One common skin concern in summer is keeping our skin clear and free of breakouts. Many things can contribute to blemishes and breakouts including hormones, diet, stress, genetics and your skincare routine. During the hotter months, SPF, humidity and pollution could exacerbate the problem or burst congested cells. The best approach is rather than wait for the drama to appear is to  try to prevent it. Few things you have to know to keep those blemishes at bay.

Step 1: Downgrade your Moisturizer

Downgrade your heavy moisturizers during the day and switch to lighter textures. If you need the heavy stuff and oils to nourish and rejuvenate, keep them for the night. Chose hyaluronic acid as your main hydration method during the day. Go for a light texture that is easily absorbed and delivers true hydration. We love Hyaluron Serum Moisturizing by Susanne Kaufmann. A highly concentrated, plant based hyaluronic acid in the form of a serum super fine and easily absorbed, adapted for all skin types especially combination or oily skin. For a more complex formulation best selling Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer by Tata Harper is a great summer moisturizer. It’s a gel texture, so it is refreshing on the application and is made of different hyaluronic size molecules to provide hydration at different level of the epidermis. It also helps lockdown moisture so you feel properly hydrated through the day. Finally, one of my favourites is Intense Nurture Antioxidant Elixir by De Mamiel. Go for this one if you need more than just hydration in the form of a perfectly crafted light serum. In addition to hyaluronic acid it is rich in potent antioxidants and phytonutrients that work simultaneously to repair, renewal and protect.

Step 2: Upgrade Your Night Wash

This is the step that will usually make or break out your skin, and in summer it is even more crucial. At night after a day in the humidity, pollution and with all that SPF you really need to upgrade to an all mighty cleanser. In the morning you can use your more gentle cleanser for a quick wash but at night you need to make sure that you remove all that build up during the day to avoid dry dead skin cells, make up residue and pollution particles to break you out. Chose a gel formula like Susanne Kaufmann Cleansing Gel made from a blend of antibacterial alpine herbs or Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser specifically developed for adult acne prone skin, it fights blemishes without drying your skin. You can't go wrong with these two! 

Step 3: Increase Exfoliation & Deep Pore Cleansing Frequency

Exfoliation and deep cleansing for the non-regulars should become routine. Exfoliation will ensure stubborn skin cells and residue are properly removed and deep cleansing will go deep into your pores to clear and detox from the inside. It is essential to avoid blackheads and large pores too. Look for AHAs and BHAs, these are hydroxy acids. AHAs also known as fruit enzymes that gently shed dead skin cells from the skin surface whereas BHAs such as salycic acid penetrate deep into the pores to detox and cleanse the deeper layers. Best seller Regenerating Cleanser by Tata Harper with pomegranate enzymes and white willow bark, is great for summer because it is gentle enough to be frequently used. We also love Vanderohe Exfoliating Powder, you can mix it with water or add it to your cleanser. vanderohe products are truly transformative for any skin that suffers from inflammation and skin allergies. For a more intense exfoliation we recommend Josh Rosebrook dual action Active Enzyme Exfoliator. Finally, for deep pore cleansing Tata Harper Purifying Mask is a no-brainer for anyone with large pores, blackheads and regularly congested skin. It is made with clay, broccoli and probiotics to detox and purge impurities deep down in your pores. 

Step 4: Blemish Aid Products & Tricks  

If you are already onto a routine for acne prone skin, these are products that you should have handy. If your skin only breaks out during a certain time of the month or the year, or when you have overindulged in inflammatory food, we recommend you keep a handy product with anti bacterial properties to reach out to. It is most effective when you feel your skin is troubled and might breakout as a preventive measure. Two products we love to keep handy: Susanne Kaufmann Tonic Clarifying and Active Agent Concentrate Clarifying. More so in the summer. Both have antibacterial properties. The first one is a toner used on a  cotton to make sure no residue is left behind and that the affected area is free from blemishes-causing-bacteria. The Active Agent Concentrate Clarifying is a concentrated serum used as a treatment for blemishes and acne.