Why does the face break out when it's hot? Here is how to stop it

The Israeli summer brings with it sun, humidity, sweat, and heat stress, but for many, it also brings a less pleasant phenomenon: Breakouts. Even people who enjoy relatively balanced skin throughout the year discover that during the hot season, the skin becomes oilier, pores get clogged, and pimples appear more frequently.

Despite the tendency to think of this as merely an aesthetic issue, pimples are actually an inflammatory process in the skin, which is influenced by environmental, hormonal, and behavioral factors. In summer, the combination of heat and humidity causes the sebaceous glands to work overtime and secrete more oil. Together with sweat, dirt, and makeup residue, an ideal environment is created for bacterial accumulation and the appearance of pimples. Here is how to prevent the phenomenon and how to properly care for the skin during the hot season.

Cleansing the face is the foundation for balanced skin, especially in summer when sweat and dirt accumulate faster. However, one of the most common mistakes is excessive washing of the face or using soaps that are too strong. When the skin is over-dried, it reacts precisely by increasing oil secretion, which can worsen the appearance of pimples.

The recommendation is to wash the face only twice a day, morning and evening, using a gentle cleanser that is adapted to the skin type and preserves its natural protective layer.

In summer, it is advisable to replace heavy creams with lighter products. Oily creams or long-wearing makeup can weigh down the skin and clog pores.

It is preferable to choose textures like gel, serum, or water-based moisturizers, which are quickly absorbed and do not leave a heavy feeling. In sunscreen as well, it is recommended to choose a formula designed for oily skin or acne-prone skin, in order to protect from the sun without worsening the skin condition.

The skin is affected not only by the products we apply to it, but also by our daily habits. Frequent touching of the face with unclean hands transfers bacteria and oils to the skin and can worsen pimples.

The mobile phone is also considered a significant source of dirt and bacteria, especially when it is repeatedly pressed against the cheek. Additionally, it is recommended to replace the pillowcase once every few days, because it absorbs sweat, oil, and skincare product residue during the night.

Despite the temptation, squeezing pimples is almost always a mistake. This action can deepen the inflammation, cause prolonged redness, and even leave scars or dark spots.

Beyond that, popping pimples can spread bacteria to additional areas of the face and lead to the appearance of new pimples. Instead of squeezing, it is better to use dedicated products that assist in gently drying the pimple or to seek professional treatment if necessary.

The skin is also affected by what happens inside the body. A balanced diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, and sufficient water consumption, can assist in maintaining cleaner and healthier skin.

Conversely, in some people, high consumption of sugars and processed foods can worsen acne conditions. Additionally, stress is considered one of the factors that increase breakouts, and therefore it is recommended to incorporate calming activities like walking, physical exercise, or rest time during the day.

Active ingredients like salicylic acid and other gentle acids can assist in cleansing pores and reducing oiliness, but in summer, it is important to use them with caution.

Sun exposure can increase skin sensitivity and cause irritation, and therefore it is recommended to begin with gradual use, not to combine too many active substances together, and to strictly apply sunscreen during the day.

Many people think that sun exposure improves the condition of pimples, because in the short term, it appears that the skin dries out. In practice, sun exposure can cause skin thickening and later worsen pore clogging. Additionally, the sun can increase the appearance of dark spots after pimples and complicate the healing process of the skin.

Summer breakouts are a very common phenomenon, but certainly not an inevitability. A combination of proper cleansing, using products adapted to the season, maintaining hygiene, and a balanced diet can significantly reduce the phenomenon and help the skin remain clean, calm, and healthy even during the hottest days of the year.