Dr. Pimple Popper Shares 5 Things You Shouldn’t Do to Your Skin This Summer (Exclusive)

Summer doesn't have to be the season of skin irritation.

That's one of the many messages Dr. Sandra Lee — better known as Dr. Pimple Popper — wants fans to know as temperatures rise and the sun begins to shine. 

When celebrating Acne Awareness Month and the AH-ha! It's Acne Hormones Campaign this week in Los Angeles, the board-certified dermatologist busted common myths that often resurface this time of the year. For starters, it's okay to eat that summer treat.

"When I see patients' parents come in and say, 'Will you just tell Peter to stop eating that pizza every night because that's causing him to break out?' the answer I have for greasy food is pizza only causes acne if you rub it all over your face," Lee said. "It's the oil that's causing it and the hormones that are triggering that oil."

But what if they just wash their face more frequently? According to Lee, less can be more. 

"Washing your face is something you should do, but there's a mistake some people make especially if you're stressed out," she explained. "People get a little aggressive and then they cause more damage like a rash or aggravating the skin even more."

In an exclusive interview with The Messenger, Lee shared even more tips for anyone looking to keep their skin healthy. Here's what you shouldn't do in the weeks to come.

Don't Overdue the Fragrance

While everyone wants to smell good during special occasions, Lee says it's important to be careful about how much perfume you use. "When people apply perfume and then they go out into the sun, that can cause a little reaction in your skin," she shared. "It's called Phytophotodermatitis, which is almost like a contact allergy. The sun triggers you to get a rash or even a blister in that area. I always try to recommend to people, especially if they have sensitive skin, try to avoid putting a dollop of perfume on their skin because oftentimes, you can get a little rash from that."

Don't Ignore Limes

Of course, it's okay to enjoy a margarita and raise a glass to fun summer nights. But when preparing that next beverage, Lee advises washing your hands after using lime. "When you are out making a margarita at the beach and you squeeze some lime and the lime runs down your arm, that could also cause a Phytophotodermatitis too and trigger a reaction," she said. "You'll see people with drip lines or a rash on their body or even between their fingers because they've been squeezing limes and they'll go out in the sun. It doesn't mean you can't have a margarita, but if you're squeezing limes, wash your hands afterward before you sit out in the sun all day."

Don't Underestimate June Gloom

Just because the sun isn't out doesn't mean you can't get a sunburn. Lee reminds people to pay attention to the UV index — usually found on any weather app — in your neighborhood to see how dangerous the sun is. "June 21, which is the longest day of the year, is when the sun is most potent," she said. "So arguably, 100-degree weather on a sunny day in December or January is not as potent as a 70-degree day on June 21. It's something to pay attention to."

Don't Forget About Your Kids

For some parents, using certain products with active ingredients on their kids is a dealbreaker. But according to Lee, it's still necessary to be careful when it comes to young people and sun exposure. "Wear sun-protective clothing," she said. "People are generally pretty good about it these days. You see people slathering up their kids. The mindset has changed for the better. But if you are fearful of applying too many products on somebody, I would use protective clothing and sit under an umbrella."

Don't Forgo Beauty Essentials on Vacation

When it's time to hit the road or fly away to that dreamy destination, some try to pack lightly. But if you ask Lee, you can't skip out on beauty essentials. "I have emergency kits," she explained. "I have things to give myself an acne spot treatment if I have a pimple. I have some basic things that you accrue over time when you've been on vacation many times and you're like 'Gosh, why didn't I bring that?'" No. 1 on her list? Sunscreen! 

Dr. Pimple Popper returns with new episodes Wednesday, June 21 at 9 p.m. on TLC.