5 Tips for Preventing Summer Acne

Summer is finally here, and you know what that means. Backyard BBQs, rooftop patios, beach days, and endless hours at the park with friends. Put all those things together and it also means breakout season is here. Your diet, activity levels, and time spent in the sun will all try to work against you and your complexion, so here's 5 tips to help you prevent the dreaded summer breakout.
1. Invest in a Good Toner
Summer is the season of dry, dead skin cells. If these dead cells build up too much, they'll clog your pores and result in acne breakouts. Using a toner when you wake up and before you go to bed will ensure you clear your face of these dead cells. We recommend a toner with anti-oxidants and aloe-vera, which will help soothe any sun damage you may receive.
2. Wash Your Face Regularly
Washing your face regularly doesn't mean washing it constantly - in fact, too much washing can affect your skin negatively. However, during the hot, sticky months of summer, it becomes even more important to wash your face in the morning, before bed, and after any activity that involves sweating. Keep in mind that makeup wipes are a great alternative if you're not at home - we recommend Benzagel's Cleansa-Wipes.
3. Use a Non-Comedogenic Sunscreen
It's a common myth that sunscreen clogs our pores. Though some thicker/oilier products can clog you up, it's important to know which ones don't. Check the bottle for the words "non-comedogenic", which basically means non-pore-clogging. It's super important to wear sunscreen everyday, even if you're only going to be out for a short period of time, as the sun is at it's most powerful during this season. Try your best to incorporate shade into any outdoor activities and avoid sunburns at all costs! Your skin will thank you when you're older.
4. Ease Up On the Makeup
Speaking of clogging your pores, foundations and powders do a great job of it - especially when you sweat. Instead of a concealer, try a tinted moisturizer to cover your problem areas. The goal is to wear a little makeup during this season as possible - let your all-natural, sun-kissed beauty out!
5. Don't Over-Exfoliate
You've heard that exfoliating is recommended for removing dead skin cells from your face - but don't forget tip #1! If you use a toner twice a day, you shouldn't have an issue with dead skin build up. During the hot weather months, your skin produces more sebum if you're constantly drying it out through exfoliation - this makes your skin excessively oily, which can result in breakouts. However, if exfoliating works for you and you've made it part of your routine, just try keeping it to every 10 days.
Our most important tip for summer of 2019? Have fun! Go out, make memories, stay up late, and enjoy the hot weather while it's here! Just remember to always consider your skincare while you're at it.