Triple-digit heat in Los Angeles is no joke, and your skin is feeling it. Whether you're running outdoors, catching waves, or just navigating the heat of the day, extreme temperatures can lead to breakouts, redness, and sun damage. Athletes, men on the move, and weekend adventurers all face skin issues like acne, sunburn, and inflammation when the weather heats up. The good news? With the right skincare routine and a few simple hacks, you can get your skin back on track fast. Let’s break down common heat-related skin issues and how to fix them.
Fungal Acne
What it is:
Fungal acne, or Malassezia folliculitis, happens when yeast takes over the hair follicles, causing small, uniform bumps, often showing up on the forehead and cheeks.
How you get it:
Heat, sweat, and humidity create the perfect environment for fungal acne to thrive. It’s especially common if you're working out outdoors or not washing up quickly enough after a sweat session.
Quick treatment:
Wash your face with a selenium sulfide (Head & Shoulders for example) shampoo 2-3 times a week. This anti-fungal agent wipes out the yeast causing those bumps. Make it a habit to shower and cleanse right after a workout to keep sweat from sticking around.
Heat Rash or Sweat-Induced Acne
What it is:
Heat rash develops when sweat gets trapped in blocked pores, causing red, irritated bumps. Sweat-induced acne works similarly—too much sweat clogs pores and leads to breakouts.
How you get it:
When temperatures hit the roof, sweat becomes constant. Without proper cleaning or if you’re wearing tight, non-breathable fabrics, your skin pays the price.
Quick treatment:
Cool down with a cold compress for 10-15 minutes to calm the skin, then follow up with a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer. To stay ahead of the problem, always cleanse your face and body after sweating. Wear breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics to reduce friction and heat buildup.
Cystic Acne
What it is:
Cystic acne consists of deep, painful, inflamed bumps. Unlike regular acne, cysts form when oil and bacteria build up deep in the skin, making them stubborn and painful.
How you get it:
Hot weather, stress, and hormones can all cause cystic acne, particularly around the jawline and chin. It’s a more severe form of acne, often triggered by heat and sweat.
Quick treatment:
Apply a cold green tea bag directly to cystic spots. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties in green tea help reduce redness and swelling. For long-term prevention, stick to an oil-free skincare routine and regularly use salicylic acid-based cleansers to clear pores.
Sunburn
What it is:
Sunburn is the painful result of too much exposure to UV rays, causing redness, inflammation, and sometimes peeling.
How you get it:
Staying out in the sun without sunscreen—even for a short time—leads to sunburn. And when you’re active outdoors, it’s easy to forget to reapply.
Quick treatment:
Aloe vera gel straight from the fridge is your skin’s best friend after a burn. It cools, hydrates, and speeds up healing. Keep applying it throughout the day to soothe and rehydrate your skin.
Preventing Sunscreen-Induced Acne
What it is:
Certain sunscreens, especially thicker or greasy formulas, can clog pores and trigger acne, especially if you have sensitive or oily skin.
How you get it:
Using heavy sunscreens that block pores while you're sweating leads to breakouts. It's common for people to blame the sun when it's actually the sunscreen formula that's at fault.
Quick treatment:
Switch to a gel-based, oil-free sunscreen that won’t clog pores. If your skin feels sticky after applying sunscreen, blot the excess with a tissue to avoid buildup. Make sure the sunscreen you choose is non-comedogenic to keep breakouts at bay while still protecting your skin.
Post-Heat Redness
What it is:
Extended exposure to heat can dilate blood vessels, leading to redness and irritation, especially on sensitive skin. This is a common side effect after long days outdoors or in direct sunlight.
How you get it:
When you're out in the sun for hours, blood vessels expand, causing that familiar flushed look. It's the skin’s natural response to heat and increased blood flow.
Quick treatment:
A serum with niacinamide works wonders to calm inflammation and reduce redness. Use it to help repair the skin’s barrier after heat exposure. For an instant refresh, try a cooling mist with ingredients like cucumber extract or green tea.
Wrap-Up: The heat doesn’t have to take a toll on your skin. Whether it’s fungal acne from too much sweat or a sunburn from that beach day, there are quick, effective ways to get your skin back in shape. The key is a smart routine that adapts to your environment, keeping your skin fresh, clear, and ready for whatever the day throws at you.
Pro-Tip:
Hydrate with electrolytes like sodium, potassium, chloride, and magnesium to maintain balance during high-heat conditions. Both your body and skin need proper hydration to combat the effects of heat.
For deeper skin recovery, check out the Anti-Aging Face Collection. This six-step routine cleanses, exfoliates, and targets issues like acne, wrinkles, and fatigue. It's designed to repair and protect your skin, making it easier to maintain healthy, resilient skin while dealing with the day-to-day stress. Simple, effective, and easy to integrate into any routine.