How do I adjust my skincare routine in humid weather?

What should my daily routine look like?

1. 1Start with a gentle cleanser. For oily skin prone to acne, wash once or twice daily and after exercise. Remove makeup and dirt without scrubbing or repeatedly washing throughout the day.
2. 2If you use an antioxidant serum, apply it after your morning cleanse and patting your face dry. Vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid are options for addressing environmental effects such as dullness and pigmentation; a serum is optional.
3. 3Apply moisturizer where your skin needs it. Choose a lighter texture for oily areas rather than automatically covering your whole face with a thick cream.
4. 4Apply broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to exposed skin, including your face, neck and ears. Choose water resistance if you expect to sweat or swim.
5. 5During the day, blot sweat with a clean cloth. Reapply sunscreen every two hours outdoors and after sweating, swimming or towel drying.
6. 6At night, remove makeup and cleanse gently. Keep a light moisturizer if needed, including when acne medicines leave your skin dry or peeling.

What moisturizer should I use in humid weather?

Choose by skin type and how dry your skin actually feels, not by the weather alone. Gels often contain water and feel lighter than lotions; creams contain more oil and provide more hydration. A humid forecast is not a purchase order for an entirely new bathroom shelf.5

For dry skin, look for ingredients that attract water, help retain it and soften the skin. These groups are called humectants, occlusives and emollients. Hyaluronic acid attracts water, including from humid air; petrolatum helps prevent moisture loss; ceramides help lock in moisture. A gel or lotion generally suits the face unless the skin is very dry. For dry, sensitive skin, choose products without fragrance or botanical ingredients, which can trigger allergies.7

Should I use less moisturizer when it is humid?

Yes, if thick layers are leaving your skin oily or contributing to clogged pores. Start by reducing extra moisturizer underneath sunscreen rather than reducing sunscreen itself. If sunscreen already leaves your skin adequately moisturized, a separate morning moisturizer is often unnecessary. If you still want one, a light layer once daily is a reasonable summer starting point. Dry skin needs a different approach: keep moisturizer, and use it more often when necessary. For excessively dry skin, choose a product you can comfortably use at least twice daily. Combination skin does not need the same treatment everywhere; moisturize dry patches and skip oily areas.145

How do I prevent clogged pores in humid weather?

Heat, humidity, oil, bacteria and friction can work together to clog pores and cause inflammation. Sweat alone is not the whole explanation. Thick moisturizers can add to clogging, especially beneath sunscreen, so simplify the other layers rather than abandoning sun protection. Look for products labeled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores. The label is a useful filter, not a signed peace treaty with your pores.125

• Blot sweat rather than rubbing it away. Rubbing can irritate skin and contribute to breakouts.
• Shower after workouts and change out of sweaty clothing. Choose breathable clothing and avoid tight items that create friction.
• Wash sweaty hats, headbands and towels before using them again. Clean exercise equipment between workouts.
• Keep oily hair away from your face and avoid greasy cosmetics or creams.
• Do not pick or squeeze pimples, which can cause scarring, infections and delayed healing.

Does humidity make sunscreen feel greasy?

If sunscreen feels heavy in humid weather, try a lighter, water based formula and reduce thick moisturizer underneath. Change the texture, not the protection: keep broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Applying sunscreen too thinly reduces the protection it provides. For adults covering the whole body, around 6 to 8 teaspoons is a useful guide; that is not a face only amount. Follow the product's application directions. Water resistant sunscreen still needs reapplication after water exposure, towel drying or sweating. Use shade and protective clothing alongside sunscreen rather than treating sunscreen as permission to stay in the sun longer.146

What if my skin still feels dry?

Sun exposure, pools and air conditioning can leave skin dry despite humid outdoor air. After swimming, rinse and wash with fresh water and a mild cleanser. Keep showers warm rather than hot, and avoid drying antibacterial or deodorant washes. For dry skin, keep showers brief, about 5 to 10 minutes. Pat dry while leaving a little water on the skin, then apply moisturizer promptly to trap that moisture. Use moisturizer after each shower or bath and whenever dry areas need it. If air conditioning makes your home too dry, turn the thermostat up. Do not scrub or exfoliate dry, peeling skin; moisturize it instead.357

Should I change my acne treatments?

For oily skin prone to acne, a cleanser containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can help. Acne medicines can also cause dryness, redness or peeling, so avoid drying alcohol toners and keep an appropriate moisturizer. Some acne medicines increase sun sensitivity. Check medication warnings or ask a pharmacist about sun precautions, particularly if you use retinoids or other medicines that affect sun sensitivity.234

When should I see a dermatologist?

Get help if a rash persists or worsens, or dryness becomes painful, cracked, bleeding or very irritating. Seek care for worsening or painful acne, scarring, or acne causing emotional distress. If self care and acne medicines have not helped after several months, book an appointment. Tiny bumps with a prickly, burning itch can be heat rash rather than acne: blocked sweat ducts trap sweat beneath the skin. Keep skin cool and wear loose clothing, rather than assuming every summer bump needs an acne product.1235