Understanding Local Breakouts: Does the Texas Climate Trigger Acne?

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting people of all ages. While hormones, genetics, and daily skin care habits play the biggest roles in breakouts, environmental factors like climate and weather patterns also play a huge role.

Here in Texas, our weather can be intense, with long, hot summers, high humidity in some regions, dry desert air in others, and year-round sun exposure. These conditions can influence oil production, bacteria levels, and skin barrier health; all key factors in acne. In fact, some of our acne patients report improvements in their skin just from taking a two-week vacation.

Here’s how the Texas climate may be triggering your acne and what you can do to prevent breakouts:

How Texas Climate Affects Acne

Texas is a large state with a wide range of climates, but several characteristics stand out:

• Heat: Long, hot summers with consistently high daily temperatures.
• Humidity: Sticky, humid air in cities like Houston and along the coast; dry heat in West Texas.
• Sweating: Frequent perspiration due to high heat and outdoor activities.
• Sun Exposure: Abundant sunshine nearly year-round.
• Seasonal Allergens: Pollen and air pollution during seasonal changes.

All these elements can affect the skin, influencing oil production, bacteria growth, skin barrier function, and inflammation. For acne-prone individuals, this creates the perfect storm for breakouts.

Texas Climate-Related Acne Triggers (and How to Manage Them)

1. Excessive Heat

What It Is: Texas summers are known for their extreme, long-lasting heat, with many regions regularly experiencing triple-digit temperatures. Outdoor workers, athletes, and anyone spending prolonged time outside are especially affected. Even just walking to your car or running errands can raise your skin’s surface temperature quickly.

How It Contributes to Acne: Heat stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. When this oil mixes with sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells, pores become clogged and more vulnerable to bacterial growth. The result is an increase in both whiteheads and inflamed pimples.

How to Minimize It: Stick to oil-free, non-comedogenic products that will not add extra heaviness to your skin. Wash your face or use cleansing wipes after sweating to prevent pore blockage. Carrying blotting papers or a gentle toner mist can also help control excess shine throughout the day. Hypochlorous acid spray is a gentle, antibacterial toner that can be sprayed on face and body throughout the day to reduce bacterial growth and inflammation. This can b used immediately after exercise or when unable to shower immediately after sweating.

2. High Humidity

What It Is: Cities like Houston, Galveston, and other coastal areas experience high humidity levels for much of the year. The air often feels heavy and damp, and sweat does not evaporate easily in these conditions. This leaves the skin constantly moist and sticky.

How It Contributes to Acne: Moisture trapped on the skin can mix with oil and bacteria, leading to clogged pores. Humid conditions also make skin care products and makeup feel heavier, which can increase the chance of breakouts. Bacterial overgrowth thrives in these environments, further fueling inflammation.

How to Minimize It: Choose lightweight, gel-based moisturizers and avoid thick creams during humid months. Salicylic acid cleansers or pads can help clear out excess oil and prevent clogged pores. Try to avoid layering heavy makeup, or switch to mineral-based powder foundations that feel lighter on the skin.

3. Sweat

What It Is: Sweating is unavoidable in Texas, whether from exercise, sports, or simply being outdoors in the heat. When sweat mixes with tight clothing, hats, or helmets, the skin experiences both moisture and friction. This creates a condition known as acne mechanica.

How It Contributes to Acne: Sweat itself does not cause acne, but when combined with pressure or rubbing, it leads to blocked pores and irritation. This environment makes it easier for bacteria to grow, producing small, stubborn bumps. Breakouts often appear on the forehead, back, chest, or anywhere covered by clothing or gear.

How to Minimize It: Shower immediately after workouts or outdoor activity to remove sweat and bacteria. Wear lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton that do not trap heat and moisture against the skin. Clean hats and sports equipment regularly, and avoid re-wearing sweaty clothes.

4. Sun Exposure

What It Is: Texas has some of the highest levels of year-round sun exposure in the U.S. Residents are exposed to UV rays nearly every day, even in winter. Many people mistakenly believe sunlight “helps” acne.

How It Contributes to Acne: While the sun may temporarily decrease inflammation and dry out pimples, UV damage ultimately worsens acne by thickening  the outer layer of skin, which can clog pores more easily. Over time, it darkens post-acne scars and hyperpigmentation, making blemishes more noticeable.

How to Minimize It: Always wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ that’s labeled “non-comedogenic.” Reapply every two hours when outdoors, especially if sweating. Avoid prolonged sun exposure during peak hours and use hats or shade for added protection.

5. Air Pollution and Allergens

What It Is: Texas cities like Houston and Dallas often deal with higher levels of air pollution. Seasonal allergens such as cedar, ragweed, and oak pollen are also common across the state. These particles settle on the skin throughout the day.

How It Contributes to Acne: Pollutants and allergens cause irritation and oxidative stress in the skin. They clog pores and trigger an inflammatory response, worsening acne lesions. Rubbing itchy skin or eyes during allergy season can also spread bacteria and increase breakouts.

How to Minimize It: Cleanse your skin gently but thoroughly every evening to remove pollutants and allergens. Use barrier-supporting moisturizers with ceramides or niacinamide to strengthen the skin. On high-pollution days, avoid heavy outdoor exposure when possible.

6. Hard Water and Mineral Content

What It Is: Many areas of Texas, including Austin and San Antonio, have “hard” water. This means the water supply contains high levels of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals. These deposits can build up on the skin.

How It Contributes to Acne: Hard water can disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance and strip away protective oils. This leads to dryness, irritation, and sometimes overproduction of oil as the skin tries to compensate. Over time, mineral deposits left on the skin may worsen pore blockage and inflammation.

How to Minimize It: Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that rinses clean even in hard water. Installing a shower filter can reduce mineral buildup and skin irritation. Following cleansing with a hydrating toner or moisturizer helps restore balance to the skin.

7. Dry Air in West Texas

What It Is: Unlike the humid Gulf Coast, West Texas has an arid, desert-like climate. The air holds very little moisture, which can dry out skin quickly. Residents often notice tightness or flaking after outdoor exposure.

How It Contributes to Acne: Dry skin can seem harmless, but it often leads to overproduction of oil as the skin tries to self-correct. This rebound effect clogs pores and causes breakouts. Flaking skin cells can also mix with oil, worsening blockages.

How to Minimize It: Hydrate with humectant-based moisturizers containing ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Avoid alcohol-based toners or harsh exfoliants that strip away natural oils. Adding a humidifier indoors can help restore moisture to the air.

Tips for Managing Acne in the Texas Climate

Fortunately, there are some tried and true acne minimizing tips all Texans (no matter where in this great state they reside) can follow:

• Stick to a Consistent Routine: Cleanse once to twice daily with a gentle cleanser and exfoliate periodically to unclog pores.
• Don’t Over-Strip the Skin: Harsh cleansers can trigger oil overproduction and worsen acne.
• Manage Heat and Sweat: Rinse your face after sweating and avoid overheating when possible.
• Protect Against the Sun: Daily, non-comedogenic sunscreen is essential for both acne control and skin health.
• Seek Professional Care: If over-the-counter options are not helping, a dermatologist can recommend prescription treatments or in-office procedures like chemical peels, light therapy, or medical-grade skincare.

When to See a Dermatologist

If you are dealing with persistent acne (that is unresponsive to over-the-counter products or no longer responding well to your current regimen), painful cysts, or early signs of acne scarring, it’s time to consult a dermatologist. Texas-based dermatologists are uniquely familiar with how the state’s climate impacts skin, allowing them to customize treatment plans. Professional care can make the difference between ongoing breakouts and clear, healthy skin.

The Texas climate, with its heat, humidity, sun, and allergens, can create the perfect conditions for acne flare-ups. But with the right skincare routine and climate-aware habits, you can minimize breakouts and protect your skin. Remember, you don’t have to struggle alone. A dermatologist can help you build a personalized plan to manage acne year-round and keep your skin looking its best.

Dr. Kate Edwards is a Board Certified Dermatologist specializing in general adult and pediatric dermatology as well as surgical dermatology, including skin cancer treatment, cyst removals, and more. She also has a special interest in cosmetic dermatology including Botox, dermal fillers, chemical peels, microneedling and lasers. She believes in a tailored and balanced approach to each patient’s treatment plan, considering skin type, age, ethnicity, and one’s personal goals and beauty standards.

Disclaimer: The contents of the Westlake Dermatology website, including text, graphics, and images, are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for direct medical advice from your physician or other qualified professional.