Summary:

• Heat and humidity increase sweat and oil production, leading to clogged pores.
• UV exposure weakens the skin barrier, making it more prone to inflammation.
• Occlusive sunscreens, heavy makeup, and tight clothing contribute to breakouts.
• Skin microbiome disruption in hot weather leads to seasonal acne.
• Prevention includes non-comedogenic skincare, breathable clothing, and microbiome support.

Introduction

As spring transitions into summer, many of us find ourselves soaking in the sun and enjoying longer days. But if your skin starts to act up with the heat, you're not imagining things. Seasonal acne is a real phenomenon. In fact, many people experience a noticeable increase in breakouts as the weather warms up.

So, why does this happen? Can sweat make you break out? Why does extreme heat cause face breakout patterns that seem to emerge only during this time of year?

In this blog article we will explore the science behind heat and pimples, breaking down how seasonal changes affect your skin. You'll learn why summer acne happens, how to differentiate it from other skin conditions, and most importantly, what to do about it.

What Is Acne? [1]

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects those areas of the body that are rich in sebaceous glands, i.e., those most commonly found on the face, back, chest, and shoulders. It is triggered when several factors come together, including:

• Overproduction of sebum (skin's natural oil)
• Blockage of hair follicles by accumulation of oil and dead skin cells
• Over growth of acne-causing bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes)
• Triggering of an inflammatory response by the body's immune system

These factors combine, in a type of "perfect storm", to produce pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and sometimes, in a worst case scenario, deeper nodules or cysts.

How Heat Exacerbates Acne [2]

There are various ways in which the body's exposure to higher than normal levels of heat make the incidence of typical acne breakouts even worse. These include:

1. Increased Sebum and Sweat Production: Heat and humidity stimulate your sebaceous glands to produce more oil. This, combined with increased sweating (i.e., both frequency and amount), leads to pores becoming clogged. This is because sweat doesn't just sit on the surface of your skin, but instead, it mixes with sebum, dirt, and dead cells also present on the skin's surface, which inevitably creates an environment ripe for bacterial overgrowth.
2. Dehydration from Excessive Sweating: Sweating may initially cool the body, but it can also lead to surface dehydration as it evaporates. When the skin senses dryness, it compensates by producing even more oil, which can further exacerbate breakouts.
3. Bacterial Overgrowth: C. acnes, i.e., the primary acne causing bacteria, thrive in warm, moist environments. Spring and summer weather cycles provide ideal conditions for its proliferation (growth), thereby increasing the likelihood of inflamed, red pustules and pimples being formed.
4. Microbiome Imbalance: Heat, sweat, chlorine (think swimming pools), and excessive cleansing can strip the skin of its natural protective bacteria (i.e., the skin microbiome). This disruption oftentimes allows harmful bacteria to dominate within the skin microbiome, leading to a compromised skin barrier which, in turn, helps trigger acne breakouts.
5. Sunscreen and Makeup: Oil-based or occlusive sunscreens and makeup can trap sweat, dirt, dead skin cells, and heat, leading to acne causing clogged pores. Opting for non-comedogenic, mineral-based sunscreen formulas help to reduce this risk.

Recognizing Summer Acne

In addition, certain breakout patterns are especially common in warm weather. These include:

• Sweat Pimples: Tiny red bumps, often on the forehead, chest, or back.
• Blackheads and Whiteheads: Increased oil production tends to clog pores in the T-zone.
• Cystic Acne: Deep, painful bumps can form under garment straps, hats, or sports gear.

Be careful, however, not to confuse spring and summer acne with a heat rash (which is itchy and blister-like) or folliculitis (an infection of one's hair follicles).

Treatment Options [3]

1. Topical Treatments
   • Sulfer: Nature's anti-acne active ingredient reduces oil production by the skin while killing acne causing bacteria and reducing inflammation.
   • Salicylic Acid: Penetrates oily pores in order to dissolve clogs (dead skin cells) present therein.
   • Benzoyl Peroxide: Reduces C. acnes and inflammation.
   • Retinoids: Normalize skin cell turnover (i.e., the body's exfoliation process) and helps to prevent the formation of comedones.
2. Oral Medications
   • Antibiotics: Compounds such as tetracycline and erythromycin inhibit the growth of bacteria in moderate to severe cases.
   • Hormonal Treatments: Birth control pills or anti-androgens help to manage hormonal acne, especially in women.
   • Isotretinoin (Accutane): A powerful retinoid typically reserved for severe, resistant acne.
3. Microbiome-Supportive Supplements
   • Products containing L-histidine, zinc, and plant-based anti-inflammatory actives can fortify the skin barrier, support hydration, and improve overall skin resilience.
4. Codex Labs Hormonal Acne Set
   • Designed for acne-prone skin, this microbiome-friendly regimen helps reduce oiliness, calm inflammation, and restore skin barrier integrity.
5. Lifestyle Adjustments
   • Wear breathable fabrics (like cotton or moisture-wicking blends).
   • Rinse off sweat promptly.
   • Minimize makeup and opt for mineral-based, non-comedogenic options.
   • Monitor dietary intake of dairy products, fatty foods, refined carbohydrates, and sugar as these can trigger inflammation within the body which can lead to acne breakouts.

Mitigation Strategies for Spring and Summer Acne

• Use Lightweight Skincare Products: Avoid heavy, potentially pore blocking creams, and switch to lighter, oil-free moisturizers.
• Stay Hydrated: Compensate for water loss through sweat since dehydration can lead to a compromised skin barrier and inflammation.
• Double Cleanse: Especially at night, to remove makeup, sunscreen, sweat, and oil.
• Choose Mineral Sunscreens: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide protect skin without clogging pores.
• Support Your Skin's Microbiome: Include probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics (combination of pre- and probiotics) and L-histidine-rich foods or supplements.

Myths and Facts

• Myth: "Sweat detoxifies the skin."
• Fact: Sweat can trap debris and clog pores if not removed.
• Myth: "Sunlight dries out acne."
• Fact: UV exposure may temporarily reduce inflammation but can damage the skin barrier and worsen acne in the long term.
• Myth: "Oily skin doesn't need moisturizer."
• Fact: Lack of moisture within the skin can trigger even more oil production. Use lightweight, hydrating products.

FAQ

1. Why do I break out in spring and summer? Warmer temperatures increase sweat and sebum, leading to clogged pores and acne.
2. Why do I have more acne in summer? Heat, humidity, and UV exposure disrupt the skin barrier and microbiome, leading to breakouts.
3. Does acne get worse in spring? Yes. Seasonal changes often trigger oil production and bacterial growth.
4. How to prevent back acne in summer? Wear breathable fabrics, cleanse after sweating, and avoid occlusive sunscreen or body lotions.
5. How to cure acne due to heat? Use topical treatments like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, support the microbiome, and adjust your skincare to match the season.

Conclusion

Seasonal acne isn't just in your head. It's a real response to environmental changes associated with heat and humidity. Understanding how warmer weather affects your skin empowers you to take control. With smart skincare swaps, microbiome-friendly products, and lifestyle tweaks, you can reduce flare-ups and enjoy the sun without the stress.

Call to Action

Are you dealing with heat-triggered breakouts? Don't sweat it (pun intended!) because we've got your back. When it comes to cleansing your acne prone skin you can't go wrong with the SHAANT BALANCING FOAMING CLEANSER, an oil-free, foaming, micellar water cleanser that soothes, refines the appearance of pores, and reduces oiliness without stripping moisture or the microbiome. If effectively, yet gently, addressing clogged pores is a priority (as it should be during the hot/humid summer months), SHAANT PORE PURIFYING ACNE FACE SCRUB with 2% salicylic acid and jojoba oil grains gently removes impurities (dirt, oil, and dead skin cells) without stripping moisture or sebum to maintain the skin barrier, is exactly what your skin has been craving. And, for those aesthetically annoying blemishes, there's the SHAANT SPOT HERO, a gentle pimple spot treatment that helps shrink and dry out blemishes, reduces redness, and prevents acne pitting.

While treating the surface of your skin with the above mentioned products will certainly yield significant, clinically proven benefits, let's not forget about the impact your gut has on skin health and acne formation. To address summertime acne from "inside" your body, there is the recently patented SHAANT CLEARSKIN PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENT 2.0 FOR ACNE, a daily probiotic that balances the gut microbiome and supports lipid metabolism, while at the same time delivering antioxidants that help to support a healthy response to various inflammatory skin conditions such as acne. Lastly, for those wanting to sample a variety of Codex Labs' clinically proven acne treatment options, you can't go wrong with the SHAANT OILY SKIN SET a scientifically curated collection of acne fighting products that help to reduce oiliness, purify pores, and shed dead skin cells, while reducing redness for those with oily, acne prone skin. Gift your summertime skin with these, and other, Codex Labs acne treatment solutions to calm inflammation, balance oil, and support your skin's barrier. Your skin will thank you for it all summer long!

References:

1. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/acne

2. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-does-my-acne-get-worse-in-the-summer

3. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/prevent-summer-skin-problems