Acne in the summer: why your skin might become more troubled right now

Acne in the summer It occurs more often than many people think. Warm weather, perspiration, sunscreen, and increased sebum production can cause pores to become clogged more quickly. As a result, pimples, blackheads, and inflammation can actually increase during hot days.

As a skin therapist at Medicadermis in The Hague, I regularly see that acne becomes more problematic in the summer. Fortunately, this does not mean that skin improvement has to come to a standstill. With the right skincare and an appropriate acne treatment, the skin can remain calmer and better balanced even in the summer.

Why can acne worsen in the summer?

Warm weather can cause the skin to produce more sebum. Additionally, you perspire more. Sweat itself does not cause acne, but in combination with sebum, dead skin cells, makeup, or sunscreen, pores can become clogged more quickly.

When pores become clogged, blackheads, pimples, and inflammation can develop. This is why some people suffer more from impure skin specifically in the summer.

Pimples caused by hot weather and sunscreen

Sunscreen is important to protect the skin against UV radiation, pigmentation, and premature aging. However, an SPF that is too oily or unsuitable can contribute to clogged pores in acne-prone skin.

For acne in the summer, it is therefore important to choose a light, non-comedogenic sunscreen suitable for oily or acne-prone skin. The goal is to protect the skin well without unnecessarily stressing the pores.

Does acne disappear in the sun?

Many people find that their skin temporarily seems calmer during their vacation. Lightly tanned skin can make redness and inflammation less visible. As a result, it sometimes appears as if acne improves due to the sun.

However, sunlight does not treat the cause of acne. After the summer, I regularly see that acne actually increases again. UV radiation can thicken the top layer of skin, causing sebum to be drained less effectively and pores to become clogged more easily. This is also known as a rebound effect.

Which acne treatment is suitable for the summer?

Not every acne treatment is equally suitable during sunny periods. Intensive chemical peels or treatments that make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation require extra caution. Therefore, a skin therapist always assesses which treatment suits your skin, sun exposure, and the season.

Depending on your skin, the following treatments may be suitable in the summer:

• professional acne treatment with deep cleansing;
• removal of comedones;
• enzymatic peeling;
• soothing and sebum-regulating skincare;
• organic herbal peel.

Organic herbal peel for acne in the summer

A bio-herbal peel consists of a combination of natural herbs, minerals, and plant-based ingredients that stimulate the skin to renew itself. The treatment can help reduce clogged pores, a rough skin texture, dull skin, and impurities.

Because no strong chemical acids are used, a bio-herbal peel can be a suitable alternative for some people during the summer. However, good sun protection remains important, and I always assess first whether your skin is suitable for this treatment at that time.

A bio-herbal peel can be beneficial for skin that clogs easily, has a dull complexion, or is prone to impurities. The treatment is always tailored to your skin condition, your skin type, and your plans regarding sun exposure or vacation.

Would you like to know more about this treatment? Then view the page about the organic herbal peel at Medicadermis.

Is an organic herbal peel safe in the summer?

A bio-herbal peel may be suitable in the summer in some cases, but this depends on your skin, sun exposure, and aftercare. After every peel, it is important to protect the skin well with SPF and avoid direct sunlight as much as possible.

Therefore, it is discussed during the intake whether this is the right time for a bio-herbal peel. Sometimes it is wiser to opt for a milder acne treatment or skin maintenance first, and postpone more intensive treatments until after the summer.

What can you do yourself for acne in the summer?

Your daily skincare makes a big difference. For acne in the summer, it is important to keep the skin clean, calm, and protected.

• Cleanse the skin twice a day with a mild cleanser.
• Use a light, non-comedogenic sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Do not squeeze pimples.
• Remove makeup carefully.
• Avoid overly oily creams if your skin clogs easily.
• Use skincare suitable for acne-prone skin.
• Have acne treated in a timely manner to help prevent scarring.

Acne treatment at Medicadermis in The Hague

Every acne-prone skin is different. One person may primarily suffer from blackheads, while another develops inflammation or early acne scars. That is why, at Medicadermis, I do not work with standard treatments, but with a personalized treatment plan that suits your skin and the season.

Do you suffer from acne, breakouts due to hot weather, or troubled skin during the summer? Then I would be happy to help you with a skin analysis, a suitable acne treatment, and advice for home care.

Medicadermis – Skin Therapy The Hague

Conclusion: acne in the summer requires an adjusted approach

Summer acne often requires a different approach than winter acne. Heat, perspiration, sunscreen, and UV radiation can throw the skin off balance. With the right skincare and a treatment tailored to your skin type, you can work towards calmer skin during the summer as well.

A bio-herbal peel can be a great option for some skin types, but only if it suits your skin, sun exposure, and recovery period. That is why a treatment at Medicadermis always starts with a personal consultation.

Frequently asked questions about acne in the summer

Does acne get worse in warm weather?

For some people, yes. Heat can cause increased sebum production and perspiration. In combination with dead skin cells, makeup, or sunscreen, pores can become clogged more quickly.

Does sunlight help with acne?

Sunlight can temporarily make acne less visible, but it does not treat the cause. After the summer, acne can actually worsen again because the skin thickens and pores clog more easily.

Can I have a peel in the summer?

That depends on the type of peel, your skin, and the amount of sun exposure. Strong peels are not always advisable in the summer.A milder treatment or bio-herbal peel can sometimes be a better choice.

Is an organic herbal peel suitable for acne?

A bio-herbal peel may be suitable for impurities, clogged pores, a coarse skin texture, and dull skin. During the consultation, I will assess whether this treatment is suitable for your skin.

Can I go on vacation after an organic herbal peel?

That depends on your skin, the intensity of the treatment, and your travel plans. Good sun protection is important after every peel. During the consultation, I will discuss which schedule best suits your vacation.

Why do I get more pimples specifically after my vacation?

After exposure to the sun, the top layer of skin can temporarily thicken. This can cause pores to become clogged more easily, which can lead to the formation of new impurities a few weeks later.

Which sunscreen is suitable for acne?

Preferably choose a light, non-comedogenic sunscreen suitable for acne-prone skin. A sunscreen that is too oily can clog pores more quickly.

When should I see a skin therapist for acne?

If acne keeps recurring, causes inflammation, or leaves small scars, it is wise to seek help. A skin therapist can assess the skin and create a personalized treatment plan.

Literature

• Reynolds RV, Yeung H, Cheng CE, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2024.
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Acne vulgaris: management. NICE guideline NG198. 2021.
• Nast A, Dréno B, Bettoli V, Bukvic Mokos Z, Degitz K, Dressler C, et al. European evidence-based (S3) guideline for the treatment of acne – update 2016 – short version. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 2016;30(8):1261–1268.
• American Academy of Dermatology Association. Acne clinical guideline. Updated guidance for management of acne vulgaris.
• British Association of Dermatologists. Acne patient information leaflet.