How Heat and Humidity Affect Your Skin, According to Dr. Pimple Popper
Here's how to keep your skin healthy and glowing as temperatures soar.Published:
3 minute read
Summer weather can do a number on your skin — from excess oil and breakouts to flaking and irritation. But why does heat and humidity cause so many common skin concerns?
According to dermatologist Sandra Lee, MD (aka Dr. Pimple Popper), understanding how your skin responds to environmental stressors — like rising temperatures and UV exposure — is the first step in building a better summer skincare routine.
What happens to skin in hot weather
Your skin likes consistency — but summer is anything but consistent. Heat, humidity, sun exposure, and sweat can all throw your skin off balance. Here’s what can happen when the mercury climbs:
- Skin loses water more easily, leading to dehydration.
- Oil production increases, making skin feel greasy or shiny.
- Heat and UV exposure can trigger irritation or sensitivity
- Sweat and buildup can clog pores, leading to breakouts.
Understanding how your skin reacts is the first step to adjusting your routine.
Why skin gets dehydrated in hot weather
In summer, water evaporates from your skin more quickly — especially when it’s hot, dry, or windy. This is called transepidermal water loss (TEWL). If you're not drinking enough fluids or using the right skincare, your skin can become dehydrated, even if it’s producing oil.
Dr. Lee’s tip: “Dehydration makes your skin more vulnerable to damage — and it can make fine lines and dullness more noticeable, too.”
How to stay hydrated:
- Drink plenty of water
- Use hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid
- Don’t skip moisturizer — even if your skin is oily
- Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen
Dr. Pimple Popper's Summer Skin Picks
Why skin gets oilier in hot weather
Your skin naturally produces more oil when it’s hot out — it’s one way your body tries to stay cool. But when oil mixes with sweat, dead skin, and sunscreen, it can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and dullness.
Best ingredients for oily summer skin:
- Salicylic acid: penetrates to unclog pores and gently exfoliates. Try: SLMD Salicylic Acid Cleanser and Salicylic Acid Body Spray
- Niacinamide: balances oil, calms skin, and helps minimize the look of pores. Try: SLMD AHA/BHA Swipes
- Glycolic acid: Exfoliates dead skin cells and smooths texture. Try: SLMD Glycolic Acid Body Lotion
Why skin gets more sensitive in summer
Heat and UV rays can weaken your skin barrier, making it more prone to irritation and redness — especially if you’re exfoliating too aggressively or using harsh products.
Dr. Lee’s tip: “Hot weather can weaken your skin barrier — so it’s extra important to listen to your skin and keep your routine simple when irritation strikes.”
How to protect sensitive skin:
- Use fragrance-free, gentle products
- Avoid excessive exfoliation
- Apply (and reapply) broad-spectrum SPF (try: SLMD Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15)
Why breakouts can flare in hot weather
Sweat, oil, and occlusive products (like some sunscreens and makeup) can trap debris in your pores — especially in humid conditions or under face masks.
Prevent summer breakouts by:
- Washing your face morning and night
- Using salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide products
- Keeping skin clean after sweating or workouts
- Avoiding heavy or greasy cosmetics
Try: SLMD Acne System, Body Acne System
How to take care of your skin in summer
A few small changes can go a long way toward preventing warm-weather skin issues. Here’s how to adjust your routine:
- Cleanse gently but thoroughly. Look for a foaming cleanser with salicylic acid to help clear pores.
- Hydrate with purpose. Choose humectant ingredients that draw water into the skin. Try: SLMD Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer and Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Wear daily SPF. Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen that won’t clog pores.
- Watch your actives. Potent ingredients like exfoliants and retinoids can be used in summer — just apply at night, start slow, and always wear SPF during the day.
- Don’t forget your body. Bacne is common in summer — body sprays or washes with salicylic acid and BP can help.
FAQ: Summer skincare questions
Q: Should I change my skincare routine in summer?
A: Yes — skin tends to produce more oil in hot, humid weather. You may need lighter textures and more exfoliation.
Q: Is moisturizer necessary in hot weather?
A: Absolutely. Even oily skin needs hydration to stay balanced and protect the barrier.
Q: Can sunscreen cause breakouts?
A: Some can. Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas — and cleanse thoroughly at night.
Dr. Lee's Last Word
Summer skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all. You may need to tweak your products or routine to stay balanced — and that’s okay. With the right ingredients and daily habits, you can keep your skin calm, clear, and glowing all summer long.
