Summer Skincare Routine For Acne-Prone Skin

Summer is in full swing and filled with activities like cookouts, fireworks and farmers’ markets. However, the characteristic scorching summer heat can be hard on your skin, and if you have acne, the slightest change in routine can lead to breakouts. It’s crucial to prioritize your skincare routine to keep your skin feeling healthy and protected.

Acne-prone skin requires special attention, and understanding how to address oily, dry and combination skin types can help you achieve the best results. Incorporating sun protection into your skincare routine is essential for maintaining radiant, blemish-free skin throughout the summer season. 

Skincare for oily acne-prone skin

Oily skin is primarily caused by overactive sebaceous glands, which produce excessive oil. Most times, sebum is a natural oil that lubricates and protects the skin, but can quickly lead to oily skin when the glands produce an excessive amount. To regulate oil production and prevent breakouts, focus on the following steps: 

• Cleansing: Opt for a gentle, oil-free cleanser containing ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to target acne-causing bacteria. Get into a routine of washing your face twice daily, in the morning and evening, to remove makeup, sunscreen and excess oil, dirt and impurities. Our recommendation: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Deep-Cleansing Foaming-Cream Cleanser

• Exfoliation: Exfoliate those dead skin cells! Incorporate exfoliation into your routine 2-3 times a week to unclog pores and control oiliness. Incorporate chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) that can help reduce acne and refine the skin’s texture. Our recommendation: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

• Treatment: Apply spot treatments with benzoyl peroxide or tea tree oil to address active breakouts. Use a thin layer only on affected areas to avoid over-drying the skin. If you deal with chronic, painful acne, a dermatologist may recommend stronger treatments like oral medications (spironolactone) or topical treatments. Our recommendation: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment

• Moisturizer: Don’t let moisturizer scare you off. Choose oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizers that bless your skin with moisture without adding greasiness. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid will do the trick. Moisturizing is essential to maintain a healthy moisture barrier and prevents the skin from producing more oil to compensate for dryness. Our recommendation: Peach Slices Acne Oil-Free Moisturizer

Skincare for dry acne-prone skin

Dry skin requires extra attention to maintain moisture balance while addressing breakouts. It’s essential to choose products that hydrate the skin but treat acne without being too dry. 

• Cleanser: Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser that does not strip the skin of its natural oils. Hyaluronic and glycerin acid will be your best friends. Our recommendation: Derma E Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

• Toner: After cleansing, apply a hydrating toner to restore the skin’s pH balance and give your skin a little extra hydration. Look for toners that contain soothing ingredients like rose water or chamomile. Our recommendation: Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner

• Treatment: Before bed, apply a targeted treatment to kill those active acne breakouts. Tea tree oil is known for its acne fighting properties. Keep your layer thin and only apply on affected areas to avoid over-drying the skin. Our recommendation: Origins Super Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel

• Hydrating Serum: Provide an extra layer of moisture and nourishment to the skin. Ingredients like vitamin E and ceramides will help lock in moisture and repair the skin barrier. Our recommendation: Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

• Moisturizer: Find a deeply hydrating moisturizer that is specifically focused to help dry skin. Shea butter, jojoba oil and ceramides all replenish moisture, soothe dryness and strengthen the skin barrier. Our recommendation: Blue Atlas Face Moisturizer 

• Weekly face mask: Does your face need an extra touch of moisture by the end of the week? Incorporating a hydrating mask containing hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and honey into your skincare routine will help hydrate and soothe the skin. Our recommendation: Mediheal DNA Hydrating Protein Mask

Skincare for combination acne-prone skin 

Combination skin is a unique challenge, as it deals with both oily and dry areas simultaneously. There is a fine balance when it comes to managing this skin type. 

• Cleanser: Start with a balanced and gentle cleanser that removes any excess oil and impurities without over-drying the skin. Foaming cleansers or gel-based cleansers are often suitable for combination skin. Our recommendation: Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic-Acid Acne-Fighting Face Wash 

• Toner: After cleansing your skin, apply a balancing toner to help control excess oil in the T-zone while hydrating drier areas. Witch hazel helps regulate sebum production and soothe acne-prone skin. Our recommendation: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

• Hydration and oil control: Apply lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers that offer hydration to dry areas while controlling oiliness in the T-zone. Looking for mattifying ingredients like silica or kaolin clay to absorb excess oil. Our recommendation: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

• Weekly face mask: Find a face mask that contains ingredients like clay to absorb excess oil in the T-zone while also including hydrating or calming ingredients for hydration. Our recommendation: Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Port-Fining Face Mask

Prioritize sun protection in ALL skincare routines

In addition to tailored skincare, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is crucial to its health. Apply these products and habits into your routine to prioritize sun protection.

• Broad-spectrum sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to shield your skin from UV rays. Look for non-comedogenic formulas to prevent clogged pores and potential breakouts. Choose a sunscreen that is best for your skin and meets your needs, whether that is oily, dry, or combination skin. 

• Regular application: Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Don’t forget areas like the ears, neck and back of hands.

• Protective clothing: If you are going to be outside for some time, wear protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves and sunglasses. 

• UV-protective skincare and makeup: There are plenty of products with added UV protection, such as tinted moisturizers and foundations with SPF. This can provide an extra layer of defense against sun damage. 

How can Agile help with common conditions?

At Agile, we believe everyone should have access to excellent healthcare, regardless of where you are or when you need it. We offer convenient, virtual care across the U.S. for your most common medical conditions. Our network of providers are ready to address your unique concerns to deliver effective, personalized treatment in a timely manner. 

To tap into fast, cost-effective care now, schedule a consultation with one of our licensed clinicians!