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 best treatments for heat-induced skin issues. How to prevent sweat pimples and heat rash effectively.
Understanding Sweat Pimples: Causes and Characteristics
Sweat pimples, also known as acne mechanica, are a common skin concern that can arise from excessive sweating, particularly during hot weather or intense physical activity. These small, irritating bumps often appear in areas where sweat accumulates and combines with friction, such as the forehead, chest, and back.
The primary causes of sweat pimples include:
- Clogged pores due to a combination of sweat, heat, and friction
- Trapped bacteria on the skin surface
- Pressure from tight clothing, headbands, or equipment
Unlike regular acne, sweat pimples tend to develop rapidly after periods of heavy sweating and can be exacerbated by wearing non-breathable fabrics or failing to cleanse the skin promptly after exercise.
Heat Rash: A Common Misdiagnosis for Sweat Pimples
Heat rash, while similar in appearance to sweat pimples, is a distinct skin condition with its own set of causes and characteristics. It occurs when sweat ducts become blocked, trapping perspiration beneath the skin.
The two most common types of heat rash are:
- Miliaria crystallina: Appears as small, clear, fluid-filled bumps on the skin’s surface
- Miliaria rubra: Manifests as red, potentially itchy or prickly bumps
Heat rash typically develops in areas where skin-to-skin contact is frequent, such as the neck, chest, and groin. Unlike sweat pimples, heat rash often resolves on its own once the skin is allowed to cool and dry.
Effective Treatment Strategies for Sweat Pimples
When dealing with sweat pimples, it’s crucial to adopt a gentle yet effective treatment approach. Here are some key strategies to consider:
- Cleanse the affected area twice daily with a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser
- Apply over-the-counter acne medications containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide
- Use oil-free, non-acnegenic skincare products
- Avoid touching or picking at the pimples to prevent further irritation and potential scarring
- Regularly wash clothing, sheets, and pillowcases that come into contact with acne-prone skin
For persistent or severe cases of sweat pimples, consulting a dermatologist may be necessary. They can prescribe stronger topical treatments or oral medications to manage the condition effectively.
Managing Heat Rash: Simple Solutions for Quick Relief
While heat rash often resolves on its own, there are several steps you can take to alleviate discomfort and promote faster healing:
- Move to a cooler, less humid environment
- Apply calamine lotion or anhydrous lanolin to soothe irritated skin
- Use a cold compress to reduce inflammation and itching
- Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing
- Avoid using heavy creams or ointments that may further clog pores
In cases of severe heat rash, a healthcare professional may recommend topical steroids to manage symptoms. However, this should only be done under medical supervision.
Preventing Sweat Pimples: Proactive Measures for Clear Skin
Prevention is key when it comes to managing sweat pimples. By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of breakouts:
- Maintain a consistent acne treatment regimen, including regular cleansing and medication application
- Shower with an antibacterial soap immediately after heavy sweating
- Opt for loose-fitting, moisture-wicking workout clothing
- Avoid wearing tight accessories or equipment that may trap sweat against the skin
- When possible, exercise in cooler environments or during less humid times of day
- Stay hydrated to help regulate body temperature and reduce excessive sweating
By being proactive in your skincare approach, you can minimize the impact of sweat on your skin’s health and appearance.
Lifestyle Adjustments to Minimize Heat Rash Occurrences
While heat rash can be uncomfortable, there are several lifestyle changes you can implement to reduce its frequency and severity:
- Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics for hot weather
- Seek out shaded or air-conditioned environments during peak heat hours
- Use gentle, non-drying soaps and cool water when bathing
- Allow your skin to air dry rather than rubbing with a towel
- Avoid using heavy creams or ointments that may block pores
- Consider using talcum powder in areas prone to excessive sweating
By making these adjustments, you can create an environment less conducive to heat rash development and maintain healthier, more comfortable skin.
The Role of Diet and Hydration in Managing Heat-Related Skin Issues
While often overlooked, diet and hydration play crucial roles in managing both sweat pimples and heat rash. Proper nutrition and adequate water intake can help regulate body temperature, reduce excessive sweating, and support overall skin health.
Consider incorporating these dietary habits:
- Increase consumption of foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries and leafy greens
- Include foods high in vitamin A and zinc, which support skin healing
- Limit intake of processed foods and refined sugars, which may exacerbate inflammation
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily
- Consider electrolyte-rich beverages for intense workouts or hot weather
By nourishing your body from the inside out, you can enhance your skin’s resilience to heat-related issues and promote a clearer, healthier complexion.
Hydration Strategies for Optimal Skin Health
Proper hydration is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing both sweat pimples and heat rash. Here are some effective hydration strategies:
- Carry a reusable water bottle to ensure constant access to hydration
- Set reminders to drink water throughout the day
- Consume water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges
- Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, as these can contribute to dehydration
- Consider using a humidifier in dry environments to maintain skin moisture
By prioritizing hydration, you can help your skin better regulate temperature and reduce the likelihood of heat-related skin issues.
When to Seek Professional Help for Heat-Related Skin Concerns
While many cases of sweat pimples and heat rash can be managed at home, there are instances where professional medical advice is necessary. It’s important to recognize the signs that indicate a need for expert intervention.
Consider consulting a healthcare professional if:
- Symptoms persist for more than a week despite home treatment
- The affected area becomes increasingly painful, swollen, or shows signs of infection
- You develop a fever or other systemic symptoms
- The rash spreads rapidly or covers a large area of your body
- You have a history of skin conditions and experience a severe flare-up
- Over-the-counter treatments prove ineffective
A dermatologist can provide a accurate diagnosis and recommend targeted treatments for persistent or severe cases of heat-related skin issues.
Diagnostic Approaches for Heat-Related Skin Conditions
When you visit a healthcare professional for heat-related skin concerns, they may employ various diagnostic techniques to determine the exact nature of your condition. These may include:
- Visual examination of the affected area
- Detailed medical history to identify potential triggers or exacerbating factors
- Skin scraping or biopsy in cases where the diagnosis is unclear
- Patch testing to rule out allergic reactions
- Blood tests to check for underlying systemic conditions
By utilizing these diagnostic tools, healthcare providers can develop a tailored treatment plan to address your specific skin concerns effectively.
Emerging Treatments and Research in Heat-Related Skin Conditions
As our understanding of heat-related skin conditions evolves, new treatments and preventive strategies continue to emerge. Researchers are exploring innovative approaches to managing sweat pimples and heat rash, offering hope for those who struggle with these persistent skin issues.
Some promising areas of research include:
- Development of advanced moisture-wicking fabrics for activewear
- Investigations into the skin microbiome and its role in heat-related skin conditions
- Study of natural compounds with anti-inflammatory and pore-clearing properties
- Exploration of targeted probiotics to support skin health
- Research into personalized skincare regimens based on individual sweat patterns and skin types
While many of these developments are still in the early stages, they offer exciting possibilities for improved management of heat-related skin concerns in the future.
The Role of Technology in Managing Heat-Related Skin Issues
Advancements in technology are also playing a significant role in the prevention and treatment of heat-related skin conditions. From smart fabrics to AI-powered skincare analysis, these innovations are changing the way we approach skin health in hot and humid conditions.
Some notable technological developments include:
- Wearable devices that monitor sweat composition and skin temperature
- Apps that provide personalized skincare recommendations based on environmental factors
- Smart textiles that adapt to body temperature and humidity levels
- Advanced cooling systems for clothing and accessories
- AI-driven diagnostic tools for early detection of skin issues
As these technologies continue to evolve, they promise to offer more effective and personalized solutions for managing heat-related skin concerns.
The Psychological Impact of Heat-Related Skin Issues
While the physical discomfort of sweat pimples and heat rash is often the primary concern, it’s important to acknowledge the potential psychological impact of these conditions. Persistent skin issues can affect self-esteem, social interactions, and overall quality of life.
Common psychological effects may include:
- Decreased confidence in social situations
- Anxiety about participating in outdoor activities or exercise
- Frustration with recurring skin problems
- Stress related to managing skincare routines and treatments
- Body image concerns, particularly during warmer months
Addressing these psychological aspects is crucial for comprehensive management of heat-related skin conditions. Support from healthcare providers, friends, and family can play a significant role in maintaining emotional well-being while dealing with skin issues.
Coping Strategies for the Emotional Aspects of Skin Concerns
Developing effective coping strategies can help individuals manage the emotional toll of heat-related skin conditions. Here are some approaches that may be beneficial:
- Practice self-compassion and positive self-talk
- Engage in stress-reducing activities like meditation or yoga
- Seek support from others who experience similar skin concerns
- Focus on overall health and well-being, not just skin appearance
- Consider professional counseling if skin issues significantly impact mental health
By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of heat-related skin conditions, individuals can develop a more holistic approach to managing their skin health and overall well-being.
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
- Featured
- Discover
- Wellness Topics
- Nutrition
- Fitness
- Skin Care
- Sexual Health
- Women’s Health
- Mental Well-Being
- Sleep
- Product Reviews
- Vitamins & Supplements
- Sleep
- Mental Health
- Nutrition
- At-Home Testing
- CBD
- Men’s Health
- Original Series
- Fresh Food Fast
- Diagnosis Diaries
- You’re Not Alone
- Present Tense
- Video Series
- Youth in Focus
- Healthy Harvest
- No More Silence
- Future of Health
- Wellness Topics
- Plan
- Health Challenges
- Mindful Eating
- Sugar Savvy
- Move Your Body
- Gut Health
- Mood Foods
- Align Your Spine
- Find Care
- Primary Care
- Mental Health
- OB-GYN
- Dermatologists
- Neurologists
- Cardiologists
- Orthopedists
- Lifestyle Quizzes
- Weight Management
- Am I Depressed? A Quiz for Teens
- Are You a Workaholic?
- How Well Do You Sleep?
- Tools & Resources
- Health News
- Find a Diet
- Find Healthy Snacks
- Drugs A-Z
- Health A-Z
- Health Challenges
- Connect
- Breast Cancer
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Migraine
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Psoriasis
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
Read this next
- 13 Acne Soaps to Calmly and Gently Fade Breakouts
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READ MORE
- 10 Acne Patches to Try: From Medicated to Micro-Needle
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Are you looking to treat your acne with acne patches but aren’t sure which type is the best for you? Use this guide to get you started.
READ MORE
- What Causes Acne Papules, and How Are They Treated?
Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP
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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A stress-induced rash isn’t always a cause for concern, but there are other rashes that may look similar. We’ll tell you how to identify and treat a…
READ MORE
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READ MORE
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Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP
Salicylic acid is widely available and used regularly for reducing acne. Learn about its benefits, proper dosages, use when pregnant, and potential…
READ MORE
- The Ultimate Guide to Period-Related Breakouts
Medically reviewed by Sara Perkins, MD
Nothing makes an already crummy situation worse quite like period acne. Learn how to deal with everything from painful chin cysts to vulvar acne.
READ MORE
- How Many Different Kinds of Facial Blemishes Are There?
Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP
Whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and pustules are just a few of the many types of blemishes that can appear on the skin. Find out what causes…
READ MORE
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Prevention measures definitely include daily creams with a sunscreen filter. They significantly reduce the negative effect of solar radiation on the skin.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.