Beat the Heat: Simple Summer Skincare Tips for Acne-Prone Skin
In honour of Acne Awareness Month, we’re spotlighting the unique needs of acne-prone skin, particularly in the warm, sun-drenched days of summer. It’s summertime but the living isn’t always easy with acne-prone skin—rom sun exposure and protection to sweat and staying hydrated, this is your guide to getting through the season with a little extra ease and confidence.
Why do people with acne-prone skin find the sun helps to clear breakouts?
At first, the sun can appear to improve acne as it dries up oily skin and provides a tan, making acne less noticeable. While this may offer temporary relief, it's crucial to remember to protect your skin in the process. Continuous sun exposure can lead to an impaired skin barrier, resulting in dehydration and excess oil production to compensate for the loss of moisture, sparking a vicious cycle that can actually exacerbate breakouts—not to mention all the premature signs of ageing it causes like wrinkles, fine lines and hyperpigmentation
How do you safely protect your skin while in the sun and how often should you apply SPF?
Maintaining a good relationship with the sun means a non-negotiable daily skincare step: sun protection (SPF). At The Skin Experts, one of our favourite reliable sunscreens is Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF30—this gem of a product provides a broad-spectrum shield against damaging UVA and UVB rays. It's cleverly formulated to be lightweight and non-comedogenic, ensuring your pores stay clear while you remain protected. The potent antioxidant blend of Matcha Green Tea, Argan Oil and Tocopherol soothes, minimises redness and fights free radical damage, while Hyaluronic Acid adds long-lasting hydration. For optimal protection, reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after sweating or swimming. Put simply, make it an indispensable companion for all your summer escapades.
How to keep cool, calm and avoid irritating your skin
With summer's soaring temperatures, our skin often bears the brunt. For those with acne-prone skin, the heat can heighten skin irritation, redness and even trigger breakouts. That's where Avène Eau Thermale Water Spray comes in. This product is a real summer saviour, created to soothe and soften the skin with its unique, gentle and cooling formula. It leaves a light, protective layer on the skin’s surface to help reduce itching or irritation, delivering long-lasting comfort. Beyond its calming properties, it also offers a refreshing, revitalising burst of hydration—providing relief on those sweltering summer days. Keep it in your bag for a cooling pick-me-up anytime, anywhere.
How to nourish your skin from the inside out
In the summer, your skin needs not only external care but also internal nourishment. A healthy diet significantly impacts skin health, especially for those managing acne. Prioritise antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens like spinach and kale, and citrus fruits. Also try to include omega-3 fatty acid sources such as salmon, walnuts and flaxseeds in your diet. These power-packed foods help to combat inflammation, a key player in acne. Hydration also plays a vital role in maintaining skin health, especially during the heat when your skin is mroe susceptible to transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Drinking lots of water supports your skin's balance and helps with effective detoxification, which can in turn help prevent and manage acne.
The importance of makeup that cares for your skin too
Choosing makeup that considers your skin's needs is particularly vital during summer when the heat and sweat can make your skin more prone to breakouts. Our pick for summer-friendly makeup is our bestselling Second Skin Crush loose mineral foundation. This product is packed with beneficial ingredients that actively promote healthier skin, while also providing flattering coverage. Its lightweight formula is infused with slow-release liposomes for all-day hydration that won't weigh your skin down in the heat, as well as complete SPF protection. This multitasker is your next summer beauty hero for fresh, radiant and protected skin.
Our top picks for acne-prone skin
The world of acne skincare is vast, but we’ve narrowed it down to the best of the best in our curated acne collection. Each product in this collection is enriched with potent ingredients known for their efficacy in acne management. Salicylic acid, celebrated for its exfoliating prowess, and niacinamide, loved for its sebum-regulating and pore-minimising properties, feature in many of these products. With these targeted treatments, you can confidently navigate the summer, knowing your skin has the support it needs to manage and even reduce acne breakouts.
Skincare is a journey, especially when dealing with acne. It requires patience, knowledge and a tailored approach. This summer, we’re focusing on keeping skin nourished, comforted and protected. And remember it’s not just what you put on your skin, but what you feed your body too that can make an impact. So, enjoy this summer with lightweight but reliable SPF protection, stay cool and refreshed on those hot days, feed your body nourishing foods and watch your skin glow from within.
