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Small pimples on face due to heat. Sweat Pimples vs. Heat Rash: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention Guide

What causes small pimples on face due to heat. How to differentiate between sweat pimples and heat rash. What are the most effective treatments for heat-related skin issues. How to prevent sweat pimples and heat rash during hot weather.

Understanding Sweat Pimples: Causes and Identification

Sweat pimples, medically known as acne mechanica, are a common skin concern that often arises during hot weather or after intense physical activity. These small, irritating bumps can appear when sweat, heat, and friction combine to clog pores and trap bacteria on the skin’s surface.

What exactly causes sweat pimples? The primary culprits are:

  • Excessive sweating
  • Friction from tight clothing or accessories
  • Heat and humidity
  • Trapped bacteria on the skin

Sweat pimples typically appear in areas where sweat accumulates and combines with pressure or friction. Common locations include:

  • Forehead (where headbands or hats rest)
  • Chin (affected by chin straps)
  • Back and chest (where backpack straps or tight clothing rub)
  • Areas covered by non-breathable fabrics

Heat Rash: A Common Mistaken Identity

Heat rash, while similar in appearance to sweat pimples, is a distinct skin condition with its own set of causes and characteristics. Understanding the differences between these two heat-related skin issues is crucial for proper treatment and prevention.

Types of Heat Rash

There are two primary types of heat rash that can be mistaken for sweat pimples:

  1. Miliaria crystallina (sudamina): Appears as small, clear or white fluid-filled bumps on the skin’s surface.
  2. Miliaria rubra (prickly heat): Presents as red bumps that may cause a prickly or itchy sensation.

How can you distinguish heat rash from sweat pimples? Heat rash typically occurs in hot, humid conditions and appears as clusters of small, red bumps. Unlike sweat pimples, heat rash is often accompanied by a prickling or itching sensation, particularly in the case of miliaria rubra.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Sweat Pimples

Treating sweat pimples requires a gentle yet consistent approach. Here are some effective strategies to manage these pesky breakouts:

  • Cleanse the affected area twice daily with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser
  • Avoid harsh scrubbing, which can irritate the skin further
  • Use oil-free, non-acnegenic skincare products
  • Apply over-the-counter acne medications containing ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide
  • Resist the urge to touch or pick at the pimples
  • Regularly wash clothing, sheets, and pillowcases that come into contact with acne-prone skin

Is there a way to speed up the healing process for sweat pimples? While there’s no instant cure, consistent care and the right products can significantly reduce healing time. Spot treatments containing benzoyl peroxide or tea tree oil can be particularly effective for targeting individual pimples.

Managing Heat Rash: Quick Relief and Care

Heat rash, while uncomfortable, is generally a self-limiting condition that improves once the skin cools down. However, there are several steps you can take to alleviate symptoms and promote faster healing:

  • Move to a cooler, less humid environment
  • Allow skin to air dry rather than using a towel
  • Wear loose, breathable clothing
  • Apply calamine lotion for itch relief
  • Use anhydrous lanolin to soothe irritated skin
  • Consider over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream for severe cases (consult a healthcare provider first)

Can heat rash be treated at home, or does it require medical attention? In most cases, heat rash can be effectively managed at home with simple cooling measures and over-the-counter treatments. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, or if you develop signs of infection, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.

Prevention Strategies: Keeping Skin Clear in Hot Weather

Preventing sweat pimples and heat rash is often easier than treating them. Here are some proactive measures to keep your skin clear during hot weather:

  1. Maintain a consistent skincare routine, including regular cleansing and the use of non-comedogenic products
  2. Shower promptly after sweating, using an antibacterial soap
  3. Opt for loose-fitting, breathable clothing made from natural fibers or moisture-wicking materials
  4. Avoid tight accessories like headbands or hats that can trap sweat against the skin
  5. Stay hydrated to help regulate body temperature and promote healthy skin function
  6. Seek out cooler environments, especially during the hottest parts of the day
  7. Use sunscreen to protect skin from UV damage, which can exacerbate acne

How can you modify your exercise routine to minimize sweat-related skin issues? Consider working out in cooler environments, such as air-conditioned gyms or early in the morning before temperatures rise. If outdoor exercise is unavoidable, choose shaded areas and wear appropriate, breathable clothing.

The Role of Skincare in Combating Heat-Related Skin Problems

A well-tailored skincare routine can significantly reduce the occurrence of both sweat pimples and heat rash. Here are some key considerations:

  • Choose non-comedogenic, oil-free products to avoid clogging pores
  • Incorporate salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide into your routine for acne prevention
  • Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to maintain skin hydration without promoting breakouts
  • Consider using a toner to help balance skin pH and remove excess oil
  • Exfoliate gently once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and prevent pore blockages

Which ingredients should you look for in skincare products to combat heat-related skin issues? Key ingredients to seek out include:

  • Salicylic acid: Helps exfoliate and unclog pores
  • Benzoyl peroxide: Fights acne-causing bacteria
  • Niacinamide: Reduces inflammation and regulates oil production
  • Aloe vera: Soothes and cools irritated skin
  • Tea tree oil: Provides natural antibacterial properties

When to Seek Professional Help

While most cases of sweat pimples and heat rash can be managed at home, there are instances where professional medical advice is necessary. Consider consulting a dermatologist or healthcare provider if:

  • Symptoms persist despite consistent home treatment
  • The affected area becomes increasingly painful, swollen, or red
  • You develop fever or chills, which could indicate an infection
  • The breakout spreads rapidly or covers a large area of your body
  • You experience severe itching or discomfort that interferes with daily activities
  • You have a history of severe acne or skin conditions that may complicate treatment

What can you expect during a dermatologist visit for heat-related skin issues? A typical consultation may include:

  1. A thorough examination of the affected areas
  2. Discussion of your symptoms, lifestyle, and skincare routine
  3. Potential skin tests or samples to rule out other conditions
  4. Prescription of topical or oral medications if necessary
  5. Recommendations for lifestyle modifications and skincare adjustments

Long-Term Strategies for Maintaining Clear Skin in Hot Climates

For those living in or frequently visiting hot, humid climates, developing long-term strategies for skin health is essential. Here are some tips for maintaining clear, healthy skin year-round:

  • Adapt your skincare routine seasonally, opting for lighter products in summer
  • Invest in high-quality, breathable clothing suitable for hot weather
  • Consider using mattifying primers or powders to control excess oil production
  • Maintain a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids to support skin health
  • Stay consistent with sun protection, even on cloudy days
  • Manage stress levels, as stress can exacerbate skin issues
  • Consider professional treatments like chemical peels or light therapy for persistent concerns

How can you build a sustainable skincare routine that addresses both daily needs and long-term skin health? Start by identifying your skin type and primary concerns. Gradually introduce new products, allowing time to assess their effectiveness. Prioritize consistency and patience, as significant improvements in skin health often take several weeks to become apparent.

Remember, while heat-related skin issues can be frustrating, they are often manageable with the right approach. By understanding the differences between sweat pimples and heat rash, implementing effective prevention and treatment strategies, and knowing when to seek professional help, you can maintain clear, healthy skin even in the hottest weather.

Sweat Pimples vs. Heat Rash: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Sweat Pimples vs. Heat Rash: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

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Medically reviewed by Owen Kramer, M. D. — By Scott Frothingham on September 13, 2019

If you find yourself breaking out after a particularly sweaty workout, rest assured it’s not unusual. Sweating — whether from hot weather or exercise — may contribute to a specific type of acne breakout commonly referred to as sweat pimples.

The combination of sweat, heat, and friction can lead to clogging of pores. Plus, sweat on your skin may keep acne-causing bacteria in place.

Acne breakouts from sweat are more likely to appear when sweat combines with pressure or friction from headbands, hats, clothing, or backpack straps. Medically speaking, this is known as acne mechanica.

Keep reading to learn how to treat and prevent sweat pimples, and how to tell the difference between sweat pimples and bumps caused by heat rash.

Sweat pimples should be treated like any acne breakout:

  • Gently wash (not scrub) the area twice a day.
  • Use non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic, oil-free products.
  • Resist touching or picking.
  • Use acne medication.
  • Wash clothing, sheets, or pillowcases that touch your acne-prone skin.

To prevent acne breakouts due to sweating:

  • Maintain your regular acne treatment routine of washing and medication.
  • After periods of heavy sweating, shower with antibacterial soap.
  • Wash your workout clothing regularly.
  • Avoid tight-fitting clothes and accessories.
  • When possible, seek cooler areas with lower humidity, particularly during the hottest part of the day.
  • If possible, take special care to avoid tight clothing or equipment that may be contributing to the breakout (e.g. a chinstrap causing chin acne breakouts).

Another thing to consider is that the bumps on your skin may be a symptom of heat rash, rather than an acne breakout.

Heat rashes are caused by excessive sweating, typically during hot, humid weather. When blocked sweat ducts trap perspiration under your skin, the result is heat rash.

Heat rash symptoms can look like pimples

The two most common types of heat rash, miliaria crystallina and miliaria rubra, can look very similar to acne. In fact, experts at the University of Pittsburgh describes heat rash as looking like “a cluster of red bumps that resemble pimples.”

  • Miliaria crystallina (sudamina) can appear as small white or clear, fluid-filled bumps on your skin’s surface.
  • Miliaria rubra (prickly heat) can appear as red bumps on your skin.

Typically, miliaria crystallina is not painful or itchy, while miliaria rubra can cause prickly or itchy sensations.

Heat rashes typically appear on the back, chest, and neck.

The treatment for mild heat rash is to remove yourself from exposure to excessive heat. Your rash will most likely clear once your skin is cool.

If the rash is severe, your doctor may recommend topical treatments, such as:

  • calamine lotion
  • anhydrous lanolin
  • topical steroids

To avoid heat rash, take steps before exposing yourself to situations that might result in heavy sweating. For example, don’t exercise outdoors during the hottest part of the day.

Or, in an especially hot, humid environment, try working out first thing in the morning, before the sun has had a chance to heat things up.

Additional suggestions include:

  • Wear soft, loose-fitting, lightweight cotton or moisture-wicking clothing when the weather is hot.
  • Seek shade or air-conditioning during hot weather.
  • When showering or bathing, use a soap that doesn’t dry your skin and cool water.
  • Allow your skin to air dry as opposed to using a towel.
  • Avoid using ointments that can block pores, such as those containing mineral oil or petroleum.
  • Make sure your sleeping area is well ventilated and cool.

Although excessive sweating can contribute to acne breakouts, your sweat pimples could also be a symptom of heat rash.

You might be able to address both conditions by cooling off and:

  • avoiding places and activities that increase sweating
  • washing — but not over-washing or scrubbing — your skin
  • using gentle antibacterial soaps and non-comedogenic products
  • cleaning your clothing, bedding, and other materials that come in contact with your skin
  • wearing loose-fitting, lightweight clothing when the weather is hot

Last medically reviewed on September 13, 2019

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

  • 10 things to try when acne won’t clear. (n.d.).
    aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/10-things-to-try-when-acne-wont-clear
  • 12 tips to combat acne. (n.d.). 
    rush.edu/health-wellness/discover-health/12-tips-combat-acne
  • Acne. (n.d.). 
    uhs.wisc.edu/medical/common-student-concerns/acne/
  • Heat rash: What causes heat rash? (2018).
    share.upmc.com/2018/06/what-is-heat-rash/
  • Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Heat rash.
    mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-rash/symptoms-causes/syc-20373276
  • Miliaria. (n.d.).
    aocd.org/page/Miliaria

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Owen Kramer, M.D. — By Scott Frothingham on September 13, 2019

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Sweat Pimples vs. Heat Rash: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Sweat Pimples vs. Heat Rash: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

  • Health Conditions
    • Featured
      • Breast Cancer
      • IBD
      • Migraine
      • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
      • Rheumatoid Arthritis
      • Type 2 Diabetes
    • Articles
      • Acid Reflux
      • ADHD
      • Allergies
      • Alzheimer’s & Dementia
      • Bipolar Disorder
      • Cancer
      • Crohn’s Disease
      • Chronic Pain
      • Cold & Flu
      • COPD
      • Depression
      • Fibromyalgia
      • Heart Disease
      • High Cholesterol
      • HIV
      • Hypertension
      • IPF
      • Osteoarthritis
      • Psoriasis
      • Skin Disorders and Care
      • STDs
  • Discover
    • Wellness Topics
      • Nutrition
      • Fitness
      • Skin Care
      • Sexual Health
      • Women’s Health
      • Mental Well-Being
      • Sleep
    • Product Reviews
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      • Sleep
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      • Men’s Health
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    • Health Challenges
      • Mindful Eating
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      • Mood Foods
      • Align Your Spine
    • Find Care
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      • OB-GYN
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      • Am I Depressed? A Quiz for Teens
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      • Health A-Z
  • Connect
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      • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
      • Psoriatic Arthritis
      • Migraine
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Medically reviewed by Owen Kramer, M. D. — By Scott Frothingham on September 13, 2019

If you find yourself breaking out after a particularly sweaty workout, rest assured it’s not unusual. Sweating — whether from hot weather or exercise — may contribute to a specific type of acne breakout commonly referred to as sweat pimples.

The combination of sweat, heat, and friction can lead to clogging of pores. Plus, sweat on your skin may keep acne-causing bacteria in place.

Acne breakouts from sweat are more likely to appear when sweat combines with pressure or friction from headbands, hats, clothing, or backpack straps. Medically speaking, this is known as acne mechanica.

Keep reading to learn how to treat and prevent sweat pimples, and how to tell the difference between sweat pimples and bumps caused by heat rash.

Sweat pimples should be treated like any acne breakout:

  • Gently wash (not scrub) the area twice a day.
  • Use non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic, oil-free products.
  • Resist touching or picking.
  • Use acne medication.
  • Wash clothing, sheets, or pillowcases that touch your acne-prone skin.

To prevent acne breakouts due to sweating:

  • Maintain your regular acne treatment routine of washing and medication.
  • After periods of heavy sweating, shower with antibacterial soap.
  • Wash your workout clothing regularly.
  • Avoid tight-fitting clothes and accessories.
  • When possible, seek cooler areas with lower humidity, particularly during the hottest part of the day.
  • If possible, take special care to avoid tight clothing or equipment that may be contributing to the breakout (e.g. a chinstrap causing chin acne breakouts).

Another thing to consider is that the bumps on your skin may be a symptom of heat rash, rather than an acne breakout.

Heat rashes are caused by excessive sweating, typically during hot, humid weather. When blocked sweat ducts trap perspiration under your skin, the result is heat rash.

Heat rash symptoms can look like pimples

The two most common types of heat rash, miliaria crystallina and miliaria rubra, can look very similar to acne. In fact, experts at the University of Pittsburgh describes heat rash as looking like “a cluster of red bumps that resemble pimples.”

  • Miliaria crystallina (sudamina) can appear as small white or clear, fluid-filled bumps on your skin’s surface.
  • Miliaria rubra (prickly heat) can appear as red bumps on your skin.

Typically, miliaria crystallina is not painful or itchy, while miliaria rubra can cause prickly or itchy sensations.

Heat rashes typically appear on the back, chest, and neck.

The treatment for mild heat rash is to remove yourself from exposure to excessive heat. Your rash will most likely clear once your skin is cool.

If the rash is severe, your doctor may recommend topical treatments, such as:

  • calamine lotion
  • anhydrous lanolin
  • topical steroids

To avoid heat rash, take steps before exposing yourself to situations that might result in heavy sweating. For example, don’t exercise outdoors during the hottest part of the day.

Or, in an especially hot, humid environment, try working out first thing in the morning, before the sun has had a chance to heat things up.

Additional suggestions include:

  • Wear soft, loose-fitting, lightweight cotton or moisture-wicking clothing when the weather is hot.
  • Seek shade or air-conditioning during hot weather.
  • When showering or bathing, use a soap that doesn’t dry your skin and cool water.
  • Allow your skin to air dry as opposed to using a towel.
  • Avoid using ointments that can block pores, such as those containing mineral oil or petroleum.
  • Make sure your sleeping area is well ventilated and cool.

Although excessive sweating can contribute to acne breakouts, your sweat pimples could also be a symptom of heat rash.

You might be able to address both conditions by cooling off and:

  • avoiding places and activities that increase sweating
  • washing — but not over-washing or scrubbing — your skin
  • using gentle antibacterial soaps and non-comedogenic products
  • cleaning your clothing, bedding, and other materials that come in contact with your skin
  • wearing loose-fitting, lightweight clothing when the weather is hot

Last medically reviewed on September 13, 2019

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

  • 10 things to try when acne won’t clear. (n.d.).
    aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/10-things-to-try-when-acne-wont-clear
  • 12 tips to combat acne. (n.d.). 
    rush.edu/health-wellness/discover-health/12-tips-combat-acne
  • Acne. (n.d.). 
    uhs.wisc.edu/medical/common-student-concerns/acne/
  • Heat rash: What causes heat rash? (2018).
    share.upmc.com/2018/06/what-is-heat-rash/
  • Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Heat rash.
    mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-rash/symptoms-causes/syc-20373276
  • Miliaria. (n.d.).
    aocd.org/page/Miliaria

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Owen Kramer, M.D. — By Scott Frothingham on September 13, 2019

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    A papule appears on the skin as a tiny, raised, red bump. It’s caused by excess oil and skin cells clogging a pore. Papules have no visible pus.

    READ MORE

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Why heat causes acne and what to do about it

Fighting imperfections

Tags:

Skin care

summer care

Hot summer is not only an excuse to put on your favorite light dresses, but also a reason for the deterioration of the skin condition. When the thermometer crosses the 25°C mark, acne and irritation worsen not only in those whose skin is prone to it, but also in those who do not encounter such a problem at all throughout the year. And since we have not yet learned how to influence the weather, we have to restructure our skin care. Here’s what you can do to deal with acne in the heat.

Why does acne appear in hot weather?

To begin with, let’s figure out what happens in the summer that even the owners of the most even and clean skin get acne. Firstly, at high temperatures, sweating increases significantly. Wet skin becomes more vulnerable, more dust and dirt “sticks” to it, which, together with sweat, ends up in the pores. And if on top, to get rid of the oily sheen, you also cover it all with powder, the appearance of acne cannot be avoided. In addition, drying in the sun, sweat leaves small particles of salt on the skin, which cause additional irritation.

In addition to sweat, the sun itself has a bad effect on the condition of the skin. There is a common myth that sunburn dries up acne and helps get rid of them, but this is not at all true. Ultraviolet has a detrimental effect on the skin, not only destroying collagen, but also seriously injuring the protective barrier. Thus, it becomes easier for bacteria to penetrate the skin and cause inflammation.

What to do about it?

So, as we said above, ultraviolet radiation adversely affects the protective barrier of the skin, which means you need to protect yourself from it. Sunscreen for the summer should be chosen with a protection degree of at least SPF50, while trying to use light, moisturizing products that suit your skin type. Otherwise, the product will certainly protect you from the sun, but the skin condition may worsen. We talked about how to choose the right sunscreen here.

Don’t forget to cleanse and tone your skin in the morning before sunscreen and in the evening after. If you have such an opportunity, it is better to wash your face also in the middle of the day, before that carefully removing the remnants of SPF from the skin, and then renew it. In addition, if you really want to get rid of oily sheen, you should not use powder: it will only clog pores more, mixing with sweat, dirt and sunscreen residue. For this purpose, matting wipes are better suited.

If in hot weather inflammations appear not on the face, but on the body, this can also be fought. Firstly, try not to wear synthetic fabrics during the hottest days, they do not breathe and provoke even more inflammation. The same goes for tight-fitting clothing. A loose-fitting dress or suit made of linen or cotton is the best thing to wear in thirty-degree fat. By the way, the same applies to underwear. After each shower, do not forget to carefully moisturise – microcracks form in dry skin, which are easier for bacteria to penetrate. In addition, special lotions with BHA acids can be used in the most “dangerous” areas.

Why hot spots appear and how to get rid of them. Pimples in the heat

Why can pimples appear in summer even for those who are not prone to acne and acne? Summer acne – are they special? And how to deal with acne on the face in the heat?

Causes of pimples in the heat

Unfortunately, a very common misconception is that exposure to the sun helps get rid of rashes, dry and make the skin clearer. This is wrong. On hot and fine summer days, the risk of exacerbation of various rashes increases sharply. Pimples can appear even in those who are not prone to acne or acne. And there are several reasons for this:

  1. Increased perspiration: when the skin is sweating, it becomes more vulnerable, more dust and dirt “sticks” to wet skin, in addition, wet areas are quickly damaged by friction (of hands or clothes). Micro-wounds that form on wet skin are like a gateway to the depths for microbes and bacteria that “stuck” along with dust. Also, when sweat dries, it leaves behind particles of salt, which lead to irritation.
  2. Toxic load on the skin: in urban conditions it is hot and stuffy on the street, there is no wind, so smog and various harmful impurities accumulate in the atmosphere. They cover our skin with an invisible layer from the outside and sometimes stay there all day long. Such long-term pollution gives an additional toxic load on the skin (in addition, the substances that make up smog can enter into chemical reactions on the skin), which provokes rashes.
  3. Sun: increased ultraviolet radiation reduces skin immunity, which makes it easier for various bacteria and microorganisms to provoke rashes. There is a very dangerous belief that sunburn can reduce the number of pimples. In fact, this is not so. At first, it is quite possible that after exposure to the sun, the rashes will dry out and visually they will become less. But then, the action of solar radiation will reduce immunity and inflammation will return back with a triple force. Moreover, there is a kind of disease that is called “solar acne”. Here, inflammation appears precisely after exposure to the sun.

How to get rid of acne in the summer and prevent their appearance

Proper care will help prevent the appearance of unwanted elements on the face:

  1. Prevention measures definitely include daily creams with a sunscreen filter. They significantly reduce the negative effect of solar radiation on the skin.
  2. Proper cleaning is also necessary. When the skin is sweating or stuffy outside and smog, then cleansing should be not only in the evening, but also in the middle of the day. During the day, wipe your face several times with a cotton pad moistened with tonic or thermal water. These products will wash off salt, sweat and smog particles well. After that, a cream with SPF should be applied to the skin.
  3. Morning and evening cleansing should also be enhanced with tonics and moisturizing ingredients. These products are used after washing and before applying a day / night cream.
  4. In the summer, exclude scrubbing products from your home cosmetic bag, they cause additional damage.

If the “terrible” has already happened and every day the rashes are getting more and more, you need to contact a specialist. Self-treatment in this case is dangerous: irregularities similar to craters (post-acne) and even age spots may remain on the face.

Most often, the problem of pimples is solved with the help of products containing acids – but in the summer they cannot be used.