It’s only July and already, it’s been a long, hot, sweaty summer. With temperatures outside reaching 35 degrees, our bodies are working overtime to stay cool. Inevitably, this means sweat - and a lot of it.
Londoners, in particular, are bearing the brunt of it. Between stifling Central line commutes and the city's chronic lack of air conditioning, our skin is in overdrive, producing extra moisture in an attempt to keep us cool.
Sadly, for those with sensitive skin, excess sweat can wreak havoc on the skin - clogging pores and causing pesky breakouts.
© ImaxtreeThis prompts the question - how best to manage our skin during sweaty city summers? Before ditching the moisturiser or abandoning your go-to skincare ritual, take a look at some expert tips and tricks courtesy of Dr Aamna Adel, consultant dermatologist and founder of rhute, below.
What effect can intense humidity have on your skin? Is sweat bad for your skin or is that a myth?
"Sweat itself isn't bad for your skin. It's a completely normal physiological process that helps regulate body temperature and, by itself, it doesn't cause acne. The problem is when sweat sits on the skin and mixes with excess sebum, sunscreen, makeup, and environmental debris, which can contribute to clogged pores and irritation in susceptible individuals. Hot, humid weather can also affect different skin conditions in different ways. Acne often flares because the skin becomes oilier and pores are more easily congested. Seborrhoeic dermatitis can worsen as the Malassezia yeast that naturally lives on our skin tends to thrive in warm, humid conditions. For people with eczema, the picture is a little more mixed. Some find humidity helps reduce dryness, while others experience worsening symptoms because sweating can irritate an already compromised skin barrier and trigger itching."
Why do breakouts seem to flare up during a London heatwave?
"Heat stimulates increased sebum production, while humidity means sweat remains on the skin for longer. When excess oil combines with sweat, sunscreen and makeup, pores are more likely to become blocked, increasing the risk of breakouts. People also tend to touch or wipe their face more frequently in hot weather, which can introduce further irritation. It's also worth remembering that not every spot that appears during a heatwave is acne. Heat rash (miliaria) can develop when sweat ducts become blocked, leading to small, itchy or prickly bumps that can easily be mistaken for acne."
What is the biggest skincare mistake people make in hot, sweaty weather?
"One of the biggest mistakes I see is people abandoning moisturiser and sunscreen because they're worried they'll make their skin oilier or trigger breakouts. In reality, both are incredibly important, even during a heatwave. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser helps maintain a healthy skin barrier, which is essential for reducing irritation and helping the skin function properly. If you strip the skin by over-cleansing or skip moisturiser altogether, you can compromise the barrier and make the skin more reactive.
The other product people often stop using is sunscreen, particularly if they're acne-prone. Modern formulations are much lighter than they used to be, and choosing a non-comedogenic sunscreen is far preferable to leaving your skin unprotected. UV exposure can worsen post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after spots heal, accelerate skin ageing and increase your long-term risk of skin cancer. Rather than removing moisturiser or SPF from your routine, I'd focus on choosing lightweight formulations that you'll actually enjoy wearing consistently."
© Getty ImagesHow should you adapt your skincare routine when temperatures soar?
"You don't need to completely overhaul your skincare routine during a heatwave, but you may want to make it lighter. If richer creams feel uncomfortable, switching to a lightweight gel or lotion can make the skin feel more comfortable without compromising hydration. Continue using a gentle cleanser, cleanse thoroughly in the evening to remove sweat, sunscreen and makeup, and keep your routine consistent.
If you have conditions such as acne or seborrhoeic dermatitis, it's particularly important to continue your prescribed or regular treatments rather than stopping them because the weather has changed. Consistency almost always gives better results than constantly changing products."
What ingredients are best for keeping summer breakouts at bay without stripping the skin?
"Salicylic acid is one of the most effective ingredients because it's oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate the pores to help reduce congestion and excess oil. Niacinamide is another excellent option as it helps regulate sebum production, supports the skin barrier, and has anti-inflammatory properties. That said, treating breakouts isn't just about reducing oil. Maintaining a healthy skin barrier is equally important, so I'd always pair active ingredients with a lightweight moisturiser rather than trying to dry the skin out."
How can you balance SPF, sweat and makeup without clogging pores?
"Start with a lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen that you'll actually be happy to wear and reapply. During hot weather, I'd also consider simplifying your makeup routine so there are fewer layers sitting on the skin. Rather than rubbing sweat away, gently blot it with a clean tissue before reapplying sunscreen if needed, and make sure you cleanse thoroughly at the end of the day. Sunscreen is never the product I'd advise skipping. If you're worried about congestion, it's usually the additional cosmetic layers on top that I'd rethink rather than the SPF itself."
If you could give one golden rule for preventing summer breakouts, what would it be?
"Don't fight your skin. When people notice more oil or sweat, the instinct is often to cleanse more, scrub harder or throw lots of acne products at it, but that's usually where things start to go wrong. Instead, focus on supporting your skin barrier with a simple, consistent routine, gentle cleansing, lightweight hydration, and daily sunscreen. Healthy skin is much better equipped to cope with heat, humidity and excess oil than skin that's been stripped and irritated."
