During the summer, our skin tends to produce more oil. The combination of higher temperatures and humidity can cause sebaceous (oil) glands to work overtime, leading to an increase in oil flow. While this excess oil can give your skin a radiant glow in the summer, it also sets the stage for acne as the seasons change.
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.
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.
This one studied over 450 patients and noted that more than 56% of them noted that they had worse acne in the summer and the study proposed the same causes that Dr. Saggar identified: increased temperature, marked humidity, and sweating might explain the results commonly noted.
It is unclear if acne gets significantly worse in winter or summer. While research suggests more people consult doctors for their acne in winter, some factors can also worsen the condition in summer, such as: Sweat: Higher heat may cause sweating, and sweat on the skin can lead to acne.
Acne is most common in girls from the ages of 14 to 17, and in boys from the ages of 16 to 19. Most people have acne on and off for several years before their symptoms start to improve as they get older. Acne often disappears when a person is in their mid-20s. In some cases, acne can continue into adult life.
While ice can help reduce symptoms of an inflamed pimple, heat works well on noninflamed, blind pimples. A blind pimple is a type of closed comedo that develops in the deep layers of the skin. This type of acne occurs when a plug of sebum and dead skin cells trap oil, bacteria, and dirt deep within a hair follicle.
Acne effects around 90% of adolescents with the prime age across all genders being the teenage years of 14-19 years old. For people who have widespread acne that is classed as moderate to severe, more intervention in the form of acne treatments is often required.
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.
In the randomized controlled trial of 39 acne patients with vitamin D deficiency, oral vitamin D supplementation produced a significant improvement in acne inflammation.
Dermatologists have long noted that the skin of acne sufferers appears to age more slowly than the skin of those with no history of acne. Signs of aging such as wrinkles and skin thinning often appear much later in people who have experienced acne in their lifetime.
Elevated temperatures and humidity create favourable conditions for bacterial growth, worsening acne lesions. Conversely, cold weather can strip the skin of moisture, leading to dryness and irritation.
Acne isn't caused by dirty skin. In fact, scrubbing the skin too hard or cleansing with harsh soaps or chemicals irritates the skin and can make acne worse. Cosmetics. Cosmetics don't necessarily worsen acne, especially if you use oil-free makeup that doesn't clog pores (noncomedogenics) and remove makeup regularly.
A gentle cleanser with salicylic acid can help keep oil production in check while preventing clogged pores. Avoid Heavy Products: With the change in seasons, your skin may not need as heavy of products as it did in the summer. Switch to lighter formulas, especially when it comes to moisturizers and sunscreens.
Use An Over-the-Counter Acne Spot Treatment
Salicylic acid, mentioned above, is one of these. Another important ingredient to look for is benzoyl peroxide. In addition to reducing oil and removing dead skin cells, benzoyl peroxide also helps kill the bacteria that cause the pimples.
Beyond green and spearmint, herbal teas such as chamomile and rooibos provide hydration with additional anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, gently preparing the ground for a clearer complexion.
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.
While most people outgrow the worst of their acne after puberty, the truth is that for some people, acne is a lifelong battle. That is because there are different types of acne. When oil or other things, like dead skin or dirt, block your pores, you can break out.
Whatever you do, never use alcohol, exfoliants, toners, abrasives, astringents, or any fragrances on acne-prone skin. In addition, it would be best if you stay away from cosmetic face masks, facial scrubs, and tanning products.
Can I pop a blind pimple? Never try to pop or squeeze a blind pimple. Doing so pushes the oil and bacteria deeper, causing more inflammation and increasing the risk of infection.
People cannot remove pimples overnight, but home care can lessen swelling and may improve the appearance of pimples. Keeping the area clean, using ice, and hot compresses can help. For persistent or recurring pimples, people may wish to try acne treatments.