When the heat and humidity levels are at their highest, so is our skin’s sweat and oil production. This typically leads to clogged pores, blackheads and breakouts that can be tough to get a handle on. Follow these steps to help manage summertime breakouts and prevent them before they even start:
- Create a Summer Skincare Routine
It’s time to retire your winter skincare routine. The oil-based cleansers and thick moisturizers that kept your skin hydrated during the cold months should be swapped out for more weather-appropriate products. Opt for light, water-based face lotions and cleansers with acne-busting salicylic acid.Look for moisturizers that containhyaluronic acid (HA), which is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores.) If you have especially oily skin, you can add a toner into your skincare routine. Toners are a very effective way to remove excess oil from the skin’s surface, giving your skin a matte finish.
Just be sure that you don’t wash your face too often, as it can break down the skin’s protective barrier. When this happens, breakouts can get even worse.
- Stay Hydrated
During the summer, our bodies sweat in an attempt to cool us down and bring down our core body temperature. But sweating doesn’t just clog our pores. The more we sweat, the more water we lose, which can lead to dehydration. Did you know that dehydration can actually trigger increased oil production? Make sure that you are drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water per day to avoid dehydration, and increase the amount if you plan to exercise.
- Stop Breakouts Before They Start
Preventing breakouts is much easier than treating them, so make sure you are practicing the following:
- Avoid beauty products with fragrances
- Change out of sweaty clothes immediately
- Wash sweaty clothes, towels, and headbands before rewearing
- Don’t exfoliate more than once per week
- Blot (don’t wipe) oil/sweat from skin with a clean cloth or oil blotting sheets
- Be Selective About Your Makeup
Makeup that contains oil, fragrance, and wax may clog your pores. Mineral-based makeup products are considered best for preventing breakouts, as they are free of additives and other pore-clogging ingredients.
- Use Oil-Free Sunscreen
It’s essential to keep our skin protected from harmful UV rays, but how can you protect your skin from the sun and clogged pores at once? Fortunately, there are plenty of oil-free, broad-spectrum sunscreens on the market that are specifically formulated for breakout-prone skin. Look for “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic' on the label, and avoid sunscreens that contain mineral oils. Powder-based and gel-based sunscreens are ideal for oil-free UV protection.
If acne or clogged pores are becoming difficult for you to manage, let the medical aesthetic team at James K. Cardi, M.D. help. Dr. Cardi is highly experienced in helping patients achieve a variety of skincare and aesthetic goals. Not only do we provide chemical peels, we offer microdermabrasion, body sculpting, and much more! Request an appointment online or call our office at (401) 313-3287 to set up an appointment.
