How Air Humidity Affects the Skin

Any Filipino who has lived through the muggy monsoon season knows that high air humidity is not very kind to the skin. The moisture-laden weather clings to the pores like a wet blanket – often leaving you with inexplicable breakouts. Sounds familiar? Here, we decode the effects of humidity on the skin and how to manage them.

The relative humidity in the Philippines varies between 71% in March and 85% in September, making it one of the countries with permanently hot and humid weather. Since the moisture levels in the air remain consistently high throughout much of the year, your skin becomes accustomed to it. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re immune to the drawbacks.

In normal conditions, sweat evaporates quickly off the skin’s surface. Your body temperature stays at a comfortable level most of the time. But when the humidity in the air is high, things get rather sticky.

Drops of sweat linger on the skin, causing the pores to expand and increase sebum production. This leaves you with a greasy feeling that makes you want to shower multiple times a day.

Perhaps the biggest challenge is dealing with the aftermath of sweat and oil. They mix and clog the pores, leading to breakouts – particularly blackheads and whiteheads. And this unfortunate event can happen not just on the face but also on other parts of your body. So, if your acne is hitting harder during the wet months, you know what’s at play.

What happens when you’re traveling to a colder climate? The drop in humidity can push your skin to hustle and grind harder to retain moisture. This puts the lipid barrier under stress as it struggles to lock in essential nutrients and keep out irritants. You may notice some redness, flaking, cracking, and itching due to dry air.

Safe to say, your skin requires balanced humidity levels to stay healthy. Too little moisture in the air leaves your complexion parched, while too much of it triggers acne flare-ups. But since air humidity in the Philippines is almost always high, switch up your routine to counteract the unwanted side effects.

Read the ingredients list when buying skincare products. Look for items like salicylic acid, witch hazel, or niacinamide, as they’re well-known for their oil-controlling properties. If comedones are a common concern for you, double-cleanse your skin using an oil-based cleanser to help unclog your pores.

For your below-the-neck areas, use Dove Go Fresh Sakura Blossom Body Wash. It’s made with Microbiome Gentle Skin Prebiotics Formula that preserves the skin’s moisture barrier, which prevents sebum overproduction. In addition, the product also has sakura flower extract and Himalayan pink salt to help soothe and smoothen skin.

Every skin type needs a dose of hydration. Some may crave a thick cream whereas others are content with just a light gel. If your skin is on the oilier side, you’re part of the latter group.

The humid air already does its job in helping your skin reserve ample moisture. Your task is to give it a tiny boost by applying a lightweight moisturizer. You can also pick a multipurpose product, such as a hydrating serum or toner, to simplify your routine so your skin won’t get overwhelmed.

Cranking up the AC feels really nice, especially when the weather outside is brutally hot. However, the cool blast of air can sap moisture from your skin and, in turn, force it to release even more sebum to compensate for the dryness. Face mists are a handy pick-me-up. They provide an instant hydration without drenching your skin, some may even help reduce shine.

This tip is more for the people around you than for yourself. Your body tends to perspire more in a humid climate, and the sweat stays on your skin. That means you’re more likely to have stronger body odor than usual. Yeesh!

To stay fresh, use Rexona Dry Serum Deodorant Rose Glow after showering. Infused with vitamin E and licorice extract, the formula helps brighten your underarms while protecting them from sweat and odor.

While air humidity is out of your control, its effects on your skin certainly aren’t. A consistent skincare routine tailored to your needs can help minimize the negative impacts and keep your complexion glowing, regardless of the weather.