Ways to Fight Acne in a Hot Tropical Climate

by Skinned Magazine

 

Have you ever tried a new product that seems to work on everyone’s skin but not yours? Have you studied ingredients so diligently that you no longer know what’s the best for your skin type anymore? Is the weather affecting the growth of your acne? Let’s start from the beginning again:

 

We’ve all been in a position where bad skin days were caused by the humid and hot weather.

 

 

The edge of your nose to cheeks area are turning red, your wounded blemish gets even more inflamed, your pores are enlarged from the heat and no amount of primer or foundation can cover that up.  

 

 

It is really important to take certain steps and use specific ingredients to make sure that you’re getting the most out of your routine to fight this heaty weather.

 

 

1. Convert from heavier creams to lightweight skincare products.

 

Switch your heavy creams to lightweight lotions and serum with gel or liquid consistencies. Oily skin types are encouraged to use non-comedogenic moisturisers and serums, that essentially means product that will reduce the risk of having clogged pores.

-

-

Countries with high humidity and temperature increases the production of sebum and sweat, so it is important to use a light formula that will less likely worsen your acne.

 

 

But of course, if you have severely dry or flaky skin that needs to heavily rely on thicker creams as a form of moisture balance your skin craves for, listen to it and use creams on your daily routine to protect the barrier function of your skin!

 

 

 

 

Water-based moisturisers and serum also have smaller molecules that can penetrate into your skin even deeper and efficiently, allowing your skin to be fully hydrated all surface round.

-

-

Our team of chemist that have formulated the “Lock & Stay!” Rice Serum incorporated Sodium Hyaluronate into the serum as it has smaller compounds that can sink easily into your skin. By using ingredients with high hydrating properties, you are stopping your skin from producing more oil to compensate for the natural oils stripped off from your face after cleansing.

-

-

This way, it can thwart the bacteria from oils and sweat to further attack your inflamed blemishes.

 

 

2. Don’t worry dry-skin-junkies, we got you covered too! Avoid THESE greasy ingredients; but replace them with the right facial oil that suits this scorching weather.

 

Say no to greasy ingredients such as mineral oil, beeswax, paraffin, and lanolin. Swap them out with alternative facial oils that can better the complexion of your skin.

 

 

For example: rosehip, grapeseed or hempseed oils/extract. These oils work for both dry and oily skin because they are rich in EFAs (fatty acids like linoleic acid and linolenic acid).

 

 

EFA’s restore healthy cell membranes and effectively keeps water in and irritants out of the skin through polyunsaturated fats. This results in plumper and hydrated looking skin.

 

 

3. Does spot treatment work? Use ingredients that are Acne Fighters!

 

 

It is so important to opt for skincare options that restore the moisture balance of your skin while fighting acne bacteria (Propionibacterium acne). Your sweat glands are more prone to clogging and acne wounds have a higher rate of getting irritated when the bacteria festers on your moist skin. 

 

 

Ingredients like tea tree, rice bran, retinol (Vitamin A), benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid are great acne fighters as they limit pore clogging and inhibits inflammation on blemishes. Look out for these ingredients in skincare products if you are thinking of spot treating the Propionibacterium acne and cystic acne on your face.

 

 

Here are a few products that contain these effective ingredients: Some are not too harsh on your acne, but concentrated enough to heal and repair the damage:

 

 

1. Tea Tree

 

The Body Shop: Tea Tree Oil

 

 

Tea tree has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to fasten the healing process of a pimple. If you have very sensitive skin, be mindful to dilute tea tree oil with other oils.

 

 

 

2. Rice Bran  

 

Skinned.co: "Lock & Stay!" Rice Serum

Rice bran extracts present in our RIce Serum shows highly effective antibacterial activity which helps soothe acne and decrease the appearance of scars. This natural ingredient is also high in antioxidant to even out skin tone and boost the health of your skin.

 

 

 

3. Retinol 

 

If you're familiar with Retinol, also known as Vitamin A, you would know that a minimum dosage of retinal solution brings a long way in boosting collagen production and deliver cellular renewal on skin. This reduces the appearance of dark spots caused by acne scarring.

 

 

 

4. Salicylic acid 

 

Kiehl's: Breakout Control' Acne Treatment Facial Lotion

 

Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are commonly combined together to treat severe acne. For milder acne, you have the option to try out Kiehl's lotion that contains salicylic acid and vitamin B3. These ingredients help reduce the dull and acneic appearance of skin, leaving the complexion looking balanced and smooth.

 

 

What are the other skincare products that you have religiously relied on because of how transformative it was to your skin? Let us know on the comments down below! 

 

 

Fondly, 

Skinned.co