With the mini heatwave sweeping the country this week, pharmacists at Well Pharmacy Online Doctor have issued advice on managing sweat-induced acne, after a new study revealed 18% of Brits say sweating is a major trigger for breakouts.

The study found Gen Z have the cleanest faces, with nearly half (49%) washing their face every time they sweat, whether from heat or exercise. In contrast, 5% of Brits only wash their face during showers, and 2% of men and 3% of women admit they never wash their face at all.

George Sandhu, deputy pharmacy superintendent at Well Pharmacy Online Doctor, explained: “Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser morning and evening with lukewarm water. Hot water strips natural oils while cold does not remove enough sebum. Avoid harsh, alcohol-based products that can irritate and worsen inflammation.”

Other key findings include that 40% of Brits follow expert advice for their skincare routine, 12% rarely wash their face after sweating and simply towel off or wait until they shower, and 38% believe sweat does not affect their skin. Meanwhile, half of women (48%) wash their face twice daily, compared with 40% of men. Despite their reputation for skincare diligence, 10% of Gen Z only cleanse when they shower.

As many as 95% of people aged 11–30 experience acne to some extent, with 3% of adults continuing to struggle into their thirties and beyond. For many, the search for effective, natural remedies remains a challenge.

Daily habits that support clearer skin

“Dealing with acne and breakouts can be frustrating, but there are natural remedies and simple daily habits that can offer gentle solutions that might help your skin heal,” said Sandhu. He emphasised that while these approaches can support mild to moderate acne, severe cases often require medical treatment.

He advised maintaining a consistent cleansing routine, avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands, and using non-comedogenic products. “Patience and careful observation of how your skin responds is essential,” he added.

Sandhu warned against popping spots, explaining: “Squeezing pimples pushes bacteria deeper, causes inflammation, and increases scarring risk.” Changing pillowcases weekly is another recommendation, as pillowcases collect oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria that can transfer back to the skin.

Drinking around two litres of water daily is also encouraged to help support skin health and maintain a natural barrier function.

Natural remedies gaining popularity

Sandhu outlined several natural remedies that have gained attention for their acne-fighting properties:

• Tea tree oil. Dilute 1–2 drops with 12 drops of a carrier oil like coconut oil, then apply with a cotton swab once daily. It contains natural compounds that target acne-causing bacteria.
• Raw honey mask. Apply a teaspoon of raw honey to clean skin, leave for 15–20 minutes, then rinse. Honey’s antibacterial properties can benefit acne-prone skin.
• Aloe vera gel. Use fresh gel from a leaf or pure shop-bought gel. Apply a thin layer after cleansing to calm inflammation and moisturise without clogging pores.
• Green tea compress. Soak two green tea bags in hot water, cool completely, then apply the tea-soaked cloth to the face for 10 minutes. Green tea’s antioxidants help calm redness and fight bacteria.
• Apple cider vinegar toner. Dilute one part vinegar to three parts water, apply after cleansing, and allow to dry. Care must be taken with sensitive skin.
• Turmeric paste. Mix one teaspoon turmeric powder with two teaspoons plain yoghurt and one teaspoon honey. Apply for 15–20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Sandhu warned of possible temporary skin staining.
• Cinnamon and honey mask. Combine two tablespoons of honey with one teaspoon cinnamon into a paste. Apply for 10–15 minutes, then rinse. Both ingredients possess antibacterial qualities.
• Oatmeal scrub. Blend two tablespoons of porridge oats into a fine powder, mix with water to form a paste, and gently massage onto damp skin. Sandhu advised using this method just once or twice a week to avoid over-exfoliation.

Sandhu stressed that while these natural methods can assist with mild acne, they should not replace medical advice where necessary. “If you are worried about acne, speak with your pharmacist or GP who can recommend the best course of action,” he advised.