What Effect Does Extreme Heat Have on Your Skin?

Dr. Rebecca Baxt’s Recommendation on Protecting Your Skin during Heat Waves

During the “dog days of summer,” your skin is at risk for more than sunburns and sun damage. This is especially true for individuals with sensitive skin and those who have rosacea, eczema, acne, and heat rashes.

As global average temperatures continue to rise, many people are affected. Extreme heat poses numerous health risks, including exhaustion, muscle cramping, headache, and dizziness, and it can put individuals at serious risk for heat stroke.¹

Dr. Rebecca Baxt, a Bergen County board-certified dermatologist, cautions, “Heat also can cause and worsen skin concerns, including eczema, rosacea, acne, heat rash, and sun burn.”

Understanding how extreme heat affects your skin can help you take measures to prevent or ease these conditions.

Dr. Rebecca Baxt’s Recommendation for Protecting Your Skin During Heat Waves

1. Heat Rash

Extreme heat is going to cause heat rash in adults and children. The medical name for heat rash is miliaria rubra. They present as little red bumps on the skin, and they are actually clogged sweat glands. As these sweat glands are blocked from excessive sweat, they do not function properly and red itchy bumps develop.

The best way to get rid of it is with a salicylic acid wash, sold over-the-counter at maximum 2%. Also, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or lotion 1% can be helpful. If the rash is extremely itchy, oral antihistamines can be taken. Remember to avoid the heat and try to stay cool.

2. Rosacea

Heat can absolutely cause rosacea flare-ups. Common symptoms include facial redness, visible blood vessels, and acne-like bumps. When the body warms up, blood vessels dilate as the body attempts to cool itself, which leads to increased redness and flushing. High temperatures, especially when paired with sun exposure, can significantly worsen rosacea symptoms. Learn more, read Rosacea Awareness and Care

Dr. Baxt recommends applying cool compresses and trying to stay in air-conditioning, if possible. Since rosacea is a long-term inflammatory skin condition, consultation and medical care from a board-certified dermatologist is recommended to avoid and/or minimize skin damage.

3. Acne

Many people with acne notice more frequent flare-ups in the summer months. Increased sweating can clog pores, higher heat increases oil production, and using the wrong sunscreen products may contribute to breakouts.

Body acne often worsens when sweat sits on the skin for long periods, especially after sun exposure, outdoor activities, or workouts. Showering promptly, rinsing off sweat, and staying as cool as possible can help reduce these flare-ups.

Dr. Baxt advises treatment with salicylic acid or benzyl peroxide washes and topical benzyl peroxide gel or prescription products that can be prescribed by a board-certified dermatologist. Learn more, read Acne Awareness and treatments

4. Eczema and Psoriasis

Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized where patches of dry skin becomes inflamed, red, flaky, and very itchy. Common eczema body locations including the crease of the arm or behind the knee, but eczema can occur anywhere.

Eczema and psoriasis are life-long conditions that can be controlled. These chronic conditions are best treated with medical management and a good skin care routine to prevent dryness. Consult with Dr. Rebecca Baxt to develop an ongoing treatment plan.

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• FDA Approves First New Sunscreen Option in Two Decades
• Top 5 Sunscreen Rules to Avoid a Sunburn
• Dr. Rebecca Baxt’s Personal Skincare Routine… Expert Tips for your Skin, Hair and Nails

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (July 20, 2026), About Heat and Your Health, https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health/about/index.html