Summer Sweating Can Cause Acne

The summer months can be torturous to our skin. Not only are we under constant fear that the sun will cause unsightly damage to any exposed body part, the summer heat can effect the look of your skin. How? By sweating. Though it's a natural way for your body to cool itself down during these warmer months, it can cause irritated skin as well as acne. We'd like to provide some helpful tips on how to combat the issue.

Acne is caused by an overproduction of skin oil. When this happens, the pores of your skin are blocked causing a build up of bacteria, which in time creates acne. It was first believed that sweating could actually help clear out your pores. However, that's now known to be false, sweat glands and oil pores are two different functions of the body and one does not help the other. In fact, sweating can cause more acne by attracting dust and dirt to the skin by creating a moist surface for them to stick to.

As well, when combining sweat with friction, a condition known as acne mechanica can procure. This is a type of acne that occurs when a person involves themselves in any type of activity that involves friction against a sweaty area of the body. Say, if you're carrying a heavy purse around your exposed shoulder on a hot day, this can cause acne mechanica. The same goes for if you have a heavy set necklace around your neck, for example. If you're sweating in the sun, that necklace can irritate and rub against the skin causing more acne than anyone would desire.

So what's the best way to prevent acne caused by sweat and friction?

Here are a few tips:

Be Conscious of What You Wear

During the summer, try to wear loose fitting, lighter clothing. This will help keep your body cool and make you sweat less. As well, it won't cause as much friction against your skin. Think light cotton, silk, and linen.

Shower Frequently

Though too much showering can dry out your skin and adversely effect your body, a quick, cool shower to wash off excess sweat and oil can drastically help in the prevention of acne. You don't need a long, soapy shower session either. Two minutes to rinse off is all you need, and if you haven't worked up too much of a sweat, stay away from soaps and shampoos, use those every other day instead. This will help prevent your skin from drying out.

Avoid Scrubbing

While in the shower, and when you dry off, avoid scrubbing your skin and face. With a towel, pat yourself dry, and be gentle with your skin. If possible, try to air dry your skin as much as you can. This allows for essential oils to stay on your skin. Scrubbing the skin can also cause an acne outbreak.

Eat Healthy

Fresh fruits and vegetables are great for the skin. Greasy, fatty foods can hurt the skin by causing free radicals and unwanted chemicals into your body which can help in the build up of oils and bacteria. Eating healthy actually combats these free radicals with antioxidants. It is a great way to keep acne at bay.

A Quality Skincare Routine

Last, look to Impressions Face + Body (previously "True Skin Care Center") for a proper face and body blemish defense. With blends of dioic acid with optimal alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid, our Blemish and Age defense can protect and prevent the formation of acne as well as minimize hyper pigmentation and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. While the other tips are natural and simple ways to avoid ace, Skinceuticals' Blemish and Age Defense is a special recipe created by top scientists to fight and prevent acne outbreaks.

A Clarifying Cleanser which can be used daily will help keep pores clear while improving the appearance of problematic skin. The combination of these two products can keep you looking healthy throughout the summer. Though the summer months can be hard on the skin, with the right prevention and smart product choices to keep your skin clear, you can have a summer free of unsightly acne. Also, we encourage you to ask about our treatments for acne scars. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to contact our team of professionals who can help guide you through the many ways to make your skin the best it can be.