For those with sensitive acne-prone skin, living in a humid climate can be very frustrating, because our year round humidity can make your skin more oily, clogging pores and therefore more susceptible to breakouts.
However, with the help of a well curated skincare routine and habits, you can manage these challenges effectively. We'll be sharing those tips, and ultimately help you figure out how to take advantage of the high humidity for glowing skin.
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Why Humidity Affects Sensitive Acne-Prone Skin
Humidity increases moisture in the air, which then causes the skin to produce more oil (sebum). While sebum is essential for keeping your skin hydrated and protected, excessive amounts can lead to clogged pores. When the oil mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria, it creates an ideal environment for acne flare-ups.
Main Effects of Humidity on Sensitive Acne-Prone Skin:
Excess oil production
The skin compensates for the moisture by producing more oil. Because of this, it increases the likelihood of blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.
Sweat buildup
Sweating is very common in humid weather, and if it mixes with dirt and oil on the skin, it can clog pores and trigger breakouts.
Dehydration
Surprisingly, humidity can also dehydrate your skin. When your skin becomes oily, you may skip moisturisers, leading to an imbalance and dehydration underneath the surface. This is why choosing the right moisturiser that is hydrating and not too heavy/thick is super important.
Irritation
Increased oil and moisture on the skin can lead to irritation, especially for those who are already acne-prone and have sensitive skin types. Additionally, you may be overwashing your face to compensate and treat the excess oiliness. But that actually may be making your oily skin worse.
Essential Skincare Tips for Humid Climates
Cleanse Twice Daily
Cleansing is the cornerstone of managing acne in humid environments. But everyone's skin is different so here's what you can do to try and figure out what's best for your skin.
Start off with only washing your face with water in the morning and a gentle cleanser at night. Is your skin still really oily throughout the day?
If so, try washing your face with a cleanser both in the morning and at night. Usually people with oilier skin types and especially those living in humid climates will benefit from washing the face twice a day.
But be mindful to always use a gentle cleanser. You might think that you need a harsher cleanser to combat excess oil production but it's actually the contrary. It's best to avoid harsh cleansers, as they can cause the skin to produce even more oil to compensate for the dryness.
Try looking for a water-based cleanser with a gel-like consistency. You can even consider using cleansers that are also formulated with active ingredients that can help clear clogged pores and balance oil production. Here are some ingredients to look out for:
Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid helps control oil production as it helps dissolve excess sebum and dead skin cells that can clog pores. By clearing out this buildup, it signals the skin to produce less oil, effectively balancing oily areas without stripping the skin. Its also anti-inflammatory which will soothe irritation, making it particularly beneficial for oily, acne-prone skin.
Korean Ginseng: Ginseng contains ginsenosides, which are compounds that have been shown to balance sebum (oil) production. This can help keep the skin’s natural oil levels in check, reducing that shiny look that often accompanies oily skin.
Green Tea Extract: Not only is green tea extract super anti-inflammatory, it also contains catechins which has been shown to reduce sebum production in the skin, helping to prevent that oily appearance.
We recommend:
Moisturising Sunblock During The Day, Lightweight Moisturiser At Night
A major issue that we face in humid climates is trying to find a balance between hydrating sunscreens and moisturisers that don't feel too heavy and oily.
Although it might be tempting to avoid these products all together, sunscreen and moisturisers are still very important for your skin routine.
We at Beda really encourage using as little products as possible, because we believe in maximising efficiency and focusing on what's necessary. So, for the daytime, we recommend using a hydrating sunscreen. Choose an oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen with a semi-matte or fully matte finish, depending on your preference, to protect your skin without adding too much shine and oiliness.
Even in humid climates, moisturising is essential. But we get it, wearing moisturisers in humid climates can feel uncomfortable. For your night time skincare routine opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser that hydrates the skin without leaving a greasy feel. Look for moisturisers that are gel-based or water-based, as these formulas tend to work well in humid weather and oilier skin types.
We recommend:
If you want more guidance and tips on how to find the best sunscreen for you, you can check our detailed blog here:
Exfoliate Gently
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores. However, over-exfoliating can irritate the skin and increase oil production. Stick to exfoliating 1-2 times a week with a gentle exfoliant like glycolic acid or lactic acid , which smooths the skin and helps prevent congestion.
We recommend:
We have a detailed blog post diving into the tips and know-hows of chemical exfoliants, particularly gentler chemical exfoliants such as BHAs:
Facial Mists & Pimple Stickers For On-the-go
During the day, your skin may still get oily no matter how well you manage it. And if you're like me, and have a bad habit of touching your face throughout the day, you know that it only further irritates the skin. So using an anti-bacterial face mist with hypochlorous acid is perfect. It's a no fuss product for quick touch-ups and calming flare ups throughout the day.
Using pimple stickers are also a great way to protect existing pimples from getting further irritated due to sweat, dirt and bacteria throughout the day. Plus, they can be really cute!
We recommend:
Hyaluronic Acid Is Your BFF
Hyaluronic acid is an excellent hydrating ingredient for humid climates because it’s a powerful humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture from the environment.
In areas with high humidity, hyaluronic acid can pull water from the air, helping to keep the skin plump, hydrated, and smooth without feeling heavy or greasy. Its lightweight, non-comedogenic nature also makes it ideal for humid weather, as it won't clog pores or add extra oil, making it a refreshing and effective option for moisture in warm, sticky conditions.
So as opposed to wearing hyaluronic acid in dryer climates, countries with high humidity are actually at advantage of making the most of this popular ingredient.
We recommend:
Hydrate From The Inside Out & Introduce Antioxidants Into Your Routine
Speaking of hydration, humid weather can sometimes trick you into thinking your skin is hydrated when it’s not. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water to keep your skin balanced and hydrated from the inside out.
Humidity can also cause oxidative stress, which may worsen acne. Using antioxidant-rich serums (like Vitamin C) can help protect your skin from environmental damage while also calming inflammation and improving skin texture.
We at Beda love to eat our antioxidants. It 's a fun an easy way to give your body essential skin loving ingredients. We have curated a bunch of skin food recipes that are rich in antioxidants but also many other skin loving ingredients.
Plus, if you have trouble drinking a lot of water, check out some of our favourite TCM inspired smoothies that are nutritious, tasty and will keep you hydrated.
Avoid Heavy Makeup
Heavy makeup can suffocate the skin, especially when combined with sweat and humidity. Opt for lightweight, breathable products like BB creams, tinted sunscreens or just spot concealing where necessary instead of a full face of full coverage foundation for everyday. With humid weather, letting your skin breathe as much as possible is crucial for sensitive acne-prone skin.
Honourable Mentions
Some other key ingredients you can look out for to help keep your skin healthy in a humid climate:
Niacinamide: Reduces inflammation and regulates sebum production.
Zinc: Has oil-controlling properties and soothes inflammation.
Ceramides: Strengthen the skin barrier to prevent water loss and keep the skin balanced.
It's Not Sweat, It's Glowy Skin
Dealing with acne-prone skin in a humid climate doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it can actually be what gives us that highly sought after, healthy glow. With the right routine and ingredients, you can manage excess oil and keep your breakouts in check, whilst ensuring that your skin is soaking up the moisture in the air.
Remember, stick to lightweight and hydrating products, practice diligence with cleansing your skin thoroughly, prioritise balancing oil production and enjoy the glow.
With love,
Alia
P.S Our "Art For BreakFast" Workshop Recap
We spent last Sunday together at our community event in collaboration with Ves Studio.
It was a great day with Beda girls, 90s music sing alongs, croissants & TCM tea whilst hand painting our own vanity trays. It was such a vibe.
We all can't wait to pick up our trays and take them home. Our hand painted vanity trays can even double as “Skin food” plates!
Tell us, how would you use your ceramic tray?
Leave us a comment on our IG video where we recap our day together.
