By Dr. Skylar Souyoul | Board-Certified Dermatologist
Summer brings sunshine, vacations, and poolside selfies—but it can also bring a not-so-welcome guest: breakouts and dark spots.
If your acne tends to flare up in the heat or you’re struggling with stubborn pigmentation, you’re not alone. The combination of sweat, sunscreen, heat, and UV exposure creates the perfect storm for clogged pores and increased melanin production. Here’s how to keep your skin clear and glowing all summer long!
Summer Acne Solutions
It’s important to adjust your skincare routine during the warmer months to minimize breakouts. Moisturizer is the most common product that requires substitution in summer, as your skin tends to be oilier in hotter weather. Opt for a lighter cream or hydrating serum, such as SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel.
Also, make sure you’re using a good cleanser in the evening to remove sweat, sunscreen, and debris without stripping your skin. A popular over-the-counter option is CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser. To fight acne and decongest pores, I recommend using a cleanser in the morning that contains an alpha or beta hydroxy acid (AHA/BHA). These ingredients enzymatically exfoliate your skin, unclog pores, and reduce blemishes. My go-to is SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel. You can also use this on your back and chest if you’re prone to breakouts in those areas.
If you do get a pimple, refrain from popping it, as this increases the risk of scarring. Instead, keep a spot treatment handy. My personal favorite is benzoyl peroxide because it’s both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. You can find it in the acne section of most drugstores—just be sure to choose a 2–5% formulation, as higher concentrations may cause excessive drying.
Lastly, avoid applying oily products to your face and ensure you’re using non-comedogenic makeup and skincare. These products are specifically formulated to reduce the risk of clogged pores.
In-office treatments are also available to help manage acne and breakouts. My favorite is the DiamondGlow Dermalinfusion. This medical-grade facial infuses condition-specific serums while simultaneously extracting and exfoliating to leave skin feeling fresh, clean, and glowing. There’s no downtime, and it can be used on the face or body year-round. I personally get one of these facials monthly in the summer to control breakouts and keep my pores clear.
Summer Hyperpigmentation and Melasma Solutions
The most important step to prevent unwanted pigmentation is to wear sunscreen daily, especially on your face. Your facial sunscreen should be at least SPF 30 and contain mineral-based ingredients for best results. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which absorb UV light, mineral sunscreens block and reflect UV rays. Check the active ingredients label for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to confirm it’s a mineral formula.
A morning antioxidant serum containing vitamin C is also important to protect your skin from UV damage and environmental stressors. I like to call it insurance for your sunscreen. SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF is a great option, specifically formulated for patients with hyperpigmentation. This is one product I encourage my patients to splurge on. Vitamin C is notoriously difficult to keep active, and SkinCeuticals has conducted extensive research to ensure their formula remains stable for up to 36 months.
Other brightening agents—such as azelaic acid, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid—can also help fade dark spots and are gentle enough for daily use on all skin types.
More intensive in-office procedures for hyperpigmentation, such as laser treatments and aggressive chemical peels, are not recommended during summer due to the increased risk of side effects from sun exposure. I usually advise patients to wait until fall for these treatments. However, if you want to start in-office care now, I suggest lighter peels or less-invasive options like DiamondGlow Dermalinfusion with a pigment-correcting serum or microneedling with brightening exosomes.
Bottom Line: Don’t Give Up
Breakouts and lingering dark spots can be frustrating, but a few small adjustments—such as applying SPF daily, following a summer-specific skincare routine, and taking advantage of summer-safe in-office treatments—can help you maintain a clear, even-toned complexion all season long.
Remember, healthy skin starts with consistency and care. If you’re not seeing the results you deserve, consult a board-certified dermatologist to fine-tune your regimen and explore medical-grade options. You deserve skin that reflects your confidence and radiance—this summer and beyond.