5 Rules for Acne-Prone Skin During the Spring

Before treating acne, it’s important to understand just how this condition affects the body, and skin. Acne is attributed to a hormonal imbalance, which can affect the function of the sebaceous glands, whose job it is to create sebum, or oil. This oil travels along the pore to hydrate and protect the skin on the surface. When too much sebum becomes clogged within a pore and pairs with dead skin cells from the surface, bacteria forms, triggering an inflammatory response from the body. This process is known as theacne cascade, and usually results in red, swollen bumps known as pimples, a symptom of acne.

Many acne sufferers complain of increased breakouts during the warmer spring and summer months, when our skin gets hit hardest with a catastrophic combination of skin-damaging factors – the drying effects of the sun, extra dirt and debris buildup from the outdoors…all of this “attacks” our skin. In order to coexist with the change in weather, it’s important to keep a few key issues in mind when looking to maintain an acne-free complexion.

5 Rules for Acne Sufferers to Follow in the Spring

1. Switch up the formulas. When it comes to anything that touches the skin on your face, chest, and back, such as cleansers, spot treatments, and makeup, you will definitely want to pay attention to how certain formulas affect your acne during different months. Skin tends to dry out in the fall and winter, prompting acne sufferers to reach for thicker moisturizers and gentler washes. Once the weather warms up, and our sweat glands get back to working more often, some will notice an increase in acne symptoms and levels of oiliness, which may call for more drying formulas. A good rule of thumb: opt for lighter makeup formulas and moisturizers, and switch from a creamy cleanser to a gel or medicated formula.
2. Step up your sunblock game. Wanna know what the #1 thing that makes acne worse in the summer is? Too much sun! Some people enjoy a nice tan as it seems to dry out acne symptoms, but too much sunning can lead to acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, and may even trigger your body to produce more oil to make up for what was just lost, possibly leading to more acne! Everyone should be applying an even layer all year anyway, but when the days get longer and warmer, you’ll definitely want to make sunscreen a priority in your skincare routine.
3. Stay hydrated as weather gets warmer. Proper hydration is one of the fundamental components of health, and one of the greatest benefits hydration has to offer is the role it plays in the proper function of the skin. Because water increases circulation and blood flow, hydration aids in kidney function, which flushes impurities from the body and results in the ‘rosy glow’ associated with hydration. Getting enough water is an essential part of maintaining a healthy body, and the benefits can certainly be measured on the condition of our complexion. Want to moisturize from the outside? Check out this easy and effective honey and yogurt moisturizing mask for acne-prone skin to treat yourself from the outside-in.
4. Implement an acne-friendly diet. One of the best things about warmer weather is being able to take advantage of the many seasonal fruits and veggies available. The best part? Many of these are actually good for acne-prone skin, and work to reduce the inflammatory response that produces certain types of acne symptoms. A few to consider including in your diet are antioxidant-rich strawberries, anti-inflammatory ginger and turmeric, and omega 3-rich leafy greens such as kale and spinach.
5. Work out to lower stress level.When it comes to working out with acne, a healthy sweat can work wonders when de-clogging pores and increasing circulation, but take care to do the right kind of exercise for your skin. De-stressing should be just as important as getting that heart rate up, so workouts like yoga, pilates, and qigong can make for a great way to lower stress, cleanse the body and skin, and ensure a good night's sleep. We may spring forward in March, but getting a full night’s sleep will go a long way in maintaining hormone levels, which will only mean better things for your acne.

When it comes to bringing your freshest face forward this spring, the most important thing to do is remain aware of how your skin is reacting to the change in seasons. One way to be sure that your acne won’t go haywire is to maintain a treatment that is always working, no matter what the weather is outside, and AcnEase, a systemic solution to treating acne, does just that. Creating a buffer between the sebaceous glands and hormones to ensure that only the amount of sebum needed to maintain healthy skin is being created, AcnEase works to prevent acne before it starts, while simultaneously treating existing acne symptoms. Since AcnEase is always working for you, no matter how mild or severe your symptoms may be, it can actually help ease the seasonal transition’s effects on your skin, allowing you to enjoy your warmer days worry-free, and acne-free as well!

We want to hear from you! What are some things you notice about your skin when the weather changes? Have any go-to moves for keeping skin acne-free when spring hits? Tell us in the comments!