Acne in Summer: Why It Gets Worse & How to Control It
If you’ve noticed your skin breaking out more as the weather warms up, you’re not imagining it. Summer can be one of the hardest seasons for acne-prone skin. Heat, sweat, sunscreen, and lifestyle changes all work together to create the perfect storm for breakouts.
The good news? Once you understand why acne worsens in summer, you can make a few smart adjustments to keep your skin clear, balanced, and glowing.
Why Acne Gets Worse in Summer
1. Increased Sweat & Oil Production
Hot weather causes your body to sweat more. When sweat mixes with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, pores become clogged, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed pimples.
Sweat itself doesn’t cause acne, but trapped sweat does.
2. Heavier Sunscreens & Makeup
SPF is essential year-round, but many people unknowingly use sunscreens that are too heavy or pore-clogging for their skin type. Combine that with makeup and heat, and pores can quickly become congested.
3. Heat-Induced Inflammation
Heat increases blood flow and inflammation in the skin. If you already struggle with acne, this can make breakouts appear redder, angrier, and more persistent.
4. More Touching, Wiping & Friction
Wiping sweat with hands, towels, or clothing can spread bacteria and irritate the skin. Add hats, helmets, sunglasses, and tight activewear, and you have friction-related breakouts (often called acne mechanica).
5. Changes in Routine & Diet
Summer often means:
More sugar and alcohol
Less routine skincare
Late nights and dehydration
All of these can impact hormones and oil production, triggering acne flare-ups.
How to Control Acne in Summer
The key is balancing the skin, not stripping it.
1. Switch to a Lightweight Cleanser
Use a gentle gel or foaming cleanser that removes sweat and oil without over-drying. Cleansing morning and night is essential, especially if you’re exercising or sweating a lot.
✔ Avoid harsh scrubs
✔ Avoid over-cleansing (2x daily is enough)
2. Use Non-Comedogenic SPF
Never skip sunscreen, just choose the right one.
Look for:
Oil-free
Non-comedogenic
Gel, fluid, or mineral-based formulas
Apply generously, and double cleanse at night to remove SPF properly.
3. Exfoliate (But Don’t Overdo It)
Chemical exfoliants help keep pores clear and prevent congestion.
Best summer-friendly options:
Salicylic acid (great for oily/acne skin)
Lactic acid (gentler, hydrating exfoliation)
2–3 times per week is enough.
4. Hydrate Your Skin
Oily skin still needs hydration. When skin is dehydrated, it produces more oil to compensate.
Choose:
Lightweight gel moisturisers
Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or panthenol
5. Shower & Cleanse After Sweating
If you’ve been at the gym, beach, or sweating heavily:
Shower as soon as possible
Cleanse the face and body
Change out of tight or sweaty clothing
This helps prevent body acne on the back, chest, and shoulders too.
6. Keep Hands, Phones & Towels Clean
Small habits make a big difference:
Don’t touch or pick breakouts
Clean your phone screen regularly
Use a fresh face towel (or disposable face cloths)
7. Consider Professional Treatments
If summer breakouts persist, in-clinic treatments can help:
LED light therapy for inflammation
Chemical peels to reduce congestion
Professional extractions
Acne-focused facials
These can calm the skin quickly and prevent long-term scarring.
Final Thoughts
Acne in summer is common, but it is manageable. By adjusting your skincare routine, choosing the right SPF, and supporting your skin through the heat, you can enjoy clearer, calmer skin all season long.
If you’re struggling with ongoing breakouts, a personalised skin consultation can make all the difference. Summer skin doesn’t have to mean summer acne.