How to Prevent Seasonal Acne in Summer and Spring
Dare we say it? Spring has finally sprung! But if your acne is set to bloom like the flowers, that’s a problem. You just might have seasonal acne. It’s when acne flares up during seasonal change or is triggered by particular weather. Sufferers can get hit winter, spring, summer or fall. However, according to a study, 56% of them report that summer acne breakouts are the worst. Check out our comprehensive guide to seasonal summer acne. From what causes seasonal breakouts to how to prevent summer acne, here’s how to keep your skin as glowing as the coming sun:
Seasonal Acne / What Causes the Breakouts in Summer
In general, acne is caused by a cascading effect in the skin. Any number of triggers can set oil glands working on overdrive, which alters how the skin cells develop along the hair follicle. This combination clogs pores and traps bacteria and debris. Once this process occurs, it leads to inflammation and redness. And, if you’re really lucky, you find yourself with a full-blown acne breakout — in the form of pustules, pimples, whiteheads and/or blackheads.
Each season seems to have a different trigger for this process, For example, in winter, hormonal acne tends to be worse and/or a lack of Vitamin D may be the culprit. Fall and spring acne may be caused by the fluctuation of temperature and/or humidity, as well as a skin care regime that’s needs to be updated for the season. In general, acne gets worse in the summer for the following reasons:
- Hot Temperatures — Heat causes the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. If that excess oil isn’t properly removed from the skin, acne can erupt.
- Sweat — When it’s hotter, our bodies produce more sweat, which can mix with dirt, debris and oil and create a slurry on the surface of the skin.
- Physical exertion — We tend to be more active in the summer months, which leads us back to problem number two: sweat.
- Athletic wear — The friction that is caused by tight athletic wear (think helmets and sports bras) can trap dirt, debris and sweat and cause clogged pores. This leads us to another important point: Yes, as you know zits don’t just appear on the face. Body acne can be particularly bad in summer on the back and arms.
Seasonal Acne: Summer Acne Tips
The first line of defense for clear skin is prevention, which means including the following in your skin care routine. As a result, you’ll be able to get ahead of summer or seasonal acne:
- Take Your Skincare Regime Seriously — After a long day, you need to beat the heat and humidity by properly cleansing and moisturizing the skin. If not, the oil and sweat will stay put on your skin, which is an invitation for a breakout. So make sure your skincare regime is a habit you stick to.
- Cleanse gently — People often equate scrubbing with prevention. But overly harsh scrubbing can actually increase skin cell turnover and further clog your pores.
- Banish Sweat — When you exert yourself and sweat, it can sit on the surface of your skin. Have face wipes handy, in order to give your skin a chance to breathe.
- Monthly Facial— A professional facial treatment is designed to exfoliate and cleanse the skin and leave your face fresh and toned. Plus, you get the expert opinion of a licensed esthetician about what will help your acneic or congested skin.
- Exfoliate — A Chemical Facial Peel or Microdermabrasion treatment once a month will gently remove the uneven, thicker outer layer of the skin. As a result, there’s less of a chance of dirt, debris or deal skin cells clogging the pores. At our Medical Spa, we offer many different formulations of Chemical Peels at different concentrations. Specifically, we offer the VI Peel for Acne. as well as the Vitalize Peel for breakouts. Both are terrific on acneic skin.
- Salicylic Acid — A topical cream with Salicylic Acid will prevent pimples and blemishes by getting rid of dead skin cells that clog pores (similar to an exfoliation treatment like a Facial Peel).
The bottom line is that getting rid of acne requires consistent skin maintenance and care. As you can see from the list above, there are plenty of DIY things you can do at-home to help. What’s more, a Medical Aesthetician is specifically trained to restore clean, clear and calm skin.
Seasonal Acne Treatment for Spring / Summer at Smooth Synergy, NYC | Which MedSpa is Best for Me?
At Smooth Synergy, our first goal is prevention of acne. If you have acneic or congested skin, Smooth Synergy offers a comprehensive menu of treatments designed to bring back balance to your skin. Call us at 212-397-0111 to talk with an expert in beauty. She can listen to your individual skincare concerns and create a treatment plan that is right for your summer or seasonal acne.
