Summer means longer days, warm weather, and a chance to enjoy the outdoors, but for many people, it also means an increase in acne breakouts. Whether you're dealing with frequent blemishes or the occasional flare-up, summer brings a unique set of skin challenges that can disrupt your glow.
The combination of heat, humidity, increased oil production, and heavier product use (like sunscreen) can lead to clogged pores and inflammation. But the good news? With the right skincare routine and targeted, pharmaceutical grade products from Vivier, you can keep breakouts under control and enjoy clearer, healthier-looking skin all season long.
Let’s dive into the causes of summer acne and how you can effectively treat it.
Understanding Summer Acne
There’s a reason your skin might feel oilier or more congested in the summer months. As temperatures rise, your sebaceous glands respond by producing more oil to protect the skin. While this is a natural process, when combined with sweat, sunscreen, and environmental pollutants, it creates the perfect storm for clogged pores and breakouts.
Here are some of the most common culprits behind summer acne:
● Excess Oil Production: Heat and humidity trigger your skin to produce more sebum, which can build up in your pores.
● Sweat and Friction: Sweat can mix with oil and bacteria on your skin, especially if you're wearing hats, helmets, or tight clothing that traps moisture against the skin.
● Pore-Clogging Sunscreens: Not all sunscreens are formulated for acne-prone skin. Using greasy or comedogenic formulas can lead to congestion.
● Dehydration: It might sound counterintuitive, but when your skin lacks moisture, it can overproduce oil to compensate, leading to more breakouts.
Being aware of these triggers helps you make smarter choices when it comes to skincare during the warmer months.
Effective Cleansing Routine
The foundation of any acne-fighting skincare routine is a good cleanse. In the summer, it becomes even more important to remove excess oil, sweat, and environmental residue to keep pores clear and healthy.
Vivier’s Medicated Wash is a standout solution for summer acne. Formulated with 2% Salicylic Acid USP and Hexamidine, it helps eliminate bacteria, reduce excess oil, and deeply cleanse pores. Its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties work to clear and prevent blackheads, acne, and blemishes—all while leaving the skin soothed and hydrated. By penetrating deep into the pores, it effectively reduces current breakouts and helps prevent future ones from forming.
How to Use It:
Start by using once daily, preferably in the evening. Gradually increase to twice daily—morning and night—if needed and well tolerated.
1. Moisten your face with warm (not hot) water.
2. Gently massage a small amount of the cleanser into the skin, focusing on breakout-prone areas such as the T-zone.
3. Leave it on for about one minute to allow the active ingredients to work.
4. Rinse thoroughly with water and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
5. Follow with your targeted treatment products, moisturizer, and sunscreen as desired (in the morning).
Note:
● For first-time users, it's recommended to spot test by applying the product to a small area once daily for three days to check for any reaction.
● If dryness or peeling occurs, reduce usage to once a day or every other day.
This simple cleansing routine helps reduce surface oil and debris while preparing your skin for treatment products.
Key Benefits:
● Unclogs pores and reduces oil buildup
● Helps reduce inflammation and redness
● Keeps skin feeling fresh and clean without over-drying
Daily cleansing with the right product is your first defence against summer-induced congestion.
Importance of Exfoliation
Cleansing is crucial, but exfoliation is what helps keep your skin truly clear during the summer. That’s because sweat and sunscreen can lead to buildups of dead skin cells, which clog pores and contribute to breakouts.
The Salicylic Acid in Vivier’s Medicated Wash is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), which is oil-soluble and penetrates deep into the skin to unclog pores, dissolve excess oil, and exfoliate from within. This makes it especially effective during the summer months, when sweat and heat can lead to increased buildup of oil and dead skin cells. By targeting congestion at the source, it helps keep pores clear and skin balanced. It’s particularly beneficial for:
● Treating blackheads and whiteheads
● Reducing excess oil
● Improving skin texture
In addition to BHAs, incorporating gentle Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid or lactic acid can further support skin renewal by exfoliating the skin’s surface. If you’re looking for this type of treatment, AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cream is an excellent option that includes both Beta and Alpha Hydroxy Acids. It helps slough away dead skin cells, revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion while promoting a healthy skin turnover without causing irritation.
To use, cleanse and tone the face, then apply any lightweight serums first. Follow with a thin layer of AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cream, applied twice daily, and finish with your preferred moisturizer and sunscreen during the day.
Regular, gentle exfoliation is essential for maintaining clear pores and supporting your skin’s natural turnover cycle during the summer.
Pro tip: Avoid using AHAs and retinol in the same routine, as both are powerful exfoliants and can cause increased sensitivity when combined. To get the benefits of both without the risk of irritation, alternate their use between your morning and evening skincare routines.
Sun Protection and Acne
A common misconception is that sun exposure helps dry out pimples. While a bit of sun might seem to improve breakouts temporarily, the long-term effects are far from helpful. UV rays can inflame acne-prone skin and increase the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin tones.
Why Sun Protection Is Crucial:
● UV rays can worsen redness and swelling
● Prolonged exposure leads to dark spots that take months to fade
● Damaged skin is more prone to breakouts and sensitivity
We recommend using a non-comedogenic sunscreen daily, such as the SHEER SPF 30 Mineral, even on cloudy days or when indoors near windows. To boost your protection even further, pair it with Radiance Serum—a multi-action formula powered by Vitamin C. It also contains gentle exfoliating ingredients that are beneficial for acne-prone skin. This serum helps prevent post-acne spots, reduces inflammation, and minimizes the risk of future breakouts.
Pro tip: Pairing your SPF with Vitamin C can enhance your skin’s photoprotection by up to 8 times, making it a powerful duo for defending against sun damage.
Struggling with stubborn summer acne flare-ups? Try spot-treating those pesky breakouts with Vivier’s Acne Treatment Lotion. Packed with powerful acne-fighting ingredients, including 5% Benzoyl Peroxide USP, it not only helps fade existing blemishes but also works proactively to prevent new ones from appearing.
Hydration and Moisturization
When dealing with summer acne, it might seem logical to skip moisturizer, especially if your skin already feels oily. But here’s the catch: increased oil doesn’t mean your skin is well-hydrated. In fact, dehydrated skin can trigger even more oil production as it tries to compensate for moisture loss, leading to a frustrating cycle of excess oil and more breakouts.
To break this cycle, proper hydration is essential. The key is to choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizerthat replenishes moisture without clogging pores or feeling greasy.
One great option is Vivier’s LEXXEL. This cream is a nourishing, lightweight moisturizer formulated with soothing calendula extract, antioxidant-rich vitamin E, and hydrating plant oils like avocado. Designed to soften and protect the skin, it provides gentle hydration while helping to maintain a smooth, healthy-looking complexion.
Another excellent choice is Ultimage™, a dual-action hydrating gel that delivers intense moisture thanks to Hyaluronic Acid and Neuropeptides. This innovative formula helps plump the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and restore balance, making it ideal for acne-prone skin that also needs a hydration boost. Simply apply 1–2 pumps once or twice daily after cleansing, followed by your retinol (at night) and other target treatments. With consistent use, visible results can be seen in as little as 30 days.
Healthy Living and Lifestyle Adjustments
Clear skin isn’t just about your skincare products—it’s also influenced by your overall wellness. During the summer, your lifestyle habits can either support your skin health or contribute to flare-ups.
Tips for Glowing Skin:
● Stay Hydrated: Aim for at least 3 litres of water (about 12 glasses) per day to flush out toxins and support cellular hydration.
●Get Moving: Regular exercise boosts circulation, reduces stress, and promotes detoxification through sweat.
● Eat Mindfully: Focus on a diet rich in whole foods, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Limit processed sugar and dairy if you find they trigger breakouts.
● Reduce Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and time outdoors to keep cortisol levels in check—high cortisol is linked to increased oil production and inflammation.
Your skin is a reflection of your overall health, so be kind to your body and mind.
Clearer, more radiant skin is within reach this summer. Explore Vivier’s pharmaceutical grade skincare lineup and build your personalized routine today.
TREAT YOUR SUMMER ACNE