Our facial skin tends to react to everything, from your diet and daily habits to the skincare products you use. In a country like Myanmar, where the weather swings between hot and cold with frequent seasonal changes, you can’t afford to ignore the effects of climate on your skin. Especially in the rainy season, increased humidity can weaken your skin’s natural barrier, causing breakouts and acne due to sweat and excess oil. That’s why it’s important to choose the right products for your skin type and adjust your lifestyle accordingly. Let’s explore rainy season do’s and don’ts for dry, oily, and combination skin types.

For Dry Skin

During the humid rainy season, dry skin types may experience itching or flaking, especially on the cheeks and lips. The sudden drop in temperature and spending more time indoors with air conditioning can make your skin even drier. To care for dry skin:

• Use gentle cleansers that don’t strip natural oils.
• Follow up with hydrating toners, serums, and moisturizers.
• Aloe vera, sheet masks, and hydrating creams can help soothe and moisturize.
• Avoid washing your face with hot or warm water.
• Limit exfoliation to once a week using gentle, non-irritating formulas.

When shopping for skincare, look for ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Ceramides, Aloe Vera, and Vitamin E.

For Oily Skin

Excess humidity encourages more oil production and sweat, which can clog pores, especially around the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) leading to breakouts and enlarged pores. To care for oily skin:

• Cleanse twice daily using oil-free face washes.
• Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) gel-based moisturizer.
• Go light on makeup. Avoid heavy foundations, especially if you're already experiencing acne.
• Use a clay or detoxifying mask once a week to draw out impurities.
• Opt for a toner with Salicylic Acid to tighten pores and control oil.

Look for products containing Niacinamide, Witch Hazel, Tea Tree Oil, and Kaolin Clay.

For Combination Skin

People with combination skin often find certain areas oily (like the T-zone) and others dry (like the cheeks). The rainy season can cause dead skin cells to accumulate, leading to dull and uneven skin texture. To care for combination skin:

• Choose a lightweight moisturizer suitable for all areas of the face.
• When using masks, apply clay or oil-absorbing ones only on the T-zone.
• Take care of the entire face evenly, especially when dealing with weather-related sensitivity.

Sensitive skin types, in general, may experience increased irritation due to the humidity and atmospheric changes, so it's best to avoid products with strong fragrances or alcohol. If symptoms persist or worsen, consulting with a dermatologist is highly recommended to prevent long-term skin damage and to find suitable skincare solutions.

Understanding your skin type is the first and most important step in preventing rainy-season skin problems. Use the right products: hydrating but lightweight ones for oily skin and non-pore-clogging, moisture-rich ones for dry skin. Whether it’s sunny or pouring rain, proper skincare can help you maintain healthy, glowing skin all season long!