Humidity and Acne

In a harsh climate where the humidity level is high it can cause quite the damage to the skin. The increase in the moisture can lead to acne breakout. Even though it seems more sensible that since humidity creates moisture it would leave the skin damp and fresh however that is not always the case. Even though air humidifiers are stated to have benefits such as reducing skin dryness, in excess it causes sweating which results in clogged pores with dead skin cells if the skin is not cleaned right away. Perspiration and humidity can also stimulate more oil causing more spots and acne further damaging the skin.

Heat and humidity are considered to swell up the skin due to a rush of oxygenated blood directed towards the surface for the muscles, in exchange the body sweats creating certain salts and acids to cool down. The combining of the two cause the skin to become dry and irritated turning into a painful acne condition. Keeping any part of body covered for too long can also lead to acne as a result of sweating. For example wearing headbands, helmets, glasses, hats increase the acne around the covered areas such as near the scalp, around the eyes, hairline and forehead. It could be a good idea to use water or a bag of ice to cool down the body temperature and prevent the acne to spread.

The best way to reduce acne during a humid climate is to wear lighter cotton fabric based clothes that do not irritate or stick to the skin and keeps the body temperature cooler. Different oil free noncomedogenic products can be applied daily on the affected areas which could vary a little between body acne treatment and facial acne treatment. The skin should also be washed daily with cleanser and moisturizer to get rid of sebum and avoid skin irritation.