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subscribe to beauty blog via RSSHow To Beat Heat-Induced Breakouts
June 22, 2010 2:25 pm
This column features weekly tips and advice from a revolving cast of industry leaders, on hand to discuss your beauty dilemmas, from blemishes to Botox. To submit a question, e-mail celia_ellenberg@condenast.com.
I rarely break out, but suddenly, as the temperature rises, so too do the chances that a pimple, or more likely, pimples will appear. My face and body are taking a beating, which is making it difficult to strip down for the beach. Is there anything I can do to remedy the situation?
All the sweating during the summer months—plus an increased seasonal skin oiliness—tends to lead to more breakouts on the face and frequently the back as well. After you work out at the gym, take a shower immediately so sweat doesn’t sit on the skin. You can also try to wear breathable fabrics like cotton instead of synthetics to help avoid accumulation of perspiration. If these things don’t help, ask your dermatologist for a prescription-strength medicated body wash to use in the shower. Something containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide used on a daily basis can help keep pores unclogged and prevent further breakouts.
You should consider switching your regimen in the summer, as well. If you use heavier cleansers and lotions in the colder months, switch to a lighter, non-comedogenic formula for summer. I know a lot of people experience facial breakouts from sunblock, too. Just make sure you are using a non-comedogenic formula designed specifically for the face, not the body. I like Biore’s Dual Fusion SPF 30 because it is really sheer and lightweight on the skin.
Dr. Sapna Westley is a board-certified dermatologist based out of Mercer Street Medical in New York’s Soho neighborhood. She is focused primarily on skincare, cosmeceuticals, and cosmetic dermatology. Westley also serves as a consulting dermatologist for Kao Brands.
tags: Biore, Dr. Sapna Westley, Dual Fusion SPF 30, Skincare
