Summer is a time for getting outside and enjoying time spent with friends and family. It’s also a time of bright sun, extreme heat, and plenty of humidity — each of which can spell trouble for acne-prone skin.
Although there’s no foolproof solution to completely eradicating hormonal acne breakouts, you can take some simple steps to reduce them and enjoy healthier skin in the process. In this post, Michele Meinhart, FNP, explains why summer can make hormonal acne worse and how regular acne treatments and a few simple lifestyle changes can help.
Acne happens when bacteria normally present on your skin’s surface get trapped inside your pores, usually when plugs of oil and dead skin cells clog the pore opening. Inside the warmth of the pore, the bacteria feed on oils and other debris, triggering an infection that, in turn, leads to pimples and pustules.
Lots of factors contribute to acne and why one person develops infections while another person may not. When it comes to hormonal acne, the primary cause is related to changes in the “sex” hormones testosterone and estrogen.
It’s no wonder, then, that hormonal acne tends to be most prevalent during the teen years, when levels of these hormones increase dramatically. For some people hormonal acne continues well into the adult years, too.
Even though hormonal changes are at the root of hormonal acne, breakouts can be exacerbated by other factors, too, including hot, humid weather and bright sunshine. When we perspire, sweat mixes with facial oils and bacteria, leading to an increase in clogged pores and breakouts.
You might think the warm rays of the sun would help dry up excess oil, but the opposite is true: When your skin is bathed in sunshine, it can wind up ramping up oil production to protect against overdrying. Excess sun exposure can also irritate your skin, making breakout symptoms worse.
Fortunately, you can take some steps to reduce hormonal acne breakouts during the summer months, so you can feel more confident and more attractive.
First, use sunscreen every day, choosing a product that’s non-comedogenic (won’t cause acne) and reapplying it throughout the day, especially if you’re sweating or after swimming. Wear a broad-brimmed hat and limit sun exposure, particularly during midday when rays are strongest.
Wash your skin in the morning and again before bed, taking care to remove traces of makeup and sunscreen. Avoid harsh cleansing products and exfoliate sparingly to prevent irritating sun-kissed skin that can strip away oils and increase breakouts.
Swimming is one of summer’s biggest pleasures, but all that exposure to water — and salt or chlorine — can irritate and dry out your skin. After swimming, make time to take a quick shower to rinse off chemicals or salt. Use a mild cleanser, and avoid hot water to prevent drying your skin even more.
You must also remember to take care of your skin from the inside out. During the hot summer months, that means drinking plenty of water to rehydrate skin. Carry a water bottle with you and add some lemon or lime slices for extra flavor and an added dose of skin-friendly vitamin C, a potent antioxidant.
If you use makeup or skincare products, choose lightweight options designed for acne-prone skin. Even though makeup and other products don’t affect your hormones directly, they can clog your pores, making breakouts more likely.
Finally, if you have any type of acne, it’s important to make professional skincare part of your regular routine, especially during the summer when excess heat and sun can take a toll. Our practice offers a variety of treatments focused on reducing breakouts and optimizing skin health, including facials to nourish and rehydrate your skin.
You may not be able to completely prevent hormonal acne, but with a little extra care, you can reduce breakouts and enjoy healthier, sexier skin. To learn how we can help your skin look and feel its best, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Starkey Medical Esthetics in Salem, Virginia, today.
