Dermatologist Warns Against Common Acne Mistakes That Cause Scarring in Summer

Dr. Gila Eisman Nelkenbaum highlights that rising temperatures and humidity often trigger severe acne flare-ups, clogged pores, and inflamed skin during summer. Many people instinctively try to aggressively dry out pimples, but Dr. Sivan Mercer, a dermatologist specializing in aesthetics and laser treatments, explains this approach worsens the condition.

Mercer identifies five common mistakes: first, using harsh soaps and alcohol-based drying solutions damages the skin's lipid barrier, prompting excess sebum production that doubles inflammatory outbreaks. Second, the belief that sun and seawater heal pimples is misleading; UV exposure thickens dead skin layers, blocking pores and causing deep, painful acne weeks later. Third, avoiding sunscreen due to fears of clogged pores exacerbates inflammation and leads to long-lasting post-inflammatory pigmentation. Mercer recommends oil-free, water-based sunscreens designed for oily skin.

Fourth, extreme drying from air-conditioned environments increases water loss through the skin, triggering more sebum secretion and combined with bacterial contamination from touching the face, worsens adult acne. Fifth, self-extraction of pimples, especially in hot and humid conditions, damages tissue, pushes bacteria deeper into the dermis, spreads infection, and often results in permanent scarring and pigmentation requiring medical treatment.

Mercer concludes that effective summer acne care involves maintaining hygiene, using balanced anti-inflammatory ingredients, seeking accurate medical diagnosis, and protecting the skin barrier rather than aggressively drying or irritating it.