potassium, which help support clear, healthy skin.   

Tired of battling stubborn summer acne? 

Try these eight tips to help support a clear, radiant complexion through the dog days and beyond.

1.  Build a summer-focused skincare routine. 

   • Cleanse correctly. Use a gentle, oil-free cleanser morning and evening to thoroughly remove sweat, oil, and build-up without stripping skin. 

   • Opt for a lightweight moisturizer. Follow your cleanser with a non-comodegenic (won’t clog pores) moisturizer to keep skin hydrated and prevent excess oil production. Skip heavier cream formulas, which are more appropriate for cold, dry months, and select a lighter weight product.  

   • Choose your sunscreen wisely. Look for an oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen to protect without triggering or worsening breakouts. Select products specially-formulated for face and body. Derms recommend daily wear with a minimum SPF of 30. 

   • Spot treat like a pro. Avoid harsh topical spot treatments that can leave skin dry and irritated, and opt for gentle, barely-there hydrocolloid spot treatment patches like Clear Skin Spot Dots to calm, clear, and protect without overdrying.

2.  Wear breathable clothing. Swap tight clothing and synthetic fabrics for looser fits and natural textiles like cotton and linen to allow proper air circulation and avoid the buildup of acne-causing moisture and bacteria.
3. Embrace healthy-skin nutrition. Be intentional about eating a balanced, nutrient-dense diet full of fresh fruits, veggies, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains. Avoid smoking, take a balanced approach to alcohol (moderation is key), and consider supplementing with a proven skin-clearing supplement like Clear Skin Formula, physician-formulated with a targeted blend of acne-fighting, hormone-balancing nutrients and botanicals. And of course: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
4. Wash up. Be sure to cleanse away sweat, product buildup, chlorine, and grime by bathing or showering regularly with a mild soap or body wash to help keep things clean and clear from head to toe during the summer months. Try using cooler water to soothe and relax stressed skin after exposure to heat and sun.
5. No picking or popping allowed. Avoid touching your face with your hands and remember to avoid picking or popping blemishes, which can worsen existing breakouts and spread acne-causing bacteria.
6. Keep accessories clean. Acne-causing bacteria can accumulate in sneaky places, like the inner brims of hats, phone screens, headbands, makeup brushes, and sunglasses. Regularly wash or disinfect items that come in contact with your skin.
7. Change your pillowcase. While changing your pillowcase (at least weekly) is recommended year-round, doing so can be even more important in warmer months to help minimize exposure to breakout-causing dirt and bacteria.
8. Get your microbiome in balance. The microbiome, a diverse set of bacteria and other microbes that make up the microbial ecosystems of our gut and skin, can have a significant impact on bodily processes that support healthy skin, like immunity and nutrient absorption. Try adding foods rich in probiotics (beneficial bacteria) like yogurt and kimchi and prebiotics (probiotic-friendly fiber) like apples, asparagus, bananas, and oats. Or, opt for a daily synbiotic, with both probiotics and prebiotic FOS like Daily Balance to promote a thriving microbiome and support clearer, healthier skin.

Clear, healthy skin doesn’t have to take a back seat to summer fun. 

With a holistic, inside-out approach to supporting your skin, a few simple shifts in your lifestyle and skincare routine, and an upgrade to daily habits and nutrition, you can help minimize breakouts and keep your complexion balanced through every poolside day and campfire night.  

So, don’t sweat it. Go ahead– soak up the season, and leave summer acne in the rearview.