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HuffPost
5 Aug 2024
As if summer doesn’t bring about enough skin care problems — thigh chafing, sunburn, bug bites, you name it — you might find yourself dealing with more acne than usual in the hotter months. If you battle breakouts all summer long, dermatologists say the weather could be a factor.
“With increased heat and humidity, the body produces more sweat. It is also possible that this contributes to increased oil formation, and in turn more acne,” says Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist in New York City and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. You obviously can’t stop yourself from sweating when you’re outside, so what can you do if you start noticing new pimples popping up?
Both Camp and Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, a board-certified dermatologist in La Jolla, California, suggest making some summertime skin care swaps, or even leaving out certain products altogether. “Stay hydrated and consistent with your skincare routine and opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic makeup, or even better go makeup-free when possible,” says Shirazi, who is also the founder of AziMD Skincare. “These adjustments can help keep your skin clear and healthy during the summer.”
If you’re not sure where to start with making your skin care routine summer-ready, look no further. Below, Camp and Shirazi recommend some of the best acne-fighting skin care products to have in your arsenal this summer.
HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change. The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
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Amazon
CeraVe renewing salicylic acid cleanser
"Exfoliating regularly is more important in the summer months to reduce dirt, impurities and dead skin cells from building up," board-certified dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi says. "This reduces breakouts and also allows products and active ingredients to penetrate better."
Shirazi recommends exfoliating with products that contain salicylic acid like this CeraVe Renewing SA cleanser two to three times a week to start, and then you can adjust the cadence depending on how your skin tolerates it. "Be sure to listen to your skin," she says, as "over-exfoliation can disrupt the skin barrier and cause irritation and breakouts."
Shirazi recommends exfoliating with products that contain salicylic acid like this CeraVe Renewing SA cleanser two to three times a week to start, and then you can adjust the cadence depending on how your skin tolerates it. "Be sure to listen to your skin," she says, as "over-exfoliation can disrupt the skin barrier and cause irritation and breakouts."
2
Amazon
Neutrogena Hydro Boost water gel with hyaluronic acid
One of the first summer skin care swaps you'll want to make? Your moisturizer. "Oil-based moisturizers are great for winter when skin tends to be drier as a result of cold temperatures and low humidity. But they may be too heavy for summer months," board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp says. "Water-based moisturizers are a great alternative because they feel lighter on the skin and are less occlusive. Some moisturizers also offer a mattifying effect by absorbing oil molecules from the skin."
Our pick is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost water gel, which Camp has previously recommended. This moisturizer is oil-free, non-comedogenic and has a fast-absorbing gel formula. It also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid.
Our pick is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost water gel, which Camp has previously recommended. This moisturizer is oil-free, non-comedogenic and has a fast-absorbing gel formula. It also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid.
3
Amazon
SkinSmart antimicrobial facial cleanser spray
“Hypochlorous acid such as SkinSmart’s Facial Cleansing Spray is a great antimicrobial solution to help reduce skin bacteria that play a role in acne," Shirazi says. "By removing the organisms that contribute to inflammation and skin barrier disruption, it helps heal the skin. It naturally occurs in our bodies, and it’s a safe, gentle spray especially on the go!”
This spray is highly rated on Amazon, with a 4.6-star average across over 6,000 reviews. It also happens to be way more affordable than many other hypochlorous acid sprays on the market.
This spray is highly rated on Amazon, with a 4.6-star average across over 6,000 reviews. It also happens to be way more affordable than many other hypochlorous acid sprays on the market.
4
Amazon
CeraVe salicylic acid body wash for rough and bumpy skin
Don't forget that acne can appear in places other than your face. If you're sweating a lot, chest and back acne may be an issue you're dealing with, too. Similar to Shirazi's recommendation of the CeraVe salicylic acid cleanser, Camp suggests using CeraVe's salicylic acid body wash, too. "Salicylic acid in this body cleanser is a beta-hydroxy acid that helps remove excess oil and gently exfoliate skin to treat and prevent the formation of acne on the chest and back," he says.
5
Amazon
La Roche-Posay Effaclar adapalene gel 0.1% acne treatment
This La Roche-Posay acne treatment gel contains the retinoid adapalene, which Camp says "helps control cell turnover to prevent the formation of whiteheads and blackheads and also improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation." It's non-comedogenic, oil- and fragrance-free. The formula is a lightweight, gel-like texture that can be applied all over the face.
Camp adds that retinoids can increase photosensitivity — you don't have to avoid them entirely during the summertime, but just make sure you're using them responsibly. "It is important to limit use when on particularly sunny vacation and always apply an SPF moisturizer in the morning and throughout the day when outside for extended periods."
Camp adds that retinoids can increase photosensitivity — you don't have to avoid them entirely during the summertime, but just make sure you're using them responsibly. "It is important to limit use when on particularly sunny vacation and always apply an SPF moisturizer in the morning and throughout the day when outside for extended periods."
6
Amazon
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair face moisturizer with SPF 30
If you need an SPF moisturizer to go with your retinoid (or just on its own, because we all need to use SPF!), La Roche-Posay's Toleriane Double Repair face moisturizer with UV broad spectrum SPF 30 is oil-free, non-comedogenic and is suitable for all skin types. It's racked up over 17,000 5-star ratings on Amazon, with reviewers calling it "the best out there" and "a game-changer for stubborn sunscreen haters."
7
Blume
Blume Buds power patches for acne
Even with all the acne prevention in the world, sometimes we just break out anyway — and there's a solution for that. "Pimple patches contain hydrocolloid, an ingredient that absorbs moisture within a pimple, and in turn reduces the appearance of blemishes," Camp says.
Our pick is the Blume Buds Power Patches for Acne. The patches contain both hydrocolloid and salicylic acid. According to the brand, they're clinically proven to reduce the look of acne in six hours. They also promise to reduce the redness or scars you might be dealing with because of acne. Reviewers say they're especially good for overnight use because they don't slide off.
Our pick is the Blume Buds Power Patches for Acne. The patches contain both hydrocolloid and salicylic acid. According to the brand, they're clinically proven to reduce the look of acne in six hours. They also promise to reduce the redness or scars you might be dealing with because of acne. Reviewers say they're especially good for overnight use because they don't slide off.
Looking for more hot weather-friendly skin care products? Ahead, see what some dermatologists have previously recommended to HuffPost.
EltaMD
It can’t be said enough: Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen
“The most important thing to do for your skin in the summer is to make liberal use of a high SPF sunscreen,” said Dr. Nadir Qazi, a board-certified physician and cosmetic dermatology surgeon in Irvine, California. “Granted, you should be using sunscreen year-round, but slather it on even more often during the summer when UVB rays have higher intensity.”
This wasn’t just Qazi’s advice. Every single expert we talked to made it clear: You cannot skimp on sunscreen in the summer (or really, ever). And that doesn’t just mean applying it once in the morning. According to Dr. Jaimie DeRosa, founder and lead facial plastic surgeon of DeRosa Center Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Boston and in Palm Beach, Florida, “This means that you wear a good broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher every single day, rain or shine, and reapply every two hours.”
Which sunscreen are the experts recommending? A popular option among dermatologists is EltaMD's UV Clear SPF 46.
“It goes on like a lightweight moisturizer, has lactic acid, which helps hydrate and gently exfoliate the skin, and has clear SPF 46 that protects your skin without any greasy residue that one often finds in other sunscreens," said Dr. Tiffany Libby, a board-certified dermatologist in Providence, Rhode Island.
This wasn’t just Qazi’s advice. Every single expert we talked to made it clear: You cannot skimp on sunscreen in the summer (or really, ever). And that doesn’t just mean applying it once in the morning. According to Dr. Jaimie DeRosa, founder and lead facial plastic surgeon of DeRosa Center Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Boston and in Palm Beach, Florida, “This means that you wear a good broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher every single day, rain or shine, and reapply every two hours.”
Which sunscreen are the experts recommending? A popular option among dermatologists is EltaMD's UV Clear SPF 46.
“It goes on like a lightweight moisturizer, has lactic acid, which helps hydrate and gently exfoliate the skin, and has clear SPF 46 that protects your skin without any greasy residue that one often finds in other sunscreens," said Dr. Tiffany Libby, a board-certified dermatologist in Providence, Rhode Island.
Sephora
Banish the summertime breakouts
“The high heat and humidity of summer can trigger our sebaceous glands to secrete oils. Oily, sweaty skin can clog pores and cause acne breakouts,” said Dr. Elaine F. Kung, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and founder of Future Bright Dermatology.
She suggested getting out of your sweaty clothes as soon as possible and showering off the sweat. She also recommended, “You can use cleansers with chemical exfoliators such as low percentage BHA (1.5-2% salicylic acid) or AHA (5-15% glycolic acid) to prevent breakouts without stripping the skin.”
An online search will show you several options for these types of cleansers. We personally like Skinfix’s Acne+ cleanser for stubborn breakouts.
She suggested getting out of your sweaty clothes as soon as possible and showering off the sweat. She also recommended, “You can use cleansers with chemical exfoliators such as low percentage BHA (1.5-2% salicylic acid) or AHA (5-15% glycolic acid) to prevent breakouts without stripping the skin.”
An online search will show you several options for these types of cleansers. We personally like Skinfix’s Acne+ cleanser for stubborn breakouts.
Amazon
Switch up your nighttime routine
Retinol is basically the gold standard in anti-aging skin care products, and while it's great for exfoliating and improving skin texture, it makes your skin more susceptible to sun damage. Almost all experts agreed: Use retinol at night to better protect your skin from the sun.
Summer is a great time to change your nightly skin care routine.
“I like to take advantage of my nighttime routine to rejuvenate and repair my skin. This is the time of peak skin cell renewal,” Libby explained. “I continue with my retinoid nightly, using a pea-sized amount to increase cell turnover and minimize dark spots.”
But retinol isn’t the only change you can make during the summer. “This is also a great time to incorporate peptides to help support collagen production, like Reserveage's Firming Face Cream. The sun's UV rays are responsible for 90% of photoaging, which leads to the breakdown of collagen resulting in fine lines and wrinkles,” explained Libby.
Summer is a great time to change your nightly skin care routine.
“I like to take advantage of my nighttime routine to rejuvenate and repair my skin. This is the time of peak skin cell renewal,” Libby explained. “I continue with my retinoid nightly, using a pea-sized amount to increase cell turnover and minimize dark spots.”
But retinol isn’t the only change you can make during the summer. “This is also a great time to incorporate peptides to help support collagen production, like Reserveage's Firming Face Cream. The sun's UV rays are responsible for 90% of photoaging, which leads to the breakdown of collagen resulting in fine lines and wrinkles,” explained Libby.
Amazon
Stay cool with a refreshing mist
Facial mists were another common recommendation among the experts.
“With heat and sweating, we may want to mist our faces to cool down and ‘refresh’ our skin,” Kung explained. “Meebak's Cica Misting Toner doubles as a hydrating toner and a mist that contains an anti-inflammatory ingredient Centella Asiatica (Cica).” Even better, it’s less than $5.
If you’re wanting something a bit more high-end: “Avene's Eau Thermale and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water mineral water sprays are both fantastic for cooling down hot, sweaty skin with a gentle spritz!” recommended Lio. Get Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water or La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water Face Mist, both retailing for $14.
“With heat and sweating, we may want to mist our faces to cool down and ‘refresh’ our skin,” Kung explained. “Meebak's Cica Misting Toner doubles as a hydrating toner and a mist that contains an anti-inflammatory ingredient Centella Asiatica (Cica).” Even better, it’s less than $5.
If you’re wanting something a bit more high-end: “Avene's Eau Thermale and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water mineral water sprays are both fantastic for cooling down hot, sweaty skin with a gentle spritz!” recommended Lio. Get Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water or La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water Face Mist, both retailing for $14.
Amazon
Moisturize with hyaluronic acid
Does your skin lean drier in the summer more than oily?
“There are some things you can do to combat this,” DeRosa said. “Pick up a good water-based moisturizer — those with hyaluronic acid are especially great in the summer."
Lio’s recommendation fits the bill: “Neutrogena HydroBoost moisturizer is extremely light, almost gel-like, and can be comfortable even when it is hot outside.”
“There are some things you can do to combat this,” DeRosa said. “Pick up a good water-based moisturizer — those with hyaluronic acid are especially great in the summer."
Lio’s recommendation fits the bill: “Neutrogena HydroBoost moisturizer is extremely light, almost gel-like, and can be comfortable even when it is hot outside.”
Amazon
Try a sunscreen with a twist
To highlight the importance of sunscreen, we are saying it twice! If you’re not a fan of traditional liquid sunscreen that goes on white with an unpleasant smell, you’ve got options.
Sick of the messy application? “Powder or stick sunscreens are easy to whip out for reapplication when we are outdoors for longer periods of time,” Kung said. One of her favorites is Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen Mineral Powder in SPF 50.
Sick of the messy application? “Powder or stick sunscreens are easy to whip out for reapplication when we are outdoors for longer periods of time,” Kung said. One of her favorites is Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen Mineral Powder in SPF 50.