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Writer's pictureDr. K

5 Solutions to Combat Summer Acne Breakouts and Achieve Clear Skin

As the sun shines brighter and the days get longer, many people find themselves battling with an unwelcome guest: summer acne breakouts. The combination of heat, humidity, and sweat can wreak havoc on our skin, causing various types of acne to make an uninvited appearance. But fear not, for in this listicle, we will explore the reasons behind summer acne breakouts, the different types of acne that may plague your skin, and most importantly, provide you with effective solutions to achieve clear, glowing skin.


1. Understanding the Different Types of Acne


Before delving into solutions, it's crucial to recognize the enemy. Acne isn't a one-size-fits-all condition – it comes in various forms, including:


  • Whiteheads and Blackheads: These are non-inflammatory acne lesions caused by clogged pores usually due to excess oil production and dead skin cells.

  • Pustules and Papules: Inflammatory acne that presents as red, swollen bumps on the skin. These are often painful to touch and can be filled with pus.

  • Cystic Acne: Deep, painful acne lesions that are prone to scarring. This severe form of acne may require professional treatment with oral medications such as Accutane or spironolactone.


2. Reasons Behind Summer Acne Breakouts


Summer brings its unique set of challenges when it comes to skincare. The main culprits behind summer acne breakouts include:


  • Heat and Humidity: Sweating excessively in hot weather can lead to clogged pores and increased sebum production.

  • Sunscreen and Heavy Products: While sunscreen is vital, some formulations can be comedogenic, clogging pores and causing breakouts.

  • Increased Outdoor Activities: Sweating during outdoor activities can trap dirt and bacteria on the skin, leading to breakouts.


3. Solutions for Achieving Clear Skin


Now, let's explore ways to combat those summer acne breakouts and achieve the clear, radiant skin you desire:


  • Hydration: Stay hydrated to help flush out toxins from your body and keep your skin clear. Having trouble staying hydrated or looking for a little boost? Consider booking an IV Hydration add-on such as Inner Beauty to your next service.

  • Gentle Cleansing: Use a mild cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and sweat without stripping your skin of its natural oils. We recommend our PCA gently cleanser. Double cleansing using an oil based cleanser that is applied to dry skin followed by a soap based cleanser is a very effective way to remove excess oils and make-up from the skin. It is important to keep hair and pillow cases clean as well, as there can be a considerable amount of transfer of oils and bacteria during sleep. Be sure to keep dirty hands off your skin and cleanse your face as soon as possible after sweating.

  • Non-Comedogenic Products: Opt for non-comedogenic sunscreen and skincare products to prevent pore blockage. If you think your sunscreen may be the culprit we can recommend a sunscreen that is less comedogenic. We also have skincare bundles for acne and can recommend the right products for your specific skin type and issues.

  • Exfoliation: Regular exfoliation helps to unclog pores and remove dead skin cells, preventing acne. There are chemical and physical exfoliants. Physical exfolliants should be rough enough that they remove dead skin and sebum, such as wash cloths, sponges and skin polishes, but not so rough that they create micro-tears and inflammation. Chemical exfolliants are typically acid based such as lactic and glycolic. These are usually found as an ingredient in skincare products. Just be on the look out for increased sun sensitivity when using these agents

  • Consult a Dermatologist: If your acne persists or worsens, seek professional help for tailored treatment options such as oral medications


4. Effective Treatments for Acne


In addition to preventative measures, various treatments can help combat acne breakouts:


  • Topical Treatments: Skincare products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help reduce acne. We can put together a routine for you or you can take home one of our PCA Acne Bundles. If a disrupted skin barrier is contributing to breakouts, we may recommend our EltaMD Skin Recovery system.

  • Prescription Medications: In severe cases, your dermatologist may prescribe antibiotics, retinoids, or oral contraceptives.

  • Light Therapy: Procedures like blue light therapy can kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.

  • Medical Facials: Both HydraFacial and our Medical Acne Facial are appropriate for treating acne. Both include Blue Light and extractions. For maintenance, you may consider monthly Hydrafacials to keep acne at bay.

  • Microneedling: Microneedlling is extremely affective for treating both active acne and acne scarring. It is a common misconception that microneedling can "spread acne". The bacteria involved in acne typically colonizes the entire skin surface, therefore spreading it is not a concern. In fact microneedling is actually indicated for active acne because it reduces hyperkeratinization, regulates sebum secretion, and triggering an anti-inflammatory cascade. Microneedling monthly or fresh face monthly is another great way to regulate the skin barrier and keep the skin clear of blemishes.



Conclusion


Summer acne breakouts can be frustrating, but armed with the right knowledge and tools, you can effectively manage your skin condition and achieve a clear complexion. By understanding the types of acne, identifying the reasons behind summer breakouts, and implementing targeted solutions and treatments, you can say goodbye to pesky pimples and hello to radiant, acne-free skin this summer!


With these tips in mind, you can confidently face the summer months knowing that you have the power to combat acne and embrace clear, healthy skin. Combat summer acne with these 5 solutions!



Forhead acne before and after

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