Houston’s Humidity and Your Skin: Tips for Clear, Healthy Skin Year-Round

Humid weather means that skin is constantly exposed to excessive moisture. While a little can be beneficial for those who have particularly dry skin, when the air’s water content heads upwards of 60%—a common occurrence in Houston—it can cause no end of issues. 

There are also other (almost impossible to avoid) high-humidity skin scenarios. These include air conditioning, chlorine from your daily swim, strong UV rays, etc. Add these skin-sapping conditions together, and the need for a climate-appropriate skincare routine begins to be clear.

This might sound like a challenge—but rest assured that there are a whole bunch of ways to combat the negative effects of an excessively humid climate. From tweaks to your daily routine to professional treatments, get ready to gift your skin the defenses it needs to remain kissably soft, no matter how many days the humidity hovers in the uncomfortable upper figures.

But first, let’s talk sweat…

Humidity Effects on Skin

Warm temperatures and humidity—especially in Houston and anywhere tropical or subtropical—go hand-in-hand. We’re pretty sure that you don’t need any reminder that your body sweats in response to the heat. 

When humidity is low, this evaporates from the skin taking the excess body heat with it. However, when it’s humid the air is already full of water, so the sweat has nowhere to go and remains on your skin. This means you don’t cool down and probably end up sweating more. (Hello, shiny, sticky complexion—and don’t even get us started on what it does to your hair…). 

Apart from being uncomfortable, when sweat hangs around on the skin it raises the risk of:

• Increased levels of bacteria: Warm, damp conditions are ideal for bacteria to multiply. This is not good news for skin that’s prone to breakouts, combo or oily skin, or if you have acne.
• Increased sebum production: The heat stimulates the sebaceous glands, meaning that more oil is produced. 
• Blocked pores: Both sebum and bacteria can block the pores—and this is one of the main reasons for increased breakouts.

With this in mind, let’s look at the steps to take to break the cycle.

Dermatologist Skin Hydration Tips

The primary aim for humidity skin care in Houston (or any warm region) is to prevent blocked pores and reduce levels of bacteria. This means adopting a “less-is-more” attitude when it comes to products, but also to prioritize cleansing. 

We can break this down to a 3-step process:

1. Cleanse, cleanse, cleanse: This applies to all skin types, but especially for those with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin. That excess sebum and bacteria need to be removed regularly. It’s even more crucial for skin that suffers from breakouts—you’ll probably want to up cleansing to twice daily (if you don’t already) when the humidity increases.
2. Exfoliate (gently): This helps combat skin congestion, but don’t go OTT. A lactic acid exfoliator will help the skin shed dead cells and suit most skin types. However, a salicylic acid option might be needed for skin that’s more breakout-prone or you’re working to reduce acne.
3. Use ultra-light formula products: When it comes to moisturization, water or gel-based creams are ideal as they are far less likely to block the pores than heavier preparations. The same goes for sun protection (which should be a daily essential) and consider carrying a spring water facial spritz to help reduce the drying effects of air-conditioned environments.

Combine your at-home routine with professional treatments, especially if you suffer from blackheads or other congestive issues. Some of the best options include HydraFacials and light chemical peels.

Last, but not least, remember that the very best hydration for your skin comes from within. In humid weather, this is even more important as you need to replace what you sweat. Try to sip on water throughout the day and avoid diuretic drinks, such as those with caffeine or alcohol.

Live in Houston? Get Humidity Skin Care from Bayou City Dermatology

Our dermatologists are well aware of the challenges that high humidity brings. We believe that everyone deserves to enjoy their most beautiful skin, whatever the weather throws at us.

From breakout issues to skin sensitivity, dull skin to heat rashes, the ultimate Houston humidity skin care begins at Bayou City Dermatology.

Visit https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/ for more information and call today to book a consultation.