Oily summer: How to tame oily skin and avoid summer acne

In hot and humid weather, the sebaceous glands work at a higher rate. We measure more sebum and some people even report worsening acne during summer months. Studies confirm higher sebum secretion in the summer and more frequent worsening of acne in warm, humid months.

But that doesn't mean you can't do anything about it! In this article, you'll find specific tips and a step-by-step summer evening routine for controlling excessive sebum production and preventing acne.

1) Make-up removal + cleansing gels for oily skin (always in the evening)

• In the evening, first remove your SPF and makeup with a makeup remover oil or balm, then wash your face with a gentle cleansing gel with a pH of around 5.5. Avoid classic soaps – they unnecessarily irritate the skin and can worsen acne. A clinical study also showed that gentle cleansing gels (so-called syndet) with an acidic pH work better than soap: after three months of use, people noticed fewer pimples and irritation.
  
  
• It pays off for acne to wash your face twice a day; Other research has shown that cleansing your skin twice a day improved acne (compared to cleansing only once a day), while 4 times a day actually dried out the skin. There is clear line in what is too much.
  
  
• Search cleansing gels with salicylic acid (0.5–2%) . Salicylic acid penetrates pores and helps fight comedones; clinical studies with cleansing products with 2% salicylic acid have shown good tolerance and improved skin with regular use.
  
  

2) Exfoliating toners 2–3 times a week: BHA/PHA for oily skin

• BHA = salicylic acid. In addition to cleansing products, you can include salicylic acid in an exfoliating toner or serum. If you are starting with acids, be careful with the concentration - 2% salicylic acid in the composition is enough.
  
  
• PHA (gluconolactone, lactobionic): gentle for more sensitive skin, can soften the stratum corneum of the skin and are less irritating than AHA acids. PHA acids improve the skin barrier and are a great choice especially for mild to moderate acne.
  
  

3) Niacinamide: a lightweight serum for shine and pores

• Niacinamide (2–4%) has been shown to reduce oiliness and the number of pimples over the long term ; 4% niacinamide has shown comparable improvement to some acne treatments in clinical studies.
• It is also suitable for summer because it soothes inflammation , strengthens the skin barrier and is easy to layer under a light moisturizing gel .
• It is great in skin serum, but you can also find it as a component of some creams and other products.

4) Moisturizing gel / gel cream (non-comedogenic) – barrier restoration after cleansing

Acne-prone skin tends to have a weakened skin barrier and water loss (TEWL) is faster. Topical treatments (retinoids, BPO, acids, etc.) can further dry it out – especially in the summer. That’s why even oily skin needs light hydration.

What works:

• Gel cream with ceramides and niacinamide – helps repair the barrier and improves tolerability and treatment results; you can see the difference after about 8 weeks.
  
  
• Panthenol (1–5%) – quickly soothes the skin, reduces water loss and increases hydration, making it ideal in the days after exfoliation.
  
  

In short: Clean gently, apply active ingredients gradually and Always finish your routine with a light moisturizing gel or cream . In your morning routine, you can skip the cream/gel and use a cream with SPF.

5) Rescue topical care: benzoyl peroxide, hydrocolloid patches, adapalene

Targeted topical treatments are commonly used to treat acne. Your doctor may also prescribe some products (especially those with higher concentrations of active ingredients, such as retinoids).

• Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO 2.5-5%)
  The best choice for fresh, inflamed pimples. Apply topically in the evening. (only on a specific pimple/acne), or lightly on the T-zone.
  
  
• Hydrocolloid patches
  It fits on "open" or broken pimples - accelerate healing and prevent scratching, so you don't make pimples worse by constantly scratching. A clinical study showed faster improvement in acne within 14 days when using these "patches" compared to regular care. Consider them as a supplement , not a prevention of acne.
  
  
• Adapalene (retinoid 0.1%)
  Apply a thin layer to your entire face at night (not just your pimples). Retinoids are a cornerstone of acne treatment; always use SPF during the day.
  
  

How to prevent summer acne (quick tips)

• Cleanse your skin regularly twice a day; rinse off sweat and SPF when playing sports or swimming, and follow your beauty routine in the evening.
• Avoid strong products with high alcohol content. On healthy skin, they increase water loss from the skin and reduce hydration, weakening the barrier and making the skin more reactive. Choose hydrating, alcohol-free toners instead.
• Don't overdo exfoliation. (in summer the stratum corneum naturally swells, the skin is more sensitive).
• Don't forget to moisturize - use a suitable moisturizing cream or gel in the evening.
  
  

When to seek stronger treatment

If despite this summer evening routine If moderate to severe acne persists (nodules, scarring), a dermatologist is recommended. Consult a specialist for further steps and combinations of active ingredients.