Skincare Routine for a Humid Climate

A humid climate might equate to warmer temperatures, but the welcomed respite of warmth can also trigger skincare woes that can wreak havoc on your face, including clogged pores and breakouts, increased oil production, and makeup sliding off. A thoughtful update to your usual skincare routine can alleviate these symptoms and help skin feel fresher for longer, even in high temps and humidity. Keep reading for the best skincare routine for a humid climate, plus the most effective products to control excess oil, even at mid-day.

Humidity Woes

With rising temperatures comes rising humidity and that can mean a whole host of issues for hair, skin, and more. While the direct link between humidity and frizzy hair is well documented (caused when the humidity in the air is greater than the level of water in your hair), we take into consideration the direct correlation between humid climates and skin woes far less often. The increase in sweat, sebum, and oil production can cause blemishes, an excessively oily complexion, and the feeling of skincare and makeup being too heavy or constricting, especially if your skin type tends to run oily. But fret not, there are a few upgrades in your daily skincare ritual that can help support skin when humidity rises.

Best Skincare Routine for a Humid Climate

You alter your clothes for warmer, more humid temperatures, so why wouldn’t you also update your skincare routine, too? These clever upgrades can help support your skin each and every day, from controlling excess oil to curbing makeup slip-off, here are the most effective and best skincare products that defy humidity.

A Deeper Cleanse

Cleansing is absolutely vital every single day—particularly in humid climates. Not all cleansers are created equal though, especially when facing high humidity. When choosing a cleanser, reach for an option that is specifically designed to reduce makeup slip-off, curb excess oil, and prevent breakouts. Consider embracing the double cleanse. And, as always, cleansing twice a day with a non-irritating cleanser will help support healthy-looking skin.

Try: The Matcha Cleanse

This clever daily clarifying gel cleanser decongests pores without stripping skin, while also rebalancing skin’s natural oil production for smoother skin and reduced makeup slip-off. The refreshing watery-foam texture balances skin pH, primes skin for makeup, and addresses the skin’s texture for a smooth appearance. The formula includes premium Kyo-matcha (ceremonial grade and sourced directly from the famed Uji region in Kyoto), powerhouse Japanese coix seed (used in herbal medicines for centuries to purify pores), and Japanese mugwort (to support skin barrier function). While this cleanser is ideal for oily complexions year-round, it’s an excellent choice for all skin types when dealing with high humidity. After all, it purifies and primes skin for a more visibly clear, matte canvas. In clinical tests, 90 percent of participants showed a visible reduction in pores after just one use.* Also, 97 percent demonstrated better makeup wear after 8 hours and 91 percent demonstrated continued shine control.**

*In a test evaluated via expert grading on 40 panelists

**In a test evaluated via expert grading on 36 panelists

An Exfoliating Treatment

A gentle chemical exfoliant is perfect for humid weather, as it helps keep oil and sebum production in check and removes debris and dead skin cells that can accumulate from SPF, sweat, and makeup. If not regularly exfoliated, skin can quickly build up dirt and bacteria that can cause enlarged pores and blemishes. The trick to starting a routine that includes an exfoliant is starting slow—reach for a low-percentage formula that touts its gentle nature and follow the suggested use directions.

Try: The Texture Tonic

This AHA-powered formula was designed for all skin types and is gentle enough to be used daily. Thanks to the ingredients, which are specifically formulated to reduce excess oil and sebum, it’s ideal for humid climates. The Texture Tonic has niacinamide and Japanese mugwort to reduce the look of discoloration, plus it improves skin’s moisture levels and visible calms redness and irritation. It’s designed to be a sensory experience as well, as the liquid exfoliant is scented with a functional fragrance blend of sweet fennel and rosemary – two botanicals known to increase focus and mental clarity, too.

A Gel Moisturizer

It might be tempting to overlook moisturizers when the weather includes high humidity, but applying a lotion—albeit a lightweight, thoughtful formula—is essential. Look for one that states it’s non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores or cause acne.

Try: The Water Cream

An effective moisturizer is one of the most difficult products for any skin type, especially in a humid climate. Too thick and it drowns skin in hydration, too light and it might cause skin to produce excess sebum. But this lightweight, clarifying, water-based formula is the ideal moisturizer for oily skin all year or for any skin type in high humidity. The gel cream releases a burst of hydrating nutrients and pore-refining botanicals for healthy-looking, balanced skin. Plus, the cream employs a few powerful botanicals—including wild rose to minimize the look of pores and leopard lily to soothe—to deliver weightless hydration, without leaving skin sticky or greasy.

A Modern Sunscreen

Sunscreen is non-negotiable. However, they weren't always fun to wear, due to their goopy and thick textures. But today, the best sunscreens are lightweight and packed full of skin-benefiting ingredients. No matter the weather, it’s important to wear sunscreen every day, as it helps to prevent UV and sun damage that could lead to wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer. When choosing the right sunscreen for your skin type, aim for a formula that has an SPF of at least 30 and always reapply when outside.

Try: Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen

Our Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen has weightless broad-spectrum SPF 35 coverage that blends effortlessly and invisibly for smooth, matte skin. The non-comedogenic and non-irritating formula features skin-loving ingredients that not only protect the skin, but also help tighten the appearance of pores, smooth skin texture, and visibly calm irritation. This is one SPF formula that won’t slip off come high temps and humidity.

Controlling Excess Oil Instantly

Blotting papers are instantly effective, helping to absorb excess oil without irritating the skin or makeup. But they’re nothing new: ancient Japan has been singing the praises of abaca leaf papers for centuries. Centuries ago in Kyoto, gold artisans used the soft, strong, and absorbent paper to protect their gold leaf. Geishas discovered the papers were brilliant at wicking away traces of oil without stripping moisture from the skin or disturbing their intricate makeup—and that’s how the legend of blotting papers began.

Try: Aburatorigami Japanese Blotting Papers

This ancient innovation is still just as simple yet revolutionary as it was centuries ago. The soft leaflets are made of just natural abaca leaf and gold flakes. They instantly absorb excess oil without disturbing makeup for petal fresh skin anytime, anywhere.