Sun, sweat and sebum – how to tame oily skin in hot weather?

Why oily skin gives in the summer?

In summer, when the temperature rises, the sebaceous glands become more active – this is a natural reaction of the body for heat, aimed at protecting the skin from dryness and external factors. Unfortunately, in people with oily skin, this process quickly gets out of control, resulting in even more sebum production.

Humidity causes sebum to mix with sweat and impurities, forming a layer on the surface of the skin that not only can be aesthetically challenging (shiny, "heavy" skin), but also contributes to clogged pores. This in turn can lead to an exacerbation of acne, microcalcifications and inflammation.

Moreover, at higher temperatures, the skin's natural defenses (e.g., the hydrolipid barrier) can be weakened, promoting the growth of bacteria Cutibacterium Acnes – one of the main causes of acne. These lesions often end up in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which can persist for months.

Check: A tan isn't everything... What else does the sun leave on your skin?

The goal of summer care for oily skin: don't dry it out

A common mistake in oily skin care is the use of aggressive degreasing products that lead to... even more sebum production. Meanwhile, the skin, deprived of its protective lipid layer, turns on "alarm mode" and defends itself by producing more sebum. Effect? Overworked, irritated and even oilier skin.

Instead of fighting sebum, skin care should support the restoration of homeostasis - that is, the balance between sebum secretion, skin hydration and protection from external factors.

This means care in caring for:

• gentle but effective cleansing,
• sebum regulation without irritation,
• relieving inflammation,
• hydrolipid barrier and microbiome support,
• choosing non-comedogenic cosmetics that do not clog pores.

Key steps of summer care for oily skin

Two-step cleansing

In the morning, all you need to do is reach for a cleansing gel with a lightweight formula that will not break the skin barrier, but will effectively remove excess sebum and sweat.

In the evening, bet on a two-step cleansing:

• First apply emulsifying butter for removing makeup and SPF MELT WITH PASSION or emulsifying makeup and spf removing oil SQUEEZE AN ORANGE.
• In the next step, select deep cleansing gel with active green tea extract with EGCG, prebiotic from inulin and ALPAFLOR® ALP®-SEBUM DEEPLY PORE CLEANSING GEL or cleansing and refreshing face wash gel CLEAN ME UP.

Light cream with SPF – protection and care in one

Instead of applying several layers – reach for a light cream with UV filter, which will also work as a day cream. An excellent choice is broad-spectrum anti-photoaging light protective cream with moisturizing and soothing effect BUT FIRST, SUNSCREEN, which provides a high spectrum of protection, while the protective and conditioning formula does not cause a "mask" effect.

Night cream – regeneration and regulation

At night, reach for lightweight but effective products, e.g.:

• Imperfection-reducing night cream with Salicylic Acid BHA (1.5%) OVERNIGHT BHA TREATMENT – Gentle exfoliation and sebum regulation,
• Regenerating and rebuilding cream with NP, AP and EOP ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids CERAMIDE SKIN BARRIER – Regeneration and protection of the hydrolipid barrier,
• All day light hydrating face cream SAY HI(DRATION) – intense hydration without greasiness.

You can use them interchangeably – depending on your skin's needs.

Exfoliation – a deep detox of the skin

Apply once or twice a week triple-acid enzyme facial peel with AHA Phytocomplex 10%, PHA 10%, BHA MATCHA POWER PEEL, which removes dead skin cells, cleanses pores and refreshes the skin, without the risk of micro-damage.

See also: Summer discoloration – where it comes from and how to avoid it?

What to avoid in the care of oily skin in the summer?

In summer, it's easy to overdo it – with "skimming," with layers of cosmetics, with strong exfoliation.

What you should avoid?

• Excessive dryness – Products with alcohol, strong detergents (e.g. SLS/SLES).
• Heavy creams and filters – "Rich" type formulas can clog pores.
• Too aggressive and frequent mechanical exfoliation or with strong acids – they can damage the skin.
• Excessive products in care – The more layers, the greater the risk of clogged pores.

Mat is not everything. Opt for a healthy balance

The goal of oily skin care in the summer is not to "close" the sebaceous glands, or to achieve perfectly matte skin at all costs. The key in modern oily skin care is balance: hydration, skin barrier support, gentle sebum regulation and UV protection.

The right cosmetics not only reduce shine, but most importantly improve the overall condition of the skin, reduce the risk of acne and hyperpigmentation, and allow you to feel fresh - even in the hottest weather.

Well-groomed oily skin can look fresh and healthy even in the hottest weather - all it takes is a good routine and the right cosmetics.