Dermatologist’s Guide to Summer Skin Flare-Ups

Summer is here, bringing longer days, outdoor adventures, and that glorious sunshine! But if you live with chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, or psoriasis, you know that the heat and humidity can also mean unwelcome flare-ups. Thankfully, we chatted with Dr. Patricia Oyetakin, a board-certified dermatologist in Atlanta, to get the inside scoop on what really works to keep your skin calm and happy during the warmer months.

How Summer Challenges Your Skin Routine

Dr. O, who treats a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions, emphasizes that consistency is key. “With any of those inflammatory conditions—eczema, acne, psoriasis—the normal routine and skincare regimen…gets thrown off by the busyness of the summer,” she explained. Even with a solid routine, the increased heat, humidity, and sweat can be major triggers.

Eczema, for instance, flares up in both dry winter conditions and the hot, humid summer months. Dr. O warns that sweat is a significant irritant, producing salt that can make inflamed skin feel even more raw and painful. Her top advice for managing eczema in the heat includes lukewarm showers to wash away sweat, opting for lighter lotions instead of heavy creams, and using soothing spray lotions or thermal water sprays, especially for children.

Tackling Acne and Psoriasis in Summer

Humidity and sweat can also exacerbate acne. Dr. O recommends over-the-counter products containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid to help manage oil production. For quick clean-ups, gentle micellar water or wipes are great for removing dirt and oil. She also debunks the myth that oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer in summer, stressing the importance of lighter, gel-based formulas to maintain skin barrier health.

Interestingly, psoriasis often sees improvement during the summer due to sunlight’s therapeutic effects. However, Dr. O cautions against overexposure, as sunburns can trigger new psoriasis flare-ups. She also advises using insect repellent, as bug bites can be another common trigger for psoriasis spots.

The Undeniable Importance of Sun Protection

Dr. O’s strongest recommendation? Sun protection for everyone, regardless of skin tone. While darker skin has a lower risk of skin cancer, it can still occur. More importantly for those with inflammatory conditions, UV radiation can worsen inflammation. Sunscreen is also a powerful tool against hyperpigmentation, a common concern for many patients.

She suggests trying newer sunscreen formulations to avoid a white cast and embracing protective clothing like wide-brim hats and breathable long sleeves. Planning outdoor activities for earlier in the day also helps minimize sun exposure.

When to Seek Professional Help

Skin conditions can be tricky, and sometimes misdiagnosed, especially in darker skin tones where conditions like psoriasis might appear differently (dark red, purple, or gray). Dr. O encourages anyone whose symptoms aren’t improving with at-home care to see a doctor. “If you’re using the same creams, lotions, and potions and it’s still getting worse, you should absolutely see a doctor,” she advises. Don’t be discouraged by limited access; consider starting with a primary care physician or exploring telemedicine options.

Finally, Dr. O reminds us that clothing choices matter too. Tight-fitting clothes and friction can aggravate conditions like psoriasis and eczema. By making mindful adjustments to your routine, staying hydrated, and choosing breathable fabrics, you can enjoy the summer while keeping your skin healthy and comfortable.