Your skin’s guide to surviving summer –
Summer brings sunshine, pool days, and that long-awaited glow—but for many, it also brings an uptick in breakouts, oiliness, irritation, and mysterious rashes. Whether you’re dealing with acne or uneven pigmentation, you’re not alone.
At Central Missouri Dermatology, we’ve worked with hundreds of patients battling summer-specific skin issues. And while high-quality products play an important role, some of the most impactful changes start with your daily habits—what you eat, how you sweat, and how you protect your skin.
Let’s dive into the most common summer skin problems and how to tackle them head-on.
1. Summer Acne: A Perfect Storm of Sweat + Oil + Sunscreen
When the temperatures rise, so does your skin’s oil production. Combine that with sweat, makeup, and thick sunscreens, and your pores can quickly become clogged.
What helps:
- Opt for non-comedogenic sunscreens and moisturizers
- Cleanse your skin twice daily, especially after sweating
- Consider adding a gentle chemical exfoliant (like salicylic acid) a few times per week
- Wash pillowcases and hats frequently—they absorb oils and bacteria
Sheridan’s Daytime Routine:
Alastin Ultra Calm Face Cleansing Cream – Fragrance free, mild cleanser that does not disrupt the skin’s moisture balance, and including calming ingredients to reduce potential for irritation.
Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen – A lightweight, mineral, broad-spectrum tinted sunscreen for your face that hydrates and protects skin from harmful UVA/ UVB rays while providing a soft, glowing appearance.
Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer – Supports the production of new, healthy elastin and collagen while calming and hydrating the skin.
Nighttime:
Alastin Ultra Calm Face Cleansing Cream – Fragrance free, mild cleanser that does not disrupt the skin’s moisture balance, and including calming ingredients to reduce potential for irritation.
Skin Better Alpha Ret Night Cream – AlphaRet is formulated with hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients work together to keep the skin hydrated, which is essential when using retinoids for anti-acne.
Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer – Supports the production of new, healthy elastin and collagen while calming and hydrating the skin.
2. Heat Rashes & Prickly Skin
Notice tiny bumps or an itchy, red rash on your neck, back, or underarms? Heat rashes are caused by blocked sweat glands, especially when wearing tight or synthetic clothing.
Quick fix:
- Choose loose, breathable fabrics (like cotton or moisture-wicking activewear)
- Cool down with a lukewarm shower after workouts or long days outside
- Apply soothing ingredients like aloe vera or calamine
3. Dry Yet Oily Skin
It sounds like a contradiction—but summer can strip your skin while making it overproduce oil. Air conditioning, chlorinated pools, and dehydration are the culprits. Your skin tries to compensate for dryness by producing more oil, which can worsen breakouts.
Try this:
- Hydrate from within—increase your water intake
- Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer morning and night
- Avoid harsh cleansers and astringents that strip natural oils
4. White Spots & Skin Discoloration
Small white spots on the arms, back, or chest? They might be a fungal infection (like tinea versicolor) or a result of sun-exposed, dehydrated skin. These often show up in teens and young adults but can affect anyone—especially in humid climates.
Best practices:
- Keep your skin dry and clean
- Shower after sweating
- Ask your provider about topical antifungal creams if the spots persist
5. Tanning, Pigmentation & Uneven Tone
UV exposure triggers your skin to produce more melanin, which can result in tanning or pigmentation—especially in areas like the forehead, upper lip, or cheeks. Hormones, heat, and certain medications can worsen this.
Prevention is key:
- Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours outdoors
- Add antioxidant-rich foods (like berries, leafy greens, and citrus) to your diet
- Don’t skip nighttime skincare
Final Thoughts: Listen to Your Skin
You don’t need an overcomplicated skincare regimen to manage summer acne and other seasonal skin issues. In fact, the best results often come from tuning in to your body and simplifying your routine.
Focus on staying hydrated, keeping your skin clean, choosing the right products, and protecting your skin barrier every day.
If acne is causing discomfort or affecting your confidence, we’re here to help. Our dermatology team can assess your skin, recommend tailored treatments, and help you build a routine that works with the season—not against it.