A: The challenge is the promotion of yeast germs that love a humid climate, explains Dr. Cynthia Bailey, CEO of Advanced Skin Care & Dermatology in Sebastopol, California. Specifically, yeast will cause tender, itchy pimples—a form of folliculitis, in which hair follicles become infected and inflamed. You may notice patches of red bumps on other places of your body as well, such as under the arms or in other moisture rich areas, such as the creases of knees and elbows.
“Watch your sugar intake, because that promotes yeast, and keep skin dry,” Bailey advises. Wear airy clothes so you’re not having a lot of occluded sweat, and add a cleanser that will deter yeast, such as a tea tree cleanser.” Also try cleansing with a product containing pyrithione zinc, the active ingredient in most dandruff shampoos.
When it comes to treatments, using a detoxifying facial mask, such as one made from charcoal, can help draw out impurities, especially if skin is feeling very oily. And even though you might be tempted to lay off the moisturizer, think again: Skin actually needs moisture and oils to stay balanced, even during its greasiest days.
