How to Manage Acne in Different Climates

Summer brings with it higher temperatures and humidity levels, prompting sebaceous glands to produce more oil (commonly referred to as sebum). When pores become blocked up with too much sebum, sweat, dirt or debris, bacteria may flourish leading to acne blemishes.

Picking at blemishes can cause them to become infected and lead to scarring. Instead, stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and using moisturizer that won’t clog pores.

Humidity

Humidity is part of the water cycle and can have various impacts on skin in different ways. For those prone to acne, high humidity can trigger increased oil production from sebaceous glands that clogs pores and causes breakouts; additionally it contributes to sweat rash which is itchy and painful.

Preventing these conditions through regular cleansing and use of non-comedogenic products is key. Look for cleansers containing alpha-hydroxy acids and salicylic acid which will exfoliate clogged pores, as well as lightweight moisturizers that won’t make skin feel oily or clammy.

Humidity may not directly cause acne, but it can aggravate it by increasing oil and sweat production as well as dry skin conditions. By adapting your skincare regimen according to humidity levels and using products with moisture-balancing ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and ceramides in them you can protect your skin from acne and its triggers.

Temperature

Acne is a skin condition caused by hair follicles becoming clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, papules nodules and cysts forming as a result. Studies have demonstrated that acne worsens when exposed to heat and humidity; excess oil clogging pores could contribute to inflammation leading to pimples and the subsequent formation of blemishes; but cold temperatures with reduced moisture can also make an acne flare-up happen quickly while sunlight can help fight bacteria while simultaneously decreasing inflammation by killing bacteria while also killing bacteria and reducing inflammation caused by exposure.

Sunlight

Some acne sufferers think lying out in the sun will help their skin, since its rays dry out oily skin and reduce excess oil production – two factors which contribute to acne. Unfortunately, however, this hope proves unfounded; instead the drying effect causes cornification on top of skin layers which hampers natural cell renewal, leading to sebum build-up in pores leading to acne blemishes and breakouts.

Problems compound further when medications prescribed to treat acne act as photosensitizers, making your skin more vulnerable to UV rays. This is especially true of retinoids like Accutane as well as oral antibiotics like minocycline, doxycycline and isotretinoin which act in this way.

Thus, it is more vital than ever that you use a sunscreen with high SPF every time you venture outdoors and reapply it every two hours or as necessary.

Food

Diet and the weather both play an integral role in acne formation. Avoid dairy and sugary foods which may contribute to breakouts during wintertime. Also, refrain from picking at your blemishes because this can lead to infection and irritation of skin.

Nutritions that contain Vitamin A and E may help keep acne at bay, such as whole grains like quinoa, brown rice and wheat bread; dark leafy greens (spinach, kale and chard); avocado; tuna liver cream cheese feta and walnuts/sunflower seed/flaxseed etc; nuts & seeds such as walnuts sunflower seed flax seeds etc as well as eggs can all provide additional Vitamin A/E rich food sources that will aid acne control.

Tea tree oil has numerous healing benefits that include fighting bacteria and inflammation. When applying it directly to the skin, make sure to dilute it with a carrier oil first; lotions, soaps and face washes often contain tea tree oil as an antiseptic treatment option – you may even find oil-absorbing spot treatments featuring tea tree oil as natural solutions – though be wary not to overdo it, as too much application could irritate or clog pores!