Can humidity cause acne breakouts?

Author: Norbert Schultz  |  Last update: Thursday, September 18, 2025

Higher humidity causes the pores of the skin to open – a bit like a very gentle facial steam. But when you're out and about, open pores are all the more susceptible to gathering dirt, oil and allergens. So higher levels of humidity can lead to breakouts occurring more often and more severely.

Why does my skin break out when it's humid?

Joel Schlessinger explains, “During summer months, the temperatures rise and so does the humidity. This triggers sebaceous glands to produce more oil which mixes with sweat, dirt and dead skin cells, which congests and blocks pores. This leads to a shiny complexion and more breakouts, blackheads and whiteheads.”

How to get rid of acne in humid weather?

Shirazi recommends spraying your face with hypochlorous acid. Not only will that little spritz feel cooling and refreshing, but this derm-favorite ingredient can also prevent and kill acne-causing bacteria, which thrive in warm, moist environments (like your hot, sticky face), she adds.

What climate is worst for acne?

Temperature and Humidity

The study showed that hot weather was risk factors for acne. However, Dreno et al. found there was no significant difference in prevalence of people with or without acne living in temperate or cold regions.

How to keep skin clear in humid weather?

Best Skincare Routine for Humid Weather
  • Step one: Thoroughly cleanse your face in the morning and at night.
  • Step two: Use a face mist.
  • Step three: Exfoliate.
  • Step four: Apply sunscreen.
  • Step five: Stay hydrated.

Skincare Mistakes That Cause Acne, Breakouts & Inflammation: Sugar & Dairy

Should I wash my face more in humid weather?

Cleanse: If you usually wash your face either in the morning or the evening, you'll want to do both when you're in a humid climate. Cleanse your skin of any dirt and impurities, and reduce oil with each rinse.

Can hot weather trigger acne?

Do heat and humidity “cause” acne, or at least contribute to it? Heat and humidity don't necessarily cause acne but they certainly can contribute to acne breakouts. This is because excess heat and humidity can cause excess moisture and sweat to sit on the skin and clog pores.

Can lack of vitamin D cause acne?

Vitamin D has a regularity effect on the immune system. In addition, it regulates the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes and sebocytes. Furthermore, antioxidant and anti-comedogenic properties are features of vitamin D. Thus, vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the pathogenesis of acne.

Why do I break out when the weather changes?

From cold to warm weather

Humid air traps oil on the surface of your skin, which creates a hot environment on your skin where acne-causing bacteria can thrive.

Can a humidifier help with acne?

By purifying the air, humidifiers reduce the exposure to allergens like dust, pet dander, and pollen, which can cause inflammation and exacerbate skin conditions like eczema or acne.

Is dry or humid air better for acne?

Humidity, often overlooked in skincare routines, plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy, radiant skin. While excessive humidity can lead to oily skin and breakouts; low humidity, especially during winter months, can strip the skin of its natural moisture, causing dryness, flakiness, and premature aging.

How do you treat hormonal acne?

Oral Medication

This can include: Antibiotics — Oral antibiotics work to treat acne by killing off the bacteria that are irritating your skin and triggering breakouts. Hormone Supplements — Oral contraceptives, like birth control pills, help to level out your hormonal balances to improve acne breakouts.

Can humidity cause skin problems?

High humidity can lead to excess moisture and thus to problems such as oily skin or acne. The excess moisture mixes with sebum and dead skin cells and clogs the pores. Excessive humidity can also make the skin feel sticky and clammy. Fungal infections can also be a consequence of high relative humidity.

How do I stop breaking out in humid weather?

Cleansing, toning, and moisturizing twice a day can drastically reduce the chances of developing acne. Adding in an exfoliating treatment once a month is also a primary way to reduce breakouts.

How do you treat acne prone skin in humid weather?

Monsoon skincare: How to treat acne when it's humid weather
  1. Humidity and skin concerns. ...
  2. How to treat acne during humid weather. ...
  3. Choose the right face wash. ...
  4. Avoid touching your face. ...
  5. Follow a healthy diet. ...
  6. Use a lightweight moisturiser. ...
  7. Use products with Salicylic Acid. ...
  8. Best monsoon skincare routine.

Does humidity cause fungal acne?

Yeast grow in warm, moist environments. Fungal acne tends to flare in the summer months with heat, humidity and perspiration. It can also arise after treatment with medications such as antibiotics and steroids/prednisone, and in conjunction with other systemic diseases like diabetes.

Why do I get pimples in humid weather?

Unfortunately, this high humidity can cause the sebaceous glands in the skin to generate more oil. And because the face has the highest concentration of these glands, this can result in a lot of excess sweat and oil—which can lead to acne breakouts.

What time of year is acne the worst?

The summer months are known for bringing on acne, but winter weather can bring on new pimples as well. Enter dreaded (and dry) winter acne. Both summer acne and winter acne form the same way, but the causes of formation are different. Acne occurs when dead skin and oil clog your hair follicles.

Does drinking water help with acne?

Increased water intake often leads to improved skin clarity and reduced acne severity. Many people report fewer breakouts and a more even skin tone after consistently increasing their water consumption. Hydrated skin may appear plumper and healthier, making existing acne less noticeable.

What does B12 acne look like?

High-dose vitamins B6 and B12 have also been linked to rosacea fulminans, a condition that looks like acne. Rosacea is marked by large red bumps and pustules that typically appear on the nose, chin, and/or cheeks.

What is lymphatic acne?

When the lymph system is blocked and fluid is building then your skin can be what suffers. As the toxins are stuck under the skin around the neck and jawline it can cause large breakouts of acne.

What are 3 symptoms of not enough vitamin D?

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include:
  • Fatigue.
  • Not sleeping well.
  • Bone pain or achiness.
  • Depression or feelings of sadness.
  • Hair loss.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Getting sick more easily.

Why am I getting so many pimples in summer?

What Causes Summer Acne Breakouts? When it comes to the cause of summertime acne breakouts, Dr. Charles says, “Heat and humidity, sweating, more time outdoors, and increased use of sunscreen can all cause a greater risk for more frequent and more severe acne breakouts.

What do clogged pores look like?

Clogged pores can look enlarged, bumpy, or, in the case of blackheads, dark in color. The more oil that a person's skin produces, the more likely it is that their pores will become blocked. A person can use skin care techniques and products to manage or clear clogged pores.

What are blind pimples?

Blind pimples are pimples (zits) that form under your skin. They may stay under your skin's surface, causing pain and inflammation. Or they may erupt through the surface in the form of a whitehead, blackhead or red bump. Treatment includes warm compresses and acne-fighting creams.

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