When summer hits—with its sticky humidity and relentless heat—your skin doesn’t just glow… it shines in all the wrong ways. Excess sebum, clogged pores, and sudden breakouts become common headaches. The good news? With the right routine, you can keep your skin balanced, matte, and breakout-free all season long. Here’s how to control oily skin and excess sebum during hot, humid weather.
Why Hot, Humid Weather Makes Skin Oily
Humidity and heat cause your skin to:
- Produce more sebum (your skin’s natural oil)
- Trap sweat and bacteria on the surface
- Experience slower evaporation of moisture, leading to clogged pores
- Trigger more breakouts due to buildup
If your skin is naturally oily, summer amplifies everything.
1. Switch to a Lightweight, Gel-Based Cleanser
Heavy cream cleansers can worsen oiliness in summer. A gel or foam formula:
- Removes sweat, sunscreen, and oil buildup
- Deep cleans without stripping your skin
- Helps prevent clogged pores
Look for: salicylic acid, tea tree, green tea, or niacinamide.
2. Use a Salicylic Acid Toner or Serum
Salicylic acid penetrates into pores and dissolves excess oil.
- Helps prevent blackheads and whiteheads
- Reduces shine throughout the day
- Keeps pores clear even in humid weather
Use 2–3 times per week if you’re sensitive.
3. Never Skip Moisturizer (Yes, Really)
Skipping moisturizer makes your skin produce even more oil. Choose a:
- Lightweight gel moisturizer
- Oil-free or non-comedogenic formula
- Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin
This restores balance without heaviness.
4. Choose the Right Sunscreen for Oily Skin
Summer requires SPF—but not the greasy kind.
- Use gel, fluid, or water-based SPF
- Avoid thick, creamy formulas that add shine
- Look for “oil-free” or “matte finish” labels
Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide can also reduce shine.
5. Blot Oil — Don’t Over-Wash
Washing too often strips the skin and triggers more sebum.
- Wash only twice a day
- Use oil-blotting sheets during the day instead of re-washing
This keeps your skin balanced and reduces overproduction.
6. Add Clay Masks 1–2 Times Per Week
Clay absorbs excess oil and purifies pores.
Best clays for oily skin:
- Kaolin
- Bentonite
- Green clay
Use as a T-zone treatment or full-face mask.
7. Keep Hair Products Off Your Face
Hair oils, sprays, and styling creams often contain comedogenic ingredients.
- They migrate to the forehead and cheeks
- Leading to forehead breakouts and increased shine
Tie your hair back or switch to lightweight products.
8. Change Pillowcases and Towels Frequently
Sweat, sunscreen, oil, and bacteria build up quickly in summer.
- Change pillowcases every 2–3 days
- Use clean towels for your face
Hygiene plays a huge role in preventing summer breakouts.
9. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration triggers your skin to produce more oil.
- Aim for 6–8 cups of water per day
- Add electrolytes on extremely hot days
Hydrated skin = calmer sebum production.
You don’t have to suffer through oily, shiny, congested summer skin. By adjusting your skincare routine and choosing lightweight, sweat-friendly products, you can stay matte, clear, and balanced—even in the hottest, stickiest weather.
Also read: Don’t Lick or Pick! 7 Dermatologist-Approved Tips for Healthier Lips