Does Humidity Cause Acne? How Climate Affects Your Skin

If you notice more breakouts during summer or in warm climates, you're not imagining it. Research shows that humidity plays a real role in acne development. A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that both temperature and humidity contribute to acne flares, with symptoms worsening during summer and rainy seasons. Understanding how moisture in the air affects your skin can help you adjust your skincare routine and keep breakouts under control.

How Humidity Triggers Breakouts

When humidity rises, your skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands) produce more sebum. This excess oil mixes with sweat, dead skin cells, and dirt on your skin's surface. The combination creates a sticky layer that clogs pores and creates an ideal environment for acne-causing bacteria to grow.

Humid air also keeps your skin damp for longer periods, making pores more prone to congestion and inflammation. This explains why people living in tropical climates or experiencing humid summers often see their acne worsen.

The Fungal Acne Connection

Humidity doesn't just trigger regular acne. It's also a major risk factor for fungal acne, technically called Malassezia folliculitis. This condition results from an overgrowth of yeast that naturally lives on your skin.

Studies show that people in hot, humid climates have significantly higher rates of fungal acne. In one Philippine clinic, 16% of all patient visits were related to this condition. The warm, moist environment combined with sweat creates perfect conditions for yeast to multiply and cause itchy bumps that look like acne but don't respond to typical acne treatments.

Adjusting Your Skincare for Humid Weather

Managing acne in humid climates requires a few simple adjustments:

• Cleanse your face as soon as possible after sweating to remove the mixture of oil, sweat, and debris before it clogs pores

• Switch to lightweight, gel-based or water-based products labeled "non-comedogenic" (won't clog pores)

• Use oil-free moisturizers to keep skin balanced without adding extra oil

• Add a gentle exfoliating treatment once or twice weekly to prevent dead skin buildup

• Consider products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to unclog pores and reduce inflammation

When It's Not Just Humidity

While humidity can worsen acne, it's rarely the only factor. Hormones, diet, stress, and your skincare products all play roles. If you've moved to a humid climate or notice seasonal patterns in your breakouts, humidity is likely contributing, but addressing other factors is important too.

When to See a Dermatologist

If your acne doesn't improve with over-the-counter products and routine adjustments, or if you suspect fungal acne (itchy bumps that don't respond to regular acne treatments), see a dermatologist. They can distinguish between regular acne and fungal acne through testing and prescribe appropriate treatments, which may include antifungal medications for Malassezia folliculitis or stronger acne treatments for persistent breakouts.