Why does my skin get oily in hot weather?

Where does the extra oil come from?

Oil glands in your skin produce sebum, the oily substance that keeps skin and hair moist. Sebum has a useful job, despite its enthusiasm for appearing uninvited. Your genes and hormones help determine how oily your skin is in the first place. Summer adds heat, humidity and increased oil production to that baseline; friction and thicker skincare products can also contribute to clogged pores.134

Does sweating make skin more oily?

Sweating adds sweat to your skin, not sebum. The problem is the combination: sweat, existing oils and bacteria can clog pores, while heat, humidity and friction contribute to irritation and inflammation. Sweat alone is not the whole explanation for summer pimples. Blot sweat with a clean towel or cloth rather than wiping or rubbing it away, which can irritate skin and trigger breakouts.12

How do I control oily skin in summer?

• Cleanse gently. For skin that gets acne, cleanse twice daily and clean your skin promptly after a workout. Use a mild cleanser and warm water rather than scrubbing.
• Do not keep increasing face washing if it causes irritation. Frequent washing can irritate skin and increase oil production.
• Choose water based or oil free cosmetics. Look for products labeled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores.
• Keep sunscreen in the routine. Before going outdoors, apply sunscreen with broad spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher and water resistance.
• Remove sweaty clothes after exercise and shower. Wash sweaty hats, headbands and towels before using them again, and choose breathable clothing that is not tight.

Should I change my moisturizer in summer?

Switch to a lighter moisturizer if a thick one is contributing to clogged pores, particularly when you also layer sunscreen over it. You can reduce other product layers in very hot weather without dropping sunscreen. A summer routine can have fewer layers, even if the bathroom shelf would prefer to keep its entire cast employed.1

Do not assume humid weather means you cannot need moisturizer. Sun exposure, swimming pools and air conditioning can still leave skin dry and irritated. Use a noncomedogenic moisturizer as needed; if skin feels dry after a shower, apply a fragrance free moisturizer within five minutes to trap water in the skin.23

Can hot weather cause acne?

Summer conditions can contribute to acne breakouts, particularly on skin that already gets acne and is often oily. Pimples develop when sebum, bacteria and dead skin cells plug pores. Those plugs are not simply dirt, so scrubbing is not a reliable way to remove them. Choose noncomedogenic products for your face and for areas such as your chest and back. The useful part of the label is its pore clogging guidance, not its ability to look summery.235

When should I get help?

If breakouts continue despite changes to your routine, see a healthcare professional or dermatologist. Seek care early for deep, inflamed lumps or cysts because these can leave scars. Persistent oiliness can also be discussed with your healthcare provider, who can recommend or prescribe creams that absorb oil or limit its production.34