April is a time of year when the weather can be quite changeable and this can wreak havoc with acne-prone skin.
We can get the occasional warm days, but equally must expect a certain amount of seasonal rainfall too and we’ve seen plenty of that over the last few days.
This is a real contrast after the colder, drier winter months and can cause problems for the skin.
How Rain Affects Acne
First, rainwater is not clean, especially in the city.
Exposing your skin to rainwater mixed with pollution can can lead to clogged pores.
Furthermore, the particles contained in the rainwater can be irritants, triggering flareups and breakouts.
Rainy weather can also cause the skin to become more oily. This is because the rain can wash away the natural oils that protect the skin, leaving it more vulnerable to bacteria and dirt. It can also triggering higher levels of oil production as your body tries to counteract the effects of the rain.
How Humidity Affects the Skin
As temperatures rise, the combined effect of warmth and wetness is to create higher levels of humidity. Humidity simply refers to the amount of moisture in the air. There are some advantages to humidity – it keeps the skin moist and improves elasticity. However, there are also some downsides.
Higher humidity causes the pores of the skin to open – a bit like a very gentle facial steam. But when you’re out and about, open pores are all the more susceptible to gathering dirt, oil and allergens. So higher levels of humidity can lead to breakouts occurring more often and more severely.
In addition, high humidity levels can exacerbate acne by increasing sebum production and promoting bacteria growth.
Spring Skincare Review for Acne Sufferers
Acne sufferers often notice the change in weather affects their skin and it’s a good time to reassess the treatment programme you’re using.
Heavy skincare products (e.g. moisturisers) can be particularly unhelpful as the seasons change. Using a lighter moisturiser after the cold and dry winter months can be very helpful, but it’s also vital to ensure that the skin is kept super-clean to avoid buildup of sebum and bacteria.
If you are prone to acne, there are a few things you can do to help prevent breakouts during rainy weather:
- Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser
- Use a moisturiser that is oil-free and non-comedogenic
- Avoid touching your face throughout the day
- Exfoliate your skin regularly
- See a professional if you are experiencing severe acne
Professional Treatments for Acne this Month
A seasonal change is also a good time to explore professional treatment too. As the weather becomes warmer and more humid, good treatments to consider include:
- Microdermabrasion or Chemical Peel for an extra level of intense exfoliation to whisk away dead skin cells/excess oil and improve the skin tone and texture
- Laser/IPL to target acne troubled areas killing bacteria, reducing redness and promoting healing
- Plasma Shower to kill acne bacteria on the skin and in pores
See more acne treatments, available at ClinicbeAcne, London. We also offer a range of customised acne treatment plans for daily use at home as well as in-clinic professional treatments.
ClinicbeAcne
London Acne Treatment Centre
ClinicbeAcne is a specialist skincare centre based in Knightsbridge, London – easily accessible from Chelsea, Belgravia, Mayfair and Kensington.
The clinic is fully registered for treating patients from the age of 13+, but many of our patients are adults who struggle with acne on a daily basis.
Dr Kubicka takes a holistic approach to treating acne, offering a host of doctor-led acne treatments together with vital advice on nutrition and lifestyle factors for best results. We also offer a range of medical facials and customised acne treatment plans for daily use at home alongside professional treatments.
To learn more or book an appointment, please contact our team:
- Telephone: 0207 125 0521
- Email: info@clinicbe.com.
