Summer is meant to be the season of glowing skin, but for many people (and also me), it's the season of clogged pores, excess oil, and unexpected breakouts (crying in acne-prone skin...)
If your skin seems to get worse during hot weather despite wearing sunscreen and cleansing regularly, you're not imagining it. Heat, humidity, sweat, and even certain skincare products can create the perfect environment for acne.
The good news? You don't have to choose between protecting your skin from the sun and keeping it clear. With the right clean skincare routine and non-comedogenic ingredients, you can enjoy healthy, balanced skin all summer long.
Why Does Acne Get Worse in Summer?
Contrary to the myth that sunshine "dries out pimples," summer often creates the perfect storm for acne as well.
Several factors work together:
-Increased sweat production
-Higher oil (sebum) production
-Humidity trapping dirt and bacteria
-Sunscreen buildup
-Frequent touching of the face (my favorite)
-Wearing hats, sunglasses, helmets, and touching too many wet towels
-Exercise and outdoor activities
Sweat itself doesn't cause acne—but when it mixes with oil, dead skin cells, makeup, and environmental pollution, pores become clogged more easily.
Can Sunscreen Cause Breakouts?
Not all sunscreens are created equal. Some formulas contain heavy or pore-clogging ingredients that can contribute to breakouts, especially if they aren't thoroughly removed at the end of the day. The rest contain toxin ingredients that mess up your hormones.
That doesn't mean we are advising to skip SPF. Daily sun protection is essential for preventing premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and UV damage, if you are spending the whole day out in sun.
At Oil Divine, we will always recommend mineral sunscreen. Made with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, mineral SPF is generally a better choice for sensitive and acne-prone skin and aligns with our commitment to clean, non-toxic skincare.
Look for a sunscreen that is:
-100% mineral-based
-Non-comedogenic
-Fragrance-free
-Suitable for sensitive, acne-prone skin
If you're looking for a high quality, mineral SPF look no further than my favorite from True Botanicals, the Skin Barrier Sun Shield SPF 30. A revolutionary mineral sunscreen that doubles as an anti-aging skincare product. Clinically proven to be ideal for oily and blemish-prone skin, this first-of-its-kind, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic mineral SPF is formulated without toxins and pore-clogging waxes common in conventional sunscreens.
The Hidden Role of Sweat
Sweat is your body's natural cooling system. The problem starts when sweat sits on the skin for hours. As moisture evaporates, it leaves behind salt, oils, and debris that can irritate the skin barrier and block pores.
If you've ever noticed tiny pimples appearing around your hairline, jawline, chest, or back after a workout or a hot day outside, trapped sweat may be part of the reason. I tend to have tiny pimples around my right shoulder during summer, something that I found out was coming from holding the beach bag everyday.. interesting isn't it?
My tips to reduce sweat-related breakouts:
-Cleanse your face after heavy sweating.
-Change out of sweaty clothing promptly.
-Avoid touching your face during workouts.
-Wash hats, pillowcases, and towels regularly.
-Avoid sleeping with sunscreen or makeup on.
Don't Over Wash Your Skin
One of the biggest mistakes people make during summer is washing their face too often. When your skin feels oily, it's tempting to cleanse multiple times a day. Unfortunately, over-cleansing strips away your skin's natural protective barrier.
In response, your skin may actually produce even more oil—creating a cycle of dryness, irritation, and breakouts. Instead, cleanse morning and evening with a gentle formula that removes sweat, sunscreen, and impurities without leaving your skin feeling tight.
I always bring a solid bar cleanser, which is so easy to pack, and my favorite one is the Renew Face Wash by HiBar. It gently exfoliates while helping to remove buildup that can contribute to clogged pores, it also contains a mild blend of AHAs making it an excellent addition to a summer skincare routine.
Exfoliation Is Your Secret Weapon—But Don't Overdo It
Dead skin cells accumulate faster during hot weather. When combined with sweat and excess oil, they can easily clog pores. Gentle chemical exfoliation helps keep skin smooth without the harsh scrubbing that can inflame acne. Ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) encourage healthy skin cell turnover while supporting brighter, clearer-looking skin.
For most people, exfoliating 2–3 times per week is enough during summer. Over-exfoliating can damage the skin barrier, leading to increased sensitivity and even more breakouts.
Keep Your Skin Moisturized with the Right Ingredients
If you have acne-prone skin, it may seem counterintuitive to apply facial oils..but moisturizing is an essential step in keeping your skin balanced and healthy.
When skin becomes dry or stripped from over-cleansing, sun exposure, or acne treatments, it can respond by producing even more oil, which may contribute to congestion and breakouts.
The key for me was choosing the right oils. Plant-rich oils that are lightweight and rich in skin-loving nutrients help nourish the skin barrier, lock in moisture, and support a healthy complexion without feeling heavy.
Acne-Prone Skin Support Oil from Oil Divine is formulated with carefully selected botanical oils to moisturize blemish-prone skin while helping to keep it calm, balanced, and hydrated—making it the perfect finishing step in your summer skincare routine. It's very light, doesn't feel like an oil, and their 5ml version with Jade crystal roller is the perfect way to hydrate my skin while on-the-go.
Remember, your skin is unique, and finding what works for you is a journey. Be patient with your skin, listen to what it needs, and choose products that support it naturally.