Summer can be one of the best times for beauty: wind-blown waves, brightly polished toes, candy-colored eyeliners and lipsticks to experiment with. But, as is life, not everything about the season is always peachy keen. Sun-soaked days and sticky nights are not only the sign of a successful summer; they’re also the stuff of acne nightmares. We refuse to live in fear that our next bad blemish is just around the corner. Instead we observe these four acne-fighting tricks for a clear skin season.

#1: Choose the Right Products

If there’s ever a time to switch it oil-free products it’s now. When the humidity ramps up and everything seems to get a little greasier, lightweight oil-free moisturizers will help keep some of that stick off of your face. We love the barely-there feel of L’Oréal Ideal Moisture Normal Skin Day Lotion. Also, no matter how oily your skin is, sunscreen is always a must. Choose a formula suited for acne-prone skin like the Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush. It delivers non-irritating sun protection in the form of lightweight, oil absorbing mineral powder.

#2: Watch What You Wear

Acne knows no bounds. This becomes especially evident during the warmer months. When your body temperate is on the rise and your skin is rubbing against irritating fabrics, pimples can turn up in unexpected places. Choose light, breathable clothing and stay away from synthetic fabrics.

Extreme heat and direct sunlight can also exacerbate acne and lead to inflammation so remember to take extra care protecting the delicate skin on your face. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep your face blemish-free and clear.

#3: Cleanse Deeply

In the winter, moisturizing takes first priority. But come summer, it’s time to pay some serious attention to cleansing. Still stick to twice a day–any more frequently can strip the skin of its natural oils, which will actually cause an increase in oil production. A thorough clean applies to whole body too. Reserve your moisturizing body wash for dry winter months, switch to an acne-fighting wash with salicylic acid. On particularly busy days when there’s simply no time to shower, keep clean with easy and portable Garnier Refreshing Remover Cleansing Towelettes.

#4: Keep Your Hands Off

Between the sand castles, swimming pool railings, and sangria covered cocktail glasses, your hands become a breeding ground for bacteria. No amount of hand sanitizer can rid your fingertips of all that pore-clogging dirt and grime, so no touching! Though there is one exception to the rule—if you encounter a midday oil slick, wash your hands, then use your clean fingers and lightly redistribute the oil across your face. Ever notice that even when you blot oil away it always seems to resurface? If you gently spread it out instead, your skin maintains the proper balance without producing more oil and prevents buildup from settling into pores.

What’s your number one summer skin concern? Tell us below or tweet us your answer @makeupdotcom.

Photos: Veer