If you are lucky enough to be traveling to a hot climate, you need to ensure you have the right tools to look after your skin.
While a hot, humid climate may be saving you from England’s temperamental spring weather, the heat can play havoc on your skin. But that doesn’t mean you should be left stuck with a shiny complexion. With the right products and know how, you can keep your skin fresh and clear no matter how hot and humid it gets.
Discover our top skin care tips for humid weather.
1. Soak up the oil
Even though you may be starting the day with clean, shine-free skin, the heat and humidity can make your face greasy come mid-day.
Tip: To prevent shine from breaking through, apply a mattifying product to your face before you smooth on your moisturiser, sunscreen and makeup. A mattifying product contains ingredients such as talc and silicone polymers that actually absorb excess oil, so that it doesn’t create shine on your face.
You can find these products in a variety of formulas, but lotion and gel mattifiers are usually the best option for hot, humid weather.
SEE ALSO: Top 10 tips for great skin when travelling
2. Be careful with which moisturiser you choose
As we have mentioned, your skin is likely to overproduce oil in a humid climate. This means that you may not necessarily have to apply a moisturiser during the day because your skin is likely to retain its natural moisture.
Tip: Instead of using your daily moisturiser, opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun and provide some additional moisture to the skin. Choose an oil-free formula to keep your skin from getting greasy. Also opt for a sunscreen that is designed for sensitive skin in mind if you usually breakout when you are in the sun.
A mineral-based sunscreen is an ideal option in hot, humid climates because minerals like micronised zinc and titanium dioxide can actually absorb excess oil. Make sure you choose a waterproof sunscreen too, as it will hold up better if you sweat. Use a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher year-round, even on cloudy days.
3. Keep your skin clean and fresh
To keep your face from looking like an oil slick, make sure that you cleanse it properly. Choose an oil-free gel cleanser that can help dissolve the grease on your face. A formula with salicylic acid is an ideal option if you are dealing with oily skin in a humid climate because it helps to exfoliate both inside the pores and on the skin surface to prevent acne.
Tip: Look for a cleanser with a 2% salicylic-acid content so you will not dry out your skin. Use your cleanser morning and night to keep skin clear and free of shine.
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4. Give yourself weekly exfoliating facials
To further help absorb oil and keep your pores clear, give your face some weekly TLC with a facial treatment. Once a week, exfoliate your skin with a gentle facial scrub to remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause acne.
Tip: Choose an oil-free formula containing round beads, as these are gentler on your skin than harsh grains are. Follow up with a clay-based mask to help absorb oil. You can also opt for a formula that contains salicylic acid if you really want to clear out your pores.
5. Keep it cool
Find ways to stay cool so excessive perspiration doesn’t lead to body acne or overproduction of oil.
Tip: Take cool showers when necessary, but don’t shower too often because the water can cause dryness. Wear loose fitting clothing to keep sweat off of your body, and drink adequate amounts of water to keep your skin hydrated (at least 2 litres a day)
