How to Stop Sweat Breakouts this Summer
Sweat breakouts are annoying, but extremely common during the summer months. It’s also a season that leaves you more prone to body breakouts than any other time of year. With the increase in temperature and humidity, people sweat more, and while sweat doesn’t directly cause acne, it can increase sebum production, leading to clogged pores and ultimately, acne.
Want to see the end of summer breakouts this season? Here’s how to combat them so you can stay clear all summer long!
#1: Use an Exfoliating Toner
Keeping pores clear should be your ultimate priority in the summertime — especially if you have oily skin or acne-prone skin. Invest in an exfoliating toner to remove the buildup of dirt, oil, and dead skin and prevent your pores from becoming clogged.
“Specifically during the summer, you have lots of dead skin cells that were dried by the sun—and that's when your pores get clogged,” says skin expert Yen Reis. “Tone in the morning and tone every night so you're removing those dead cells, allowing your new skin to reproduce faster.”
We recommend Truly’s CBD Jelly Toning Solution. Its key ingredient — glycolic acid — helps to shed dead skin cells, excess oil, and daily grime — all the factors that contribute to clogging. It’ll clear those acne breakouts right up!
#2: Choose Non-Comedogenic Sunscreen
Any dermatologist will tell you that daily SPF application is essential. It should always be included in your daily skincare routine. That said, you do need to be careful which sunscreen you choose to prevent ending up with a cluster of blemishes.
Opt for a non-comedogenic, oil-free sunscreen. You don’t want to be applying anything too rich or heavy on your skin, as it’ll only make your summer acne worse.
#3: Wear Breathable Clothing
Breakouts don’t just occur on your face. They can appear on your body too, particularly during the summer months. If you’re experiencing body acne, a quick way to clear skin is by wearing breathable clothing. Not only will they prevent sweat from becoming trapped and clogging your pores, but they’ll also keep you cool.
If you’re prone to workout acne (pimples from sweat caused by heavy workouts), it’s best to wear sweat-wicking activewear during your workouts. This way, your body will stay as dry as possible during your sweat sessions, keeping those pores clear — and blackheads at bay!
#4: Keep Your Skin Clean
In the summertime, you should be washing your face at least twice a day — once in the morning and once at night. If you’re a fitness babe, however, you might want to add in an extra cleanse to keep your skin as clean as possible.
Reach for a cleanser formulated with salicylic acid, a chemical exfoliant proven to swipe away sebum and dead skin while fighting acne-causing bacteria. You’ll find salicylic in many acne treatments ranging from face washes to face masks, serums, and even body washes. On that note, if you’re getting zits on your back and chest, opt for a salicylic acid-based body cleanser too!
For the face, we recommend Truly’s CBD Jelly Anti-Blemish Facial Cleanser. For the body, we recommend Truly’s Cherry Jelly Body Cleanser.
#5: Spot Treat Pimples with Acne Patches
Fix zits fast with pimple patches! If your zits seem to pop up out of nowhere, keep a pack of pimple stickers on you at all times so you can patch up any pimples that suddenly appear. Besides treating the active blemish, the patch serves as a barrier between you and your prodding fingers.
We recommend Truly’s Super Heart Pimple Patches. They’re flecked with exfoliating citric acid and acne-fighting benzoyl peroxide to drain, heal, and fade your breakouts in a flash!
#6: Tie Up Your Hair
Since everybody sweats in the summer, you probably end up with greasy hair. If your hair drapes over your face, it might be a reason behind your summer acne. Keep your sweaty hair out of your face when you’re working out, chilling by the pool, or basically doing anything. It’ll prevent pimples from forming on your forehead and around your hairline. Best of all, you’ll feel way cooler and more comfortable with your hair away from your face.
#7: Lay Off the Foundation
A huge pore-clogging culprit, particularly in the summer, is foundation. Try a light, non-comedogenic tinted moisturizer instead. It’ll be less heavy on your skin and won’t clog your pores. Alternatively, just leave your skin bare and glam up your peepers instead! Your skin will enjoy the breather!
#8: Reach for a Retinoid
“Retinoids are a powerful acne-fighting topical treatment. There is a misconception that you need to stop using your retinoid during the summertime because it makes your skin sun sensitive, but this is not true,” says Dr. Y Claire Chang, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City.
She adds that while retinoids can make your skin photosensitive, as long as you continue wearing sunscreen, it shouldn’t be an issue. If you’re prone to dryness, you also might want to add in a hydrating serum or cream to keep skin moisturized.
If you’re looking for a good retinol serum, try Truly’s Mary Jane Glow Serum. It’s made with a blend of retinol, caffeine, and glycolic acid to resurface skin, reduce discoloration, fend off acne, and leave skin glowing.
#9: Avoid Heavy Lotions
If you’re body acne-prone, better lay off the heavy lotions too. While they’re great for hydrating the skin, rich body creams and lotions can congest your pores, leading to blemishes. Stick to a lightweight body serum or lotion, and only apply a small amount. Aim to choose a formula that’s non-comedogenic and oil-free.
Show off your best skin this summer! With these skincare tips, you can stop and prevent those pesky summer breakouts. A good rule of thumb to bear in mind: whenever you sweat, wash. Whether after a workout or a hot day at the beach, if you notice yourself sweating head to the bathroom and cleanse your face and body thoroughly to keep your pores — and your skin — clear!
