Why summer makes acne worse

A few things converge in summer that create near-perfect conditions for breakouts:

Heat increases sebum production. Your skin produces more oil in warmer temperatures as a natural response, and more oil means more opportunity for pores to become congested. Add sweat into the mix, which combines with that excess sebum and sits on the skin's surface, and you have a film that needs to be properly removed rather than just rinsed off.

Then there's SPF. Which we absolutely still recommend applying, every single day. But SPF is occlusive by design, and applied repeatedly throughout the day in heat, it contributes to congestion, especially on the chest, back and shoulders where skin is often more oily to begin with and clothing is trapping everything against it. This is not a reason to skip sun protection. It's a reason to manage your skin differently in summer.

And finally, clothing. Tight workout gear, swimwear sitting on skin for hours, damp fabric after a swim or a run. All of it contributes to a cycle of irritation and congestion that your regular winter routine simply doesn't account for.

The solution is a summer-specific approach, and it looks a bit different to what you do the rest of the year. Let's get into it!

For more stubborn or inflamed breakouts, Acnecide gel with 5% benzoyl peroxide is worth keeping to hand.

Available from pharmacies without a prescription, it's one of the most clinically effective over-the-counter acne treatments available. Benzoyl peroxide works differently to salicylic acid in that it kills the bacteria responsible for inflamed acne rather than just unblocking the pore. Apply it to active spots, leave it on for five minutes, then rinse off. Use it as a targeted treatment rather than all over the face.

NB** Be aware it can bleach fabric so a white pillowcase is a good idea.

This is the step people with oily or acne-prone skin most commonly skip, and skipping it makes things worse. Skin that's stripped and dehydrated from actives overproduces oil to compensate. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser keeps that cycle from happening.

People with acne-prone skin often avoid SPF because they think the formula is causing their breakouts. Sometimes they're right, which is exactly why the SPF you choose matters here. But skipping it entirely is not the answer. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, the dark marks left after a blemish resolves, get significantly worse with UV exposure. Every active spot will leave a darker mark without protection. SPF is more important with acne, not less. The key is finding a formula that's genuinely non-comedogenic, lightweight, and designed for oily skin.

Staying on top of your breakouts this summer doesn't have to be difficult - you just have to be consistent.

Once you have a routine that is working, stick with it. Cleansing and gentle exfoliation are the most important part of your routine this time of year to stay ahead of the SPF congestion, excess oil and sweat etc.

Stressing about your acne/breakouts won't help. If you find yourself struggling and you want tailored advice? Book a consultation with me at Dr. Laura Clinic. We'll build you a tailored skincare routine, and look at options around prescription creams/medications.

The information in this article is intended for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your skin or are considering any treatments for acne, please speak to a qualified medical professional. If you'd like to discuss your skincare or treatments with us, we're happy to help.