Summer Challenge: No Breakouts!

Summer heat can mean more oil, acne and breakouts for the skin. Now, using our guide, you can have clearer, more matte skin day or night - in even the most sweltering weather.

Wash Like you've Never Washed Before
The right cleanser can make a huge difference in controlling oil under the surface of your skin.

Try Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam, as part of the Clinique Acne Solutions Clear Skin System Kit, Peter Thomas Roth Beta Hydroxy Acid 2% Acne Wash 8 oz or Clearasil Acne Fighting Cleansing Wipes for a great travel solution. After cleansing, MD Skincare Correct & Perfect Spot Treatment 0.5 oz is a great product to apply to the areas where you experience most of your breakouts (like forehead, nose, etc.) BEFORE they can have a chance to occur.

For those of you who battle breakouts on your body as well as your face, we love this powerful duo: Murad Acne Body Wash 8.5 oz and Murad Clarifying Body Spray 4.3 oz

Sunscreen - Yes Sunscreen is an Important Step
Mineral based sunblocks not only protect skin from UVA and UVB rays but also work to block oil and can double as a moisturizer if you have very oily skin and/or it's extremely humid. We love: Skyn Iceland The ANTIDOTE SPF 18 Mineral Sunscreen 1.76 oz, Jane Iredale Powder Me Dry Sunscreen, SPF 30, Translucent, NIA24 Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral Sunscreen and Peter Thomas Roth Oily Problem Skin Instant Mineral Powder SPF 30 0.15 oz

Moisturize - But Take it Easy
During summer time you want to hydrate the skin without adding any additional shine. Our picks contain oil-absorbing ingredients that don't clog pores are DDF Mattifying Oil Control UV Moisturizer SPF 15, Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Oil Free Day Lotion SPF 15 1.7 oz. and Clarins Bright Plus HP Protective Brightening Day Lotion Oil Free SPF 20 1.7 oz is perfect for those of you who are battling break outs AND uneven skin tone.

Tip: Avoid applying the moisturizer to your nose and surrounding area completely if you are very oily there.

Keep the Makeup Light
If you need additional skin coverage, only use light tinted moisturizers and sheer powder mineral foundations. Start your makeup prep with this great primer that also addresses acne/breakouts: Cover FX Clearprep FX Matte Foundation Primer and Anti-Acne Treatment . Here are some great choices for summer makeup: MD Skincare All-in-One Moisturizer Tinted Sunscreen SPF 15, Stila Tinted Moisturizer Sheer Color SPF 15, and Cover FX Mineral FX Pure Mineral Foundation SPF 15

Tip: A great way to add another layer of oil control is to spritz Skindinavia No More Shine Makeup Finish over your face after your makeup application.

Blot, Blot, Blot Should be Your Mantra
When its hot and humid the last thing that you should do when you want to get rid of shine is apply powder. It will become cakey and/or gummy when in contact with perspiration and oil. Our favorite blotting papers are from Nurturing Force, MAC and Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets

Tip: After blotting, spray water on skin to cool, which will disperse some of the oil but not disturb makeup. Try Avene Thermal Spring Water. Then apply another dusting of mineral based powder (see above) with a brush.

Masks and Facials are Your Best Friend
Giving yourself a facial once or twice a week will help control shine and unclog pores to prevent breakouts. Using a exfoliation method will loosen dirt and oil in the pores like the Clarisonic Skincare Brush. Then follow with a mask containing oil absorbing clay, sulfur or salicylic acid. These will temporarily decrease oil production and can help minimize blotting during the day. We like DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask and Murad Clarifying Mask.

If skin is very oily, try a peel which will clean pores and get rid of the dead skin cells on the surface. MD Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel is one of our favorites.

If all else fails, ThermaClear Acne Clearing Device is worth every penny to cut the life short of any pimples/breakouts!