Summer should be the time to relax- at least that’s what we want it to be. But the summer heat brings about unexpected and unwanted guests in the form of breakouts. If you find your skin acting up just as the temperature rises, you might be making some skincare mistakes. Don’t worry, though, we’re here to help. We have tips that can keep your skin fresh, clear, and radiant all summer long.
1. Skipping Sunscreen (Or Using the Wrong One!)
Sunscreen is a skincare must-have no matter the season, but especially in the summer. UV rays are much stronger in the summer and while they can cause premature aging and sunburns, they can also trigger breakouts by damaging your skin barrier.
You may be skipping sunscreen because it feels heavy, greasy, and is clogging your pores, but that just means you’re not using the sunscreen made for your skin type. Always make sure that you’re the correct sunblock and not a thick, oily one that is meant for your body.
Opt for an oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen formulated for the face. Look for ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which protect without clogging pores. Bonus points if it's a gel-based formula that controls oil since you’re already likely to be sweating so much because of the heat.
Tip: use two fingers worth of sunscreen to make sure you are really protecting your skin.
For summer, Rederm’s sunblock range is an ideal choice. It offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays while having formulations catered to different skin concerns. The Solero Sunblock SPF 100 formula offers ultra-high sun protection, making it ideal for intense sun exposure, preventing sunburn, and reducing hyperpigmentation.
On the other hand, the Solero Sunblock SPF 40- Sebum Control is perfect for oily and combination skin, as it helps regulate excess oil, keeps the skin matte, and remains water-resistant in hot and humid weather.
2. Overwashing Your Face
Sweaty summer days make us want to wash our face a million times a day, but over-cleansing is a recipe for disaster. Washing your face more than twice a day can strip away your skin’s natural oils which can result in excessive oil production as compensation and hence, result in breakouts.
Always stick to cleansing your face twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, with a gentle cleanser. If you do feel extra sweaty, use a blotting paper or simply splash your face with cold water.
3. Not Changing Your Pillowcase Often Enough
One of the most underrated tips for summer is to change your pillowcases more often. Summer heat means more sweat and oil on your face which is transferred to your pillowcase. If you use the same pillowcase for weeks on end, you are allowing the bacteria, sweat, and oils to fester which are all transferred to your face while you sleep which leads to breakouts.
Try changing your pillowcase at least once a week, and opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or silk to reduce friction and irritation.
4. Skipping Moisturizer Because It’s Hot
Moisturiser may make your skin feel extra oily in this hot weather, but not using moisturiser at all may make things worse. You may think your skin is oily and does not need hydration, but all skin needs to feel hydrated otherwise it produces oil to compensate.
What you can do is swap heavy creams for lightweight, gel-based, non-comedogenic moisturizers with hyaluronic acid. These provide hydration without making your skin feel greasy.
5. Overloading on Heavy Makeup
Thick makeup, specifically foundation, coupled with sweat and oil in the heat means congestion, clogged pores and breakouts
Instead, switch to a skin tint or lightweight BB creams with SPF. It's even better if you use a mineral-based powder that absorbs excess oil.
6. Using Harsh Acne Products Daily
Summer breakouts may tempt you to overdo acne treatments and use multiple products, but all this does is dry out your skin and damage your skin barrier. Applying strong acne treatments, like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, every day, can cause irritation and increased oil production.
Instead, use gentle products and use acne treatments sparingly, and always balance them with hydrating products. It's even better if you can consult a dermatologist to recommend products and the frequency of use.
7. Using the Wrong Kind of Exfoliation
Exfoliation is a must in summer since your skin is more prone to sweat and oil buildup due to the heat and humidity, and an exfoliator works to prevent clogged pores and removes grime and dead skin. However, using too much can cause irritation and breakouts.
Instead of using physical exfoliants like harsh scrubs, which can cause micro-tears in the skin, go for chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid or mandelic acid 2-3 times a week. These can keep your skin smooth without damaging it.
8. Touching Your Face Constantly
One thing you may be tempted to do in the summer is wipe off the sweat off your face with your hands. All this does is transfer the bacteria from your hands to your face and lead to breakouts.
Instead, use oil-absorbing sheets or a clean tissue to do so. And, of course, wash your hands regularly in any case.
9. Not Drinking Enough Water
I know we’ve all heard that drinking water makes your skin look better and acne go away, and there is actually some truth to the matter. Dehydration can actually make your skin overcompensate by producing excess oil, leading to breakouts.
Always aim for 8 glasses of water daily, and eat water-rich foods like cucumber and watermelons to keep your skin hydrated. P.S., coffee and other such drinks do not count!
10. Leaving Sweat on Your Skin for Too Long
Sweat mixed with dirt and oil is a breakout recipe waiting to happen which is why you should never let sweat sit on your skin after workouts or outdoor activities.
The best practice would be to rinse your face and body as soon as possible. However, if that is not an option, use a hydrating face mist or micellar water to wipe away the excess sweat for the time being.
11. Using Expired or Old Skincare Products
I know a lot of people do not believe in the expiry of skincare products, but fact is, hot and humid weather can make skincare products expire faster, leading to bacterial growth. Using expired sunscreen, moisturizers, or serums without checking their shelf life can do more damage than good.
The key is to store your skincare in a cool, dry place and get rid of anything that smells weird or has changed in texture.
12. Eating Too Many Sugary or Fried Foods
Greasy and sugary foods are known to trigger breakouts, so do yourself a favour and do not indulge in too many treats. Overloading on junk food that increases oil production and inflammation.
Instead, balance it out with fresh fruits, veggies, and omega-3-rich foods to keep your skin happy. Summer is the season for many refreshing fruits and vegetables, so go ahead and take full advantage of it!
13. Focusing Only on Your Face
While your face is the most important since it is the most exposed area of your body, you must not neglect the rest of your body. Your neck, hands, arms, chets, back, and feet also reflect the health of your skin. Summer especially brings about body acne. Ignoring sweat buildup and not showering properly after workouts or long days in the sun are what lead to these break outs.
Make sure to shower immediately after sweating and use a gentle body wash to keep pores clear. Moisturise your body and ensure sun protection on all exposed parts. Moreover, avoid tight, synthetic clothes that trap sweat and oil. Instead, opt for looser clothing that allows air circulation and keeps your body cool.
Final Thoughts
Summers should be your time to have fun and relax, and should definitely not be spent worrying about your skin and fighting breakouts. All you have to do is be a bit more careful and incorporate these simple tips into your routine to keep your skin hydrated, and glowing all summer long.
So, head over to https://redermaesthetics.com/ to buy the products you need and avoid that pesky acne this summer!
