SUMMER SKIN SOS: BREAKOUTS & DARK SPOTS

Because sweat + oil + SPF + humidity? That’s a lot for your face.

Let’s talk about what summer really does to your skin.

You’re layering SPF like you should, drinking more water, maybe even simplifying your routine—but your skin still feels…off. Maybe it's oilier than usual. Maybe you're breaking out more. Or maybe your dark spots that were fading all winter just came roaring back.

You’re not imagining it. This is one of the most triggering seasons for sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and melanin-rich skin—and your skin is reacting to everything from heat to SPF buildup to inflammation.

We opened our inbox and pulled five real questions from our community. Here’s what’s going on—and how to support your skin through it.

 

Why is my skin oily but also breaking out more?

Sweat + oil + SPF + humidity = clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, breakouts.
This is the formula for summer congestion, especially if you’ve got sensitive or reactive skin.

What’s happening:
- Humidity increases oil production
- Sweat + sunscreen pile on
- Your barrier gets overwhelmed
- Your skin gets shiny—but also dehydrated, inflamed, and angry

The fix: Start with your barrier. Think zinc PCA to balance oil, ceramides to repair, niacinamide to calm, and hyaluronic acid to rehydrate.

👉 Clear Confidence Moisturizer – https://bejou.co/products/clear-confidence

 

Can I still use actives like retinol in summer?

Short answer: yes. But not like you do in winter.

In summer, your skin is already working overtime managing heat, UV exposure, and inflammation. Add in too many acids or retinoids, and things go south fast.

If your skin is reactive:
- Use actives at night
- Cut back to 2–3x per week
- Layer hydrating ingredients underneath
- Always wear SPF

If you want a gentler approach, try Chontaduro—a natural retinol alternative we found in Colombia that boosts glow, smooths texture, and supports collagen without causing irritation.

👉 Hydrating Dew Moisturizer – https://bejou.co/products/hydrating-dew

 

Why do my dark spots look worse right now?

You’re using SPF, avoiding harsh products, and still—your hyperpigmentation is showing up stronger than ever.

Here’s why:
- Heat triggers inflammation
- Inflammation activates melanocytes
- Your skin produces more pigment (even if you’re not sunburned)

This is especially common in melanin-rich skin and anyone dealing with PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), acne scars, or melasma.

What helps: ingredients that calm inflammation and fade pigment without irritating your skin. Camu Camu, Chontaduro, and Moschata seed oil do just that.

👉 Hydrating Dew – https://bejou.co/products/hydrating-dew

 

Do I need to switch my whole skincare routine?

Not really. But if your skin is stressed out, now’s a good time to scale back.

Think seasonal swap, not full reset:
- Replace heavy creams with lightweight, breathable moisturizers
- Swap foaming or stripping cleansers for barrier-friendly ones
- Keep it fragrance-free
- Stay consistent with hydration + SPF

👉 Pure Glow Facial Cleanser – https://bejou.co/products/pureglow-cleanser

 

Why do I always break out in the summer?

Even if your routine is on point, acne in summer hits different. Sweat sits on your skin longer. SPF clogs your pores. You might be washing your face too often or using harsh exfoliants—and your barrier pays the price.

What to do instead:
- Double cleanse at night
- Skip scrubs and foaming washes
- Stick to non-comedogenic, calming products
- Use lightweight moisture (not just actives)

👉 Pure Glow Cleanser + Clear Confidence Moisturizer – https://bejou.co/products/clear-confidence-pureglow-cleanser

 

Final Thoughts: Your skin isn’t failing—it’s adjusting.

Sensitive skin in the summer doesn’t need a 12-step routine or panic switch-ups. It needs support, simplicity, and a barrier-first approach.

A few reminders:
- Hydration > harsh treatments
- SPF is essential, but so is removing it
- Heat can cause pigmentation even without sunburn
- Barrier repair is the foundation of glow
- And gentle > trendy, always

 

Want a skincare routine that actually works?

- Learn more about Chontaduro – https://bejou.co/pages/ingredients
- Or try our skincare products