Is acne worse in humid weather?

Author: Charity Pacocha  |  Last update: Monday, May 26, 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.

Does humidity make acne worse?

While humidity can help relieve dry skin by boosting hydration, it can also wreak havoc on oily and acne-prone skin by contributing to breakouts.

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.

Does moisture make acne worse?

No, moisturizer does not cause acne. However, choosing the right moisturizer for your skin type is important. Acneic skin needs hydration just as much as dry skin, and in some cases, a lack of proper hydration can exacerbate oily skin and contribute to breakouts.

How To Prevent Skin Breakouts In Humid Weather

Is it better to dry out acne or moisturize it?

Drying out your pimples can actually be a safer zit-busting strategy than popping them, as doing so with the help of anti-acne ingredients can help rid the pores of excess sebum and oil, which can trigger new breakouts.

What does stress acne look like?

Stress acne typically presents as an array of small, red or pink pimples that can be scattered across various areas of the face. These facial acne pimples often take the form of whiteheads or blackheads and can progress into pustules, which are red, pus-filled bumps, or papules, which are small, raised bumps.

How to control acne 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.

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 vitamin D help acne?

In the randomized controlled trial of 39 acne patients with vitamin D deficiency, oral vitamin D supplementation produced a significant improvement in acne inflammation.

Does tanning help acne?

Because you might feel like you have some inital reduction in oil, you may think tanning + sun exposure helps your acne and breakouts, but it's actually a vicious circle with only short-term benefits. In the longer term, you're only going deeper into the problem, making it harder to get rid of.

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.

What weather is bad for acne?

Hot and Humid Conditions

In hot and humid climates, sweat production increases, which can lead to clogged pores. The combination of sweat, oil, and bacteria creates a breeding ground for acne, especially on the face, back, and chest.

Can a humidifier clear acne?

The steam from humidifiers can also aid with pimples, breakouts, and acne (yes, even the kind caused by face masks).

How to avoid pimples in summer?

Prevent acne breakouts
  1. Shower and shampoo immediately after getting out of the pool, using fresh, clean water and a mild cleanser or body wash made for swimmers.
  2. Apply sunscreen before going outdoors, using one that offers broad-spectrum protection, SPF 30+, and water resistance.
  3. Use a mild cleanser to wash your skin.

How do you get clear skin in humid weather?

Anne Chapas' expert advice, to look your radiant best during the season of natural beauty and minimal makeup.
  1. Stay hydrated from the inside out-and outside in. ...
  2. Lighten up with serums. ...
  3. Control excess oil with retinol and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) ...
  4. Get your beauty sleep. ...
  5. Make masks your friend.

Does humidity cause more pimples?

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 do I look so much better after washing my face?

A common benefit of facial cleansing is the removal of dirt, oil, and other unwanted debris. Throughout the day the skin on your face is continually covered with bacteria, pollutants, viruses, dirt, and old (dead) skin cells. Daily facial washing removes these impurities to give the skin a fresh look.

How often should I wash my face in humid weather?

Tip #1 – Cleanse Twice Daily to Remove Sweat and Dirt

Sweat and oil buildup are common in humid climates, so proper cleansing is a must. Opt for a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser that removes dirt and sweat without stripping your skin's natural oils. This helps prevent clogged pores and reduces the risk of acne.

How do you dry out active acne?

Apply ice or cold compresses to inflamed acne lesions to help reduce swelling and discomfort. Consider using spot treatments containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or tea tree oil to target inflammation and kill acne-causing bacteria. 4.

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.

How do I know if my acne is hormonal or stress?

Fortunately, hormonal acne can be easy to identify. Breakouts on the chin and jawline are directly linked to the reproductive organs of the body, so hormonal acne will almost always present itself there. Recurrent breakouts are also highly likely to be hormonal.

What do pimples on the cheeks mean?

Cheek pimples can be the result of poor skincare, too much oil on the skin, or even dirt in the air. Picking at them or using makeup that blocks the pores can worsen their appearance.

What are anxiety pimples?

When you have anxiety, several changes occur that may lead to acne breakouts: Hormone Fluctuations Stress hormones released during anxiety cause changes in your pores and possibly an increase in skin oils. This combination clogs pores, allowing bacteria to grow, ultimately leading to acne.

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