Indian summers are pretty harsh, apart from excessive sweat and greasy skin, there are a lot of other skin problems that arrive during the warmer months of the year. The rising temperature makes you want to sit in the comfort of your home and sip lemonades all day. If only we could avoid summers altogether! But as we all know that’s not possible, we need to start preparing and learning about the common summer skin problems and how to tackle them. The hot and humid climate can invite infections too. We are here to help you keep your skin free from rashes, infections and redness this summer.
To make sure you don’t go running to the dermatologist for every little skin problem you may experience this summer, we have prepared a list of common summer skin problems and ways to tackle each one of them. Whether you are suffering from a bad case of breakouts or body odour that’s preventing you from socialising, we have a remedy for each problem. What’s more, we will also tell you how to prevent these problems from returning so that you enjoy a happy and carefree summer!
- Common summer skin problems
- 1. Acne breakouts
- 2. Heat rash
- 3. Sunburn
- 4. Dry and irritated skin
- 5. Folliculitis
- 6. Body odour
- 7. Sticky and oily skin
- 8. Swimmer’s itch
- FAQs about summer skin problems
Common summer skin problems

The hot and humid weather can invite a lot of skin problems during summer, however, with a little extra care, you can treat them at home. Below are eight common summer skin problems and ways to treat them at home.
1. Acne breakouts

You can experience acne during any time of the year, but it comes a lot more common during summer because of the rise in temperature. The sweat on your skin mixes with bacteria, oil and clogs the pores, this leads to breakouts. Those with oily and acne-prone skin experience a lot more breakouts during the hot summer months, it is necessary to take certain precautions in order to prevent this problem in the first place.
Remedy:
Use a cleanser with salicylic acid, it will control the production of excessive oil on your face thereby help, clear out acne.
Prevention:
Use non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products as they won’t clog pores and also keep acne and breakouts at bay.
2. Heat rash

Because of the hot and humid climate, your skin sweats a lot more during summer, however, when these sweat glands get blocked, prickly heat or heat rash develops. This rash develops in the form of tiny and itchy bumps, when these bumps burst and release sweat it causes itchiness on the skin. Wondering how to address this common summer skin problem? Scroll down to see the remedy and methods of prevention.
Remedy:
Apply aloe vera gel to calm the itchiness and heal the bumps on your skin. It has calming and soothing properties which will offer immediate relief.
Prevention:
Wear loose, breathable fabrics during summer. Wipe the sweat off your skin and take a bath after working out or sweating excessively.
3. Sunburn

We all know applying and reapplying sunscreen is absolutely necessary to protect skin from the harmful rays of the sun. But if you do end up getting sunburned because you stayed out too long, the first thing to do is get inside the house or sit under the shade before it gets worse.
Remedy:
Rub on some hydrocortisone ointment as soon as you get home, this won’t offer immediate relief, but the burning sensation will stop in a few hours. You can also keep your favourite moisturiser in the fridge and apply it on the affected area, make sure it does not contain alcohol.
Prevention:
Apply and reapply sunscreen a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Avoid staying out for too long.
4. Dry and irritated skin

Even though the climate is hot and humid, your skin can still get dry and irritated. In fact, this is a common summer skin problem and the leading cause of it exposing your skin to the sun, pool water and air conditioning for long durations. If your skin is feeling dry and irritated this summer, here’s what you should do.
Remedy:
Apply a fragrance-free moisturiser on your skin right after you step out of the shower while your skin is still a little damp. This will retain moisture in the skin and prevent that dry feeling.
Prevention:
Use a mild cleanser to wash your skin and take a shower with warm water instead of hot water.
5. Folliculitis

The opening on your skin from which a hair grows is called a follicle. When it gets infected due to bacteria or dirt you develop folliculitis. It appears like a pimple on the surface of the skin, but tender to the touch and itchy too. It is a common summer skin problem that can be easily treated at home.
Remedy:
Use an antibacterial lotion on the affected area to get rid of folliculitis faster.
Prevention:
Stay away from hot tubs and pools which do not have controlled acid and chlorine levels as many people tend to develop hot tub folliculitis during summer.
6. Body odour

Your body, especially the folds of your skin are the perfect areas for bacteria to thrive. During summer, when moisture and sweat get mixed with bacteria, it produces hydrogen sulfide and fatty acids that give rise to body odour. Apart from wearing a deodorant daily, here are a few things you can do to address this summer skin problem.
Remedy:
Shower twice a day during summer, especially if you sweat a lot. Use deodorants, but those that do not contain alcohol to prevent itchiness.
Prevention:
Wear clean undergarments and socks every day and apply anti-fungal powder on your skin especially on the folds.
7. Sticky and oily skin

Summer is a particularly difficult time for those with oily skin, sweat mixed with oil causes skin to look sticky and greasy. Applying the wrong type of moisturiser in summer can also make your skin sticky and invite skin problems like blackheads and acne.
Remedy:
Blot the sweat and oil from your face instead of wiping it as it can further irritate the skin. Use lightweight moisturiser in summer and products that give a matte finish.
Prevention:
Avoid products that contain petroleum and mineral oil as they can clog the pores.
8. Swimmer’s itch

Relaxing in water sounds like a great idea during summer to cool off your body. But swimming in lakes, oceans and other water bodies can lead to itchy rashes on the skin. The parasites in the water burrow in the skin through the parts that are not covered by clothing. At times, the itching can get intense and lead to blisters.
Remedy:
Soak in a bath sprinkled with Epsom salt, oatmeal or baking soda to calm the itchiness and accelerate the healing process.
Prevention:
Stay away from infested water. Wipe your skin with a towel as soon as you get out of the water as the parasites start to seep in the skin once you’re out of the water.
FAQs about summer skin problems

Q. How do I get rid of summer bumps?
A. Summer bumps are common during the hot weather, with a little care you can treat them safely at home. Wash the area twice daily with a mild cleanser, use lightweight and non-comedogenic products, avoid touching or picking the area and apply acne medication to heal it faster.
Q. Why is my skin breaking out in summer?
A. The climate turns hot and humid during summer, combined with excessive sweat and oil causes your skin to break out. It is important to use a salicylic acid-based cleanser to prevent excess sebum production during summer, especially if you have oily and acne-prone skin.
Written by Sanya Hamdani on 8th Apr 2021
Sanya Hamdani is a skincare enthusiast and lipstick hoarder, she truly believes no two red lipsticks look exactly alike. With a Master's degree in Communication & Journalism and 5+ years of digital writing experience up her sleeve, Sanya has some of the biggest beauty experts in the country on her speed dial. When she's not swatching products or writing about the latest trends in beauty, you will find her watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.