When you have acne, the heat and humidity of summer are not your friends! Below are some tips to help you control breakouts and help you keep your skin in better condition during summer.
I believe that an easy and effective approach is to do what I call multitasking. By this, I mean using medical-grade products that can provide sun protection, moisturizer, and calm your skin all in one product. The more intentional your products are, the less you will worry about Acne or congestion flare-ups.
We always recommend medical-grade skincare products to our patients. You know what you are getting and do not have to worry about impure ingredients or a lack of scientific basis for the formulations. Our aestheticians and nurse injectors are experienced with treating acne and can help you determine which products are best for your skin type.
Weekly exfoliation is essential in the summer, especially if you produce excess oil. You want to use a non-mechanical product when having an active breakout. We suggest a liquid exfoliant with ingredients to remove dead cells without aggravating your skin. It is imperative that you use your products, especially exfoliants, correctly so that you do not exacerbate the chance of dermal damage from sun exposure or increased oil production. You do not want to exfoliate your skin within three days of heavy sun exposure.
Many mineral sunblocks also moisturize and control oil and congestion while hydrating and protecting you from sun damage. We have a wide variety of physical sunscreens to choose from depending on your skin condition, and many are even tinted to cut down on your need for foundation.
When you do apply a foundation, select a mineral-based formula to set the skin and even out tone and texture. Mineral makeups have zinc oxide that has natural oil-absorbing, anti-inflammatory properties and is anti-microbial.
We recommend that acne patients see the aesthetician every 4-5 weeks during summer to professionally clear congestion and use treatments to aid cell turnover and renewal, purge oil out of pores, and decongest the skin.
One of the most important things you can do to help with your acne-prone skin is to wash twice daily. You always want to use a cleanser to break down oils, cleanse effectively, and, importantly, not strip the skin. Using the wrong cleanser can cause your skin to over-product oil, which is the opposite of what you need.
Please call our office to schedule a consultation with one of our clinical providers to learn how best to care for your acne-prone skin and enjoy your summer without constant concern about flare-ups!
-Jennifer, Licensed Medical Aesthetician