Medicadermis | Skin Therapy The Hague

Why can your skin become more irritated in the summer?

You perspire more in warm weather. Sweat itself does not cause acne, but in combination with friction, tight clothing, sports equipment, or products your skin does not tolerate well, bumps and irritation can develop. Changes in your skincare routine can also affect existing acne.

Not everyone produces more sebum due to heat. The reaction varies from person to person and depends on skin type, hormonal influences, and the products you use, among other factors.

Pimples caused by sunscreen: should you stop using SPF?

No, sun protection remains important. Especially with acne, inflammation can leave behind red or brown residual spots. UV exposure can make pigment spots in particular darker or visible for longer.

A sunscreen that suits your skin doesn't have to cause breakouts. However, some formulas feel too rich or cause irritation or clogged pores in certain people. Preferably choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher that you tolerate well. 'Non-comedogenic' can be a useful indicator, but it is not an absolute guarantee.

Do bumps, itching, or a burning sensation suddenly appear after using a new product? Then it could also be a case of irritation or contact allergy. Read my blog about Skin reactions caused by makeup, cream, and skincare. Feel free to bring your products to the practice.

Does sunlight help with acne?

Tanned skin can temporarily make redness less noticeable. However, this does not mean that the acne itself has disappeared. There is insufficient reason to recommend unprotected sun exposure as an acne treatment: UV radiation increases the risk of skin damage and pigmentation problems, among other things.

Some people notice more impurities after a holiday. This can have various causes, such as changes in skincare, sweating, friction, or the natural progression of acne. A generally proven 'rebound effect' due to thickening of the skin is not a sufficient explanation for everyone.

Not every summer pimple is acne.

Suddenly appearing, highly uniform, or itchy bumps can also be consistent with other skin conditions, such as folliculitis or a heat-related skin reaction. In classic acne, blackheads and various types of inflammation are also often seen. Proper assessment is important because the treatment can vary.

You can read more about the different forms on my page. acne treatment in The Hague.

Which acne treatment is possible in the summer?

A treatment does not automatically have to stop as soon as the sun shines. The choice depends primarily on your skin type, current skin condition, recent and expected sun exposure, and the recovery required by a treatment.

• Acne therapy and thorough cleansing: may be suitable when blackheads and constipation are prominent.
• Mild peels: can sometimes be used, but require careful consideration and proper aftercare.
• More intensive peels and light or laser treatments: may be less suitable in case of recent tanning or planned sun exposure and should be postponed if necessary.
• Skincare advice: helps to prevent unnecessarily irritating combinations of products.

And an organic herbal peel?

A organic herbal peel It can be an option for certain skin types, but it is not automatically safer in the summer because classic strong chemical acids are not used. Herbal peels can also cause a noticeable skin reaction. Therefore, I assess beforehand whether the treatment is suitable for your skin and your plans regarding sun exposure and vacation.

What can you do yourself for acne during hot days?

• Cleanse your skin gently, generally twice a day and after heavy sweating when necessary, without scrubbing hard.
• Use a suitable broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily.
• Choose skincare that your skin tolerates; oily skin does not need to be completely dried out.
• Carefully remove makeup and sunscreen at the end of the day.
• Avoid squeezing inflamed pimples yourself to limit skin damage.
• Be careful with stacking acids, scrubs, and retinoids, especially on irritated skin.
• Seek timely medical help for severe, painful acne or impending scarring.

Facts and myths about acne

Is acne caused by dirt? Can you use makeup? And does acne disappear on its own after your teenage years? In my blog 7 myths about acne: what is really true? I explain which commonly heard statements are and are not supported by research.

Personal acne treatment at Medicadermis

At Medicadermis, I look at the type of acne, the sensitivity of your skin, and what you use at home. Sometimes clearing is beneficial, sometimes an adjusted routine, and sometimes consultation with your GP or dermatologist is the best next step. Even when active acne subsides, we can focus on red and brown spots after acne.

About the author

Charlotte de Deugd is a skin therapist and owner of Medicadermis in The Hague. In her practice, she guides and treats clients with conditions including acne, rosacea, pigmentation problems, scars, and edema. Her approach combines dermatological expertise, clinical experience, and current scientific insights. She pays special attention to appropriate skincare and carefully tailoring treatments to the individual skin.