Sweat, Sunscreen & Skin Freakouts: Your Official Guide to Summer Breakouts
7 August, 2025

by Jenna Curcio
There’s a reason your skin feels more reactive in the summer — and it’s not just the heat. From sneaky breakout triggers like salty ocean swims and poolside chlorine to the way your skincare routine shifts with the season, acne-prone skin needs a little extra attention right now. Consider this your no-stress guide to keeping things clear, balanced, and beach-day ready.
Summer isn’t always the vibe for acne-prone skin. Between sweat, sunscreen, and heat-driven oil production, breakouts tend to make a surprise appearance — usually right before something fun.
But summer breakouts aren’t random. They’re your skin’s way of reacting to a lot at once: sun exposure, humidity, more layers (SPF, makeup, pollution), and usually less consistency in your routine. If you’re already navigating acne-prone skin, this season can feel like a setback.
The good news? Once you know what’s behind those flare-ups, you can actually work with your skin instead of against it. A few small tweaks to your routine can make a big difference.
Here’s what’s actually going on.
So, Why Does My Skin Break Out More in the Summer?
When temps rise, so does oil production. Mix that with sweat, SPF, and environmental buildup, and you've got a breakout cocktail (unfortunately not a spritz). Plus, sun exposure can temporarily dry out your skin, which might trigger more oil later — and more clogged pores.
Even if you don’t usually deal with acne-prone skin, summer breakouts are actually super common.
How to Keep Skin Balanced (Without Doing the Absolute Most)
Focus on products that balance oil production, protect your skin, and support progress.
Start with a gentle but thorough cleanse. Chamomile Jelly Cleanser melts off SPF, makeup, sweat, and oil without leaving skin dry or tight. It’s a game-changer if you’re reapplying sunscreen or wearing makeup daily.
Follow with the Blemish Control & Exfoliating Serum to help clear pores and smooth texture — without irritating your barrier. And keep Sulfur Spot Treatment on hand for those inevitable “whyyyyy now?” breakouts. It works fast but doesn’t over-dry or flake.
Weirdly, Swimming Might Help Your Acne — But Not for Long
Both chlorine and salt water can dry out acne-prone skin and temporarily reduce oil and bacteria, which might make breakouts look better for a bit. But the keyword is temporary — too much exposure to either can throw off your skin barrier, cause irritation, and lead to more breakouts down the line. These articles from InStyle and Ochsner Health break the science behind it down really well if you’re curious.
Whether you’re at the pool or the beach, just rinse off after swimming and follow up with barrier-repairing products to keep your skin balanced.
Don’t Skip SPF (Seriously)
Sunscreen is non-negotiable — especially if you have acne-prone skin. But not all SPF is created equal. Using acne-safe formulas is key to avoiding clogged pores, so always double-check the ingredients (our Breakout Detector can help). And don’t stop at SPF — self-tanners can sneak in pore-clogging ingredients too. If you're using one, go for an acne-safe option like the Saltyface Tanning Water. Whatever you’re layering on, just be sure to double cleanse at night to fully wash it off. That alone can seriously cut down on summer breakouts.
Catch You Poolside (Not Panic-Googling Breakout Solutions)
Hot weather, sweat, and sun exposure are tough on acne-prone skin — but it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on summer. With a few simple swaps, you can stay clear, confident, and in control all without disrupting any of your summer plans :)

Author
Jenna Curcio
Ciao, I’m Jenna :) I’m a writer and brand strategist with 6+ years of experience telling stories in the beauty world — both professionally and personally. After years of dealing with acne, I know how overwhelming and emotional the skincare journey can be. I’m here to make it feel a little less confusing and a lot more human.