How do I care for my skin in a tropical climate?

What does tropical weather change?

Heat and humidity can aggravate skin problems, but temperature is not a measure of ultraviolet radiation, the sun's damaging rays. UV levels are largely independent of heat and humidity. Feeling cooler is not a reason to drop sun protection. Hot conditions can worsen contact dermatitis, an irritated or allergic skin reaction, and trigger rosacea flares. Warmer conditions also favour some bacterial and fungal skin infections. A new rash therefore needs a different response from an oily face: do not assume every new bump needs an acne product.5

What skincare should I use in a tropical climate?

Start with the basics rather than adding products for the weather. Toners and eye creams are optional, so your routine does not need supporting actors. Use gentle products, avoid heavy fragrance, and introduce fewer new products at once.1

1. 1Cleanse in the morning. Choose a mild cleanser that removes oil for oily or acne prone skin, or a hydrating cleanser for dry skin. Wash gently with your hands rather than scrubbing.
2. 2Apply any existing treatment after cleansing. Keep optional serums limited to one at a time rather than layering several.
3. 3Apply moisturizer. The basic routine includes moisturizer morning and evening to limit water loss from the skin.
4. 4Finish the morning routine with sunscreen. Apply it after skincare and before makeup, covering skin that clothing will not cover.
5. 5At night, remove makeup and cleanse, then use your usual evening treatment and moisturizer. Sunscreen is not needed at night.

What moisturizer works in hot humid climates?

Choose moisturizer by your skin's needs, not the climate alone. Moisturizers reduce water evaporating from the skin, and drying treatments such as retinol can make them particularly useful. Humidity is not a reason to ignore skin that feels dry. Apply moisturizer while skin is still damp after bathing, and whenever it feels dry. Travel and flights can also leave skin drier. For dry body areas, petroleum jelly can help lock in moisture. For acne prone skin, choose a moisturizer labelled as not clogging pores; face oils can be too occlusive, meaning they form a covering layer, and can contribute to acne.123

How do I prevent breakouts in tropical weather?

Wash your face morning and evening, and after sweating. Remove makeup before bed, because sleeping in it can cause breakouts. For oily skin, look for sunscreen labelled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores. Do not try to scrub sweat away or keep adding exfoliants. Scrubbing irritates skin, and overusing exfoliants can damage its protective barrier, leaving skin raw and irritated. More cleansing and more treatment are not automatically better. If you already use salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for acne, apply the treatment after cleansing and before moisturizer. Keep sunscreen in the routine because acne spot treatments can increase sun sensitivity. Heat rash and acne can look similar, so itchy bumps appearing in hot weather are not a reason to add stronger acne treatment.134

Should I change sunscreen in tropical weather?

Change sunscreen if your current one lacks broad spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher, or water resistance for sweating and swimming. Broad spectrum means protection against both UVA and UVB rays. On UK sunscreens, look for at least four star UVA protection; a UVA circle indicates the EU standard. Check the expiry information, and choose a formula suited to your skin. A tinted sunscreen can be useful if white cast is a concern on darker skin tones. Makeup with SPF should not be your only sun protection.1236

1. 1Apply sunscreen before going outdoors. Allow 15 minutes; for prolonged exposure with a risk of burning, apply 30 minutes beforehand and again just before leaving.
2. 2Cover all exposed skin, including the neck and ears. Adults covering the entire body need around six to eight teaspoons; spreading sunscreen too thinly reduces protection.
3. 3Reapply every two hours outdoors and straight after swimming, sweating, towel drying or rubbing it off. Water resistant sunscreen still needs reapplication.
4. 4Use shade, a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and protective clothing alongside sunscreen. Check the local UV index rather than importing another country's peak sun hours.

What if I develop prickly heat?

Heat rash, also called miliaria, develops when sweat ducts become blocked or inflamed. Hot humid weather, intense exercise and clothing that traps sweat can contribute. It can begin within days of arriving in the tropics. Typical symptoms include small raised spots, itching or a prickly feeling, and mild swelling. Redness can be harder to see on brown or black skin, where spots can look grey or white. In adults, heat rash often affects the neck, upper body and areas where clothing rubs.47

• Reduce sweating with time in a cool environment and a ventilated bedroom.
• Wear loose, breathable clothing, remove wet clothing and use lightweight bedding.
• Take cool baths or showers. A cool damp cloth can calm discomfort for up to 20 minutes.
• Pat rather than scratch the rash, and avoid perfumed shower gels or creams.

Most heat rash clears within one or two days after moving to a cooler environment, though recovery can take a few days. Speak to a pharmacist about symptom relief. See a doctor if the rash does not improve after a few days, or if your baby has a rash and you are worried.47

What should I pack for a tropical trip?

Keep familiar products rather than giving your bathroom shelf a tropical rebrand. Bring your usual cleanser, moisturizer and treatments, especially for sensitive skin: fragranced hotel products can irritate. Add sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, clothing appropriate for the climate, and insect repellent for outdoor activities. Wear shower shoes around shared bathrooms and pools, and socks in hotel rooms to reduce exposure to foot fungus. For long walks, petroleum jelly on areas where skin rubs against skin can help prevent chafing.2

When should I stop a product or get help?

Stop a product that causes irritation and arrange a dermatology appointment. Seek medical help for sunburn with severe swelling, blisters or feeling unwell. For a new rash during or after travel, tell the dermatologist where you went, how long you stayed, what activities you did and whether companions have similar symptoms. These details help distinguish a reaction from an infection or another travel related problem.126