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Acne Treatment for Summer

girl wearing sunglasses on the beach

The weather here in Philly is feeling like summer! I love it but summer heat and humidity can trigger an acne breakout. The skin becomes more oily and sweaty.  Dead skin cells on our skin mix with all that oil and create a sticky film on the skin that clogs the pores trapping acne causing bacteria in the pores. The bacteria that causes acne (p acnes or
proprionibacterium acnes) likes all that sebum (the oil the skin produces) and can get out of control. The bacteria actually eats the oil. It multiplies and causes inflammation and pimples. 

 This is an interesting tidbit, the acne bacteria itself isn't causing the breakout problem. It is the byproducts that are produced by the bacteria as it digests the oil that cause the breakout. The body perceives these byproducts as a foreign object and triggers an immune response attacking the bacteria byproduct by rushing red and white blood cells to remove the offender. This immune response is what creates the inflammation and breakout. Interesting, right? Here are a few tips to help you deal with a summer acne flare
up and some links to products that are helpful in the treatment of acne.

 Use skin care products for acne

 Skin care products that treat acne are designed to kill acne causing bacteria, exfoliate dead cell build up and soothe inflammation. It's good to use a whole topical acne treatment system that includes products that work together to treat the acne.  For instance use a wash, an exfoliating product, a toner and a hydrating lotion that are the same brand.

Many people like the Pro Active+ 3 Step System.  Proactive Products use glycolic acid, kojic acid, benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria and exfoliate.
click here to view proactive products

Alba Botanica Acne Dote products contain salicylic acid, peppermint and plant extracts to kill bacteria and exfoliate. My daughters love these fresh minty products!
click here to view Alba Botanica acne products

 Hats can cause a breakout
Besides having more oily, sweaty skin, there are lots of 
activities we like to do in the summer that can create the
possibility of an acne flare up. Activities that require some 
sort of head gear, a hat for sun protection, a headband while
exercising and a helmet while bike riding can spell trouble.
Acne bacteria will grow out of control when is trapped under 
a hat, a headband, or helmet. Any tight occlusive clothing will
also cause trouble by trapping oil, sweat and bacteria. Hit the
shower as soon as you are done your activity to wash away
oil and sweat. Keep all headgear clean and free of old sweat and oil.

 Use non comedogenic sunscreen
Acne treatment involves medications that are topical and oral that kill that acne bacteria. Topical treatments also help remove dead cell build up and can soothe inflammation. Most acne medications and treatment products cause the skin to be sensitive to the UV rays from the sun causing your skin to burn more easily. This is a concern in the summer when we spend a lot of time outside. Sunscreen is a must but many people are afraid to use it for fear that it will make their acne worst. 

You need to use a sunscreen that is non comedogenic. Non comedogenic means it won't clog the pores. Blue Lizard make a great sunscreen for sensitive skin. Blue Lizard Sunscreen Sensitive Skin SPF 30+ is non comedogenic, has no potentially irritating chemicals and can be use on the face and body. 
click here to view Blue Lizard Sunscreens

 10 sunscreen tips you may not know

Eat a low sugar diet
There is some evidence the shows sugar can cause an acne breakout. Read products labels. There is a lot of added sugar in packages food. Yogurt, for instance, can be very high in sugar. A regular yogurt can have 27 grams of sugar. That's crazy! I like Chobani Simply 100 Greek Yogurt. It has no artificial sweeteners and contains about 6-8 grams of sugar depending on the flavor. You can't go wrong with eating a diet that low in processed foods and is full of fruits, veggies, low fat dairy and whole grains.

 More on sugar and your skin

 Conceal and treat
Of course you want to conceal those red acne spots. You can use products that conceal but also help treat the acne.  Try a spot concealer that contains acne fighting ingredients. Murad Acne Treatment concealer contains salicylic acid and comes in two shades. 
click here to view Murad concealers

 As for all over coverage, Bare Minerals makes a foundation that is in powder form made from natural minerals such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, mica and iron oxides. The ingredients in mineral makeup are gentle on the skin, are non drying and contain natural sunblock making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin. 
click here to view Bare Minerals foundations

 You can also use a BB cream that contains ingredients to heal your skin. I like Physicians Formula Super BB. It makes my skin look beautiful. 
click here to view Physician's Formula BB's
Hope these tips help you avoid and heal your summer or fall or anytime breakout.

Have a Happy Clearer Skin Day!

xo
Jill
Licensed Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Makeup Artist

PS: Thanks for using my amazon & direct links💋
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. That keeps my blog running and supports the care of animals in need!😸

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