Acne and Humidity: Why Breakouts Worsen and What You Can Do

Humidity can be a nightmare for those already dealing with acne. The sticky air, combined with the body’s natural responses to moisture, can exacerbate breakouts and lead to new flare-ups. Understanding how acne and humidity are linked and how to adjust your skincare routine is crucial. It can make all the difference in keeping your skin clear and healthy, even in humid conditions.

The Link Between Acne and Humid Weather

Humidity can make acne-prone skin even more prone to breakouts. When the air is moist, sweat and oils from your skin mix and clog pores. This creates the perfect environment for acne-causing bacteria to thrive. During humid weather, pores are more likely to expand, making it easier for dirt, oils, and dead skin cells to clog them. The result? An increase in acne flare-ups.

When it’s hot and humid, your skin’s natural oils become more abundant. But the sweat on the skin surface can make it harder for the oils to evaporate. Instead, they accumulate, leading to clogged pores and acne. If you’ve ever wondered does sweating and humidity make acne worse, the answer is yes. Sweat combined with the sticky air often causes more breakouts than usual.

Skincare Routine to Control Acne in Humid Conditions

When dealing with acne and humidity, your skincare routine needs to be adapted to fight both excess oils and keep your skin clean. Here are a few steps we recommend:

• Cleanse Regularly

  Humid weather calls for a cleanser that removes excess oils without over-drying. CodeSkin’s FaceWash CLARIFI, enriched with Colloidal Sulfur and Azelaic Acid helps remove dirt and oil while keeping your skin balanced. Plus, it won’t aggravate your acne by stripping your skin of natural moisture.

• Use a Lightweight Moisturizer

  Humidity can lead to greasy skin. However, skipping moisturizer isn’t a solution. Opt for something lightweight and hydrating such as our UltraClarifi Moisturizer. Featuring eight botanical actives, they work well to maintain hydration while controlling oil production, perfect for acne-prone skin.

• Apply Acne Treatment

  After cleansing, use a targeted treatment like CodeSkin’s CLARIFI AC Serum, which helps control hormonal acne without causing irritation. For stubborn marks, our CLARIFI AC Spot heals and shrinks breakouts over-night. And if you wish to refine texture by reducing post-acne scarring, use our CLARIFI Skar Serum.

• Sun Protection

  Humid weather often coincides with increased sun exposure, which can worsen acne. Our UltraMatte Mineral Gel Sunscreen SPF 50+ made with Hinokitiol and Vitamin F offers broad-spectrum protection while keeping your skin matte and oil-free.

Sweat and Acne: What’s Actually Causing the Breakouts?

While sweat alone doesn’t directly cause acne, it can worsen existing breakouts or contribute to new ones when mixed with dirt and oil. Sweat traps bacteria and impurities against your skin. Hence, it’s more likely for pores to become clogged and acne to form. In humid conditions, sweat can also stick to your skin longer, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to flourish.

The real issue lies in how your body reacts to sweating. Humid weather can make your body produce more sweat and oil, which, if left on your skin, can clog pores and trigger acne flare-ups. Acne and humidity essentially create a cycle: your skin produces more oil to deal with moisture, sweat, and heat, which then causes pimples.

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Humidity-Induced Acne

While tweaking your skincare routine is crucial, making lifestyle changes can also help manage acne and humidity more effectively.

• Stay Hydrated

  Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins and keeps your skin hydrated from the inside out. This, in turn, reduces the chances of excessive oil production and breakouts.

• Wear Breathable Fabrics

  Opt for light, breathable clothing, especially in areas like the back or chest, where sweat can contribute to body acne. Wearing moisture-wicking fabrics can help reduce the build-up of sweat and oils.

• Avoid Touching Your Face

  During humid conditions, your hands may come into contact with sweat and bacteria. Avoid touching your face frequently to prevent the spread of germs and oils that can trigger pimples.

• Change Your Pillowcases Often

  Humid conditions increase sweat production, and your pillowcase can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Wash your pillowcases regularly to avoid transferring oils and dirt to your skin.

Defend Your Skin Against Acne and Humidity with CodeSkin

Battling acne and humidity can be a frustrating experience, but with the right skincare routine and lifestyle changes, you can keep breakouts under control. CodeSkin’s acne-fighting products are dermatologist-approved and formulated to manage both acne and skin sensitivity. From the CLARIFI AC Sensi Serum that calms inflammation in acne on sensitive skin to the CLARIFI BC Serum that reduces discolouration, our products target the root causes. Ready to tackle acne and humidity and witness effective results? Discover our full collection of acne solutions today and keep your skin clear, calm, and healthy no matter the weather!