This is how heat and humidity affect your skin

Increased breakouts

1/5

Sweating allows your body to maintain an optimal temperature. However, the body also releases sebum that helps reduce the rate at which sweat evaporates keeping the body cooler for longer. Oily skin types, which already have a higher level of sebum production, will find their skin feeling more oily as the heat stimulates sebaceous glands to secrete more sebum. This leads to clogged pores and acne breakouts. Even those with normal skin, that is usually well balanced, may experience increased sebum production, leading to breakouts.

What to do about it: “When it’s extremely hot, it’s important to keep skin hydrated with a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser that won’t clog pores,” says Dr Coni Liu, a Consultant Dermatologist, at DermAlly Specialist Skin Clinic at Camden Medical Centre, adding that “a good option would be a hyaluronic acid or a vitamin B5 hydrating serum.” You can try  the Derma Lab Hydraceutic Double Power Vitamin Concentrate, $55.30 that has both vitamin B3 and vitamin B5.

If you must wear makeup opt for “oil-free, light-weight and non-comedogenic products like mineral makeup as it is less likely to clog the pores, ” she says. With the blazing sun, you can hardly skip SPF, just make sure to choose one that’s oil free.

Shop now

Dehydrated skin

2/5

This skin condition can be worsened due to excessive sweating in extreme heat and humidity. “Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause dehydration and irritation in normal skin,” says Dr Coni Liu and goes on to explain that dry skin, which has a weaker skin barrier, experiences increased transepidermal water loss in extreme heat. This can lead to dehydration and eczema flare-ups. Since dehydration is a skin condition, oily and mature skin types can also find their skin feeling dehydrated.

Hiding away from the sun in an air-conditioned room may feel like an ideal solution, but it’s actually doing your skin more harm than good. “Unfortunately both extreme heat and spending long hours in air-conditioning lead to skin dehydration,” says Dr Coni Liu. Air conditioning, which reduces humidity, may feel like a respite from the stickiness, but it actually further reduces the water content in the skin.

What to do about it: Firstly, drink lots of water so your skin is hydrated from within. “If you’re planning to spend long hours in air conditioning, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air,” Dr Coni Liu advices. “You can also consider using a facial mist to refresh the skin periodically.” You can try the Everyday Humans Take Five Reviving Aloe Mist, $26. Avoid hot showers that can further strip the skin of moisture and use a moisturiser that protects the skin barrier and can help reduce water loss and keep skin hydrated longer.
Shop now

Hyperpigmentation

3/5

“When skin is exposed to extreme heat, it leads to increased inflammation and dilation of blood vessels, activation of melanocytes with increased melanin production,” explains Dr Coni Liu. This is why you may not only find your freckles getting darker, but also increasing. Increased melanin production can also lead to sun spots and other kinds of pigmentation. Another type of hyperpigmentation, melasma, which is primarily triggered by hormonal changes and easily exacerbated by sun exposure, can also be worsened by higher temperatures—not just sun exposure, cautions Dr Coni Liu.

What to do about it: Dr Coni Liu advises limiting exposure to direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours of 10am and 4pm, where possible. She also suggests the use of shades, umbrellas, wide-brimmed hats and protective clothing to reduce heat and UV exposure. She stresses the importance of applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF and re-applying frequently in the case of prolonged exposure or swimming. The Shiseido Urban Environment Triple Beauty Suncare Emulsion, $68 ticks all the right boxes to keep your skin safe in the sun.

Shop now

 

Compromised skin barrier

4/5

“The heat and humidity disrupt the natural pH balance of the skin and affect the production of natural lipids and proteins that usually maintain the skin barrier leading to a compromised skin barrier,” explains Dr Coni Liu. This is because high heat and humidity cause excessive sweating and sebum production. The combination of sweat and sebum encourages the growth of bacteria and fungi, clogging the pores leading to acne and folliculitis. The sweat on the skin also irritates the skin leading to itching and inflammation.

What to do about it: “Look for moisturisers that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acids, ceramides or glycerin, and non-comedogenic preparations,” says Dr Coni Liu, adding that it’s best to avoid harsh ingredients like acids and retinoids especially immediately after sun and heat exposure. You can try the Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturizer, $56 that is formulated to help heal damaged skin barriers.

Shop now

Accelerated skin ageing

5/5

We know that excessive sun exposure can speed up the appearance of lines and wrinkles, but there is some evidence to suggest that heat—not just the sun—can have the same effect on the skin. “Extreme heat increases the breakdown of collagen and elastin,” explains Dr Coni Liu. The breakdown of these skin proteins is what leads to formation of lines and wrinkles, something that is exacerbated in ageing skin which already has reduced elasticity and visible wrinkles. Extreme heat can also cause a drop in antioxidant levels leading to increased damage from free radicals.

What to do about it: “Sun protection is crucial in reducing the ageing effects of heat and UV rays,” stresses Dr Coni Liu, adding that skincare products that are rich in antioxidants, like vitamin C, vitamin E or resveratrol will help combat free radicals that damage the skin cells and contribute to premature ageing. A serum like the Caudalie Vinergetic C+ Vitamin C Energy Serum, $78 which is packed with antioxidants can help reduce some of the damage from free radicals. Antiageing ingredients like retinoids and acids which helps with exfoliation and skin cell turnover should be used with caution in extreme heat so as not to contribute to skin inflammation.

Shop now