Acne is a skin condition that affects many people and can vary greatly depending on the season. In this article, we'll explore why acne appears to improve in the summer and how this improvement may only be temporary. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for maintaining healthy skin year-round.
If you want to find out which skincare routine is right for your imperfections, take our quiz and buy the Night Cream with the right formulation for you.
Climate Change and Sebum Production
Effect of increased temperature on the skin
Rising summer temperatures can affect your skin in a variety of ways. Heat accelerates sebum production, which, while it may initially seem beneficial because it reduces the visibility of pimples, can actually contribute to more serious problems in the long run.
How summer weather affects sebum production
In summer, the body produces more sebum to keep skin hydrated. However, excess sebum can clog pores, creating an ideal environment for acne-causing bacteria to thrive. This can lead to worsening skin conditions once the summer season is over.
Sunlight and Acne
Benefits of sunlight on acne
Sunlight has temporary anti-inflammatory effects on acne. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can reduce inflammation and temporarily improve the appearance of acne-prone skin. This is because UV rays have an astringent effect and can dry out acne lesions.
Beware of the risks of excessive sun exposure
Despite temporary benefits, prolonged sun exposure can aggravate acne. Sun exposure thickens the stratum corneum of the epidermis, which can clog pores and increase sebum production, reactivating the acne lesion formation process. Furthermore, sun exposure can also trigger hyperpigmented spots, further worsening the skin's appearance.
Humidity and Heat Retention
Impact of humidity on acne
High humidity during the summer can affect the skin in complex ways. While seawater may temporarily smooth the skin, the humidity can contribute to clogged pores and aggravate acne.
How summer heat can affect your skin
Summer heat not only increases sebum production but can also contribute to increased skin irritation. The combination of heat and humidity creates an environment conducive to bacterial growth and inflammation, worsening acne.
Summer Lifestyles and Skin Care
Changes in eating habits
During the summer, eating habits can change. Increasing your consumption of fresh, hydrating foods can be beneficial for your skin, but it's important to maintain a balanced, nutrient-rich diet to support skin health.
Importance of hydration and skin cleansing
Keeping your skin well hydrated is essential. Using non-comedogenic products and maintaining a regular cleansing routine can help prevent sebum buildup and reduce irritation.
Tips for Managing Acne in Summer
Summer-Friendly Skincare Routine
To manage acne during the summer, it's essential to follow a skincare routine that includes sunscreen, moisturizing, and using gentle products. Avoiding direct sun exposure and using products specifically designed for acne-prone skin can prevent the condition from worsening.
Why does my skin get worse after the holidays?
Unfortunately, however, upon returning from vacation, we almost always see a marked deterioration due to the sun's effects. Indeed, an indirect mechanism of protection from ultraviolet radiation is the thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis, which contributes to clogging pores and thus favors the stagnation of sebum produced by the glands. This essentially acts as a comedogenic agent , retriggering the entire acne lesion formation process: comedones, papules, pustules, etc., but this time more powerful and more severe than before.
Recommended products and ingredients to look for
This is why you shouldn't expose your face to the sun unprotected. You should use specific products for acne-prone or acne-prone skin, which are therefore non-comedogenic .
Furthermore, acne-prone skin is often thinned by exfoliating treatments and becomes more irritable , so it is a good idea to stop this type of treatment in the summer and in any case use sunscreen and wear hats that keep your face in the shade.
After examining the INCI of various sunscreens, we recommend Garnier 's sunscreen for sensitive skin .
Last but not least , acne-prone skin often has an olive complexion and is more prone to the formation of hyperpigmented spots , a post-inflammatory consequence of the process. Hyperpigmented spots, in fact, are always associated with skin irritation that stimulates melanin production, but in patchy forms.
To avoid blemishes as much as possible, it's best to keep your skin hydrated with non-comedogenic, gentle, and not too greasy creams, like Antos 's apricot and jojoba cream.
Conclusions
In short, while summer may seem like a season when acne improves, it's important to be aware of the potential negative effects of sun exposure and humidity. Using the right products and following a summer-friendly skincare routine helps maintain healthy skin and prevent acne from worsening. Properly preparing for each season is the key to balanced, blemish-free skin.
If you want to find out what the right skincare routine is for your imperfections, do our quiz and buy the Night Cream with the right formulation for you.
