How does humidity affect your skin?
Humidity can have a significant impact on your skin. When the air is humid, it means there is a high level of moisture in the atmosphere. This excess moisture can cause your skin to become oily, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Additionally, high humidity can disrupt the skin's natural barrier function, making it more susceptible to irritation and inflammation.
1. Cleanse your skin effectively
When it's humid, it's crucial to cleanse your skin thoroughly to remove excess oil, dirt, and sweat. Look for a gentle cleanser that is specifically formulated for your skin type. Avoid harsh cleansers that can strip away the skin's natural oils, as this can lead to dryness and further oil production. This can be a tough one as it is tempting to find one that is deep cleansing, but instead that causes more issues as your skin tries to overproduce oil to compensate. Pa'akai Cleansing Cream is just the cleanser in this case. Hawaiian Sea Salt and hibiscus gently cleanse pores without overdrying skin.
2. Hydrate your skin
Contrary to popular belief, even oily skin needs hydration. Opt for lightweight, oil-free moisturizers that provide hydration without adding extra oil to your skin. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which can attract and retain moisture in the skin. Our Hibiscus Beauty Booster combined with the Aloha Youth Serum are great options for balancing a bit of moisture with humidity (or more oily skin).
3. Use a lightweight sunscreen
Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is essential, regardless of the weather. However, in humid conditions, heavy sunscreens can feel greasy and clog your pores. Choose a lightweight sunscreen with a high SPF to shield your skin from UV damage without weighing it down. We really prefer mineral-based sunscreens here as they aren't full of chemicals that can feel greasy. Zinc, the mineral most commonly used for sun protection, is great for combatting sensitivity and oil in skin.
4. Exfoliate regularly
Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, preventing breakouts. However, in humid weather, it's important to choose a gentle exfoliator to avoid over-stripping the skin. Look for exfoliants with ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which can effectively exfoliate without causing irritation. Hawaiian Beauty Water is a gentle exfoliant that you can use every day in high humidity regions.
5. Keep your skin cool
Humidity can make your skin feel hot and sticky. To combat this, try using a facial mist or a cooling face mask to soothe and refresh your skin. You can also keep your skincare products in the refrigerator for an extra cooling effect.
6. Avoid heavy makeup
In humid weather, heavy makeup (hello, foundation, we are looking at you!) can melt and clog your pores, leading to breakouts. Opt for lightweight, oil-free makeup products that allow your skin to breathe. If you prefer a more natural look, embrace your bare skin and let it breathe.
7. Stay hydrated
Hydrating your skin from the inside out is just as important as external skincare. Drink plenty of water to keep your body and skin hydrated. This can help maintain the skin's natural moisture balance and prevent excessive oil production.
8. Choose breathable fabrics
The clothes you wear can also affect your skin in humid weather. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen that allow air to circulate and prevent sweat from getting trapped against your skin. This can help reduce the likelihood of skin irritation and breakouts.
Bonus points for humid weather
Skin tends to be slower to develop wrinkles so score one for the tropics here! Humidity can be tougher in the teen years and for those with acne-prone skin but once skin is out of that phase, humidity can be a benefit as skin stays more moisturized.
Humidity can pose challenges for your skin, but with the right skincare routine, you can keep your skin healthy and radiant. Cleanse gently, hydrate effectively, protect from the sun, exfoliate regularly, keep cool, avoid heavy makeup, stay hydrated, and choose breathable fabrics. By following these expert tips, you can maintain a healthy and glowing complexion even in the most humid conditions.
Mahalo for the photo! Photo by freestocks on Unsplash