Acne and breakouts can be stressful to deal with at any time, but during the summer months sweat and heat pimples tend to get much worse. We are here to help you understand why summer can be a major trigger for sweat pimples and what you can do to keep your skin clear during these months. Because, let's face it, no one wants to cover up acne with heavy makeup during the hot and humid months.
Here are some reasons why you have more breakouts in the summer and what you can do to get rid of and even prevent them.
What are sweat pimples and what do they look like?
Sweat pimples are a common skin condition that affect people with normal or acne prone skin. They look like small red or clear blisters or pustules on top or right under the skin. They are typically the result of excessive heat, sweating or exercise.
What causes sweat pimples?
Your body has 2 types of sweat glands. Some (eccrine glands) are all over your body and open directly to the surface of your skin. Others (apocrine glands) are found in areas with lots of hair follicles. When the body heats up, these glands act as a natural cooling mechanism, releasing sweat to the surface of the skin. When sweat mixes with oil and dirt it can clog pores and trap bacteria under the skin, which causes pockets of inflammation also known as zits. Sweat also has a different pH level than skin, which can create conditions for bacteria to flourish, making acne and pimples more likely to occur.
How are sweat pimples different from regular acne?
Sweat pimples tend to be triggered by external factors such as heat, sweat or friction on the skin. “Normal” acne is often a result of internal factors such as hormonal changes in the body or problems of the digestive system. Sweat pimples tend to be small with a clear or slightly white color. Acne vulgaris, the most common form of acne tends to be whiteheads, blackheads or large and inflamed.
How to get rid of sweat pimples on face
Detox Wash: This face wash doesn’t just cleanse, it helps detoxify skin from environmental pollutants and free radicals, using pure botanical ingredients. The gentle formula contains no detergents or dyes, so it’s safe for all skin types.
Omega Polish and Activator: A multitasking powerhouse delivers clear and luminous skin. Made from micro-milled flax and oat seed, polishes off dead skin and absorbs excess oil. It also includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to instantly brighten and soften skin. Leave it on as a pore refining mask to unclog and visibly shrink pores.
Super Clear: This acne serum with lactic acid is tough on acne, though gentle on your face. Made with arnica, brown algae extract to calm skin and visibly reduce inflammation.
Organic Omega Oil: The face oil that started it all. Made of 100% organic flaxseed oil, it is rich in Omega 3, 6, and 9, essential fatty acids that the body cannot produce. Help calm irritated skin and balance oil production. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly into the skin and will not clog pores, resulting in a healthy glowing complexion.
Blue Butterfly Balm: This soothing face balm is ideal for red, irritated skin. Made with calming Blue Butterfly Pea Flower, the deliciously rich formula immediately quenches dry skin and envelopes it in a comforting embrace. It’s the perfect PM regime after a day out in the sun.
How to get rid of sweat pimples on body
For all the reasons noted above, body acne is more common during warmer weather. Cleanse the area with a gentle wash like silver wash that contains acne fighting probiotics and exfoliate the breakouts with a gentle exfoliant such as Flash Facial, which hydrates and soothes as it removes dead skin and debris. Finally, use an acne spot treatment such as Blemish Buster (with salicylic acid, probiotics and lavender) to diminish acne and redness overnight.
How to avoid sweat pimples
Wash skin immediately after exercising - The longer sweat, oil and dirt stays on your face, the more likely bacteria develops that can lead to acne. Use cold water to shrink pores that were dilated while the skin was hot.
Don't touch or pick at skin - The area under our fingernails contains dirt and bacteria. Picking exposes the skin and allows for the dirt to penetrate and cause acne. Picking is also the #1 cause of facial scars and pockmarks.
Wear clean clothes and wash items that don’t often get washed, like headbands and hats - Sweat residue and bacteria can linger on clothing and accessories, so always put on fresh clothes and wash items like hats, headbands, or bandanas that tend to get ignored.
Remove makeup before exercising - Makeup, especially foundation, can clog pores and trap dirt. So whether you're hiking, jogging or going to the gym, a make-up free face will help you keep an acne-free face!
Apply sunscreen if you’re exercising outside - The negative effects of UV rays go beyond skin burning. They tend to dry out the skin causing your oil glands to go into overdrive and produce more oil to hydrate your skin. This overproduction of sebum (oil) is a key part of acne formation.
Pay close attention to cleansing at the hairline - Your hairline is extremely prone to acne. In addition to makeup, it's also affected by chemical and oil based hair products which can clog pores. Headwear such as hats and headbands also trap pore clogging dirt and oil. So make sure to pay attention to the hairline with proper cleansing and sum protection.
Can swimming/chlorine in a pool cause pimples?
Pools are heavily chlorinated during warmer weather. It’s no wonder they have a complicated effect on skin. Chlorine is extremely drying and irritating especially to those who suffer from eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis, resulting in rashes and itchy skin. If your skin becomes too dry due to pool chemicals, oil production will increase. Excess oil then clogs your pores, leading to pimples.
Just like you can help protect hair follicles from pool water with a pre-pool application of conditioner you should do the same with your skin. Apply a few drops of face oil, or a barrier protecting face balm and finish with sunscreen to create a natural barrier between chlorine and your skin. Once you are done with the pool, shower immediately and nourish your skin with a post sun and chlorine soothing face balm to prevent rash and irritation.
