Living in the Philippines comes with the joys of sunny days and tropical warmth, but it also brings unique challenges for your skin. The combination of heat, humidity, and intense sun exposure can leave your complexion feeling oily, irritated, or dull. To keep your skin radiant and healthy, you must adapt your skincare routine to suit the local climate.
Wondering how to do that? Not to worry! Read on as in this guide, we at DMD Skin Sciences dive into the specific ways the Philippine weather affects your skin and share dermatologist-approved tips and products to help you build the perfect routine.
Let’s get started, shall we?
Understanding Your Skin in the Philippine Climate
As mentioned above, the Philippines’ hot and humid climate creates an environment where skin issues are more likely to occur. Let’s understand how your skin reacts to these conditions so that you can adjust your routine accordingly.
How Heat and Humidity Affect Your Skin
In the tropics, your skin produces more oil in response to the heat. While oil production is natural, excess oil mixed with sweat can clog pores, leading to breakouts and irritation. At the same time, the humidity can prevent your skin from drying out, but it may also make it harder for your skin to absorb certain products, leaving you feeling greasy.
The Impact of Sun Exposure
In the Philippines, the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays seriously challenge your skin. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation accelerates aging by breaking down collagen and elastin, the proteins that give your skin its structure and elasticity. This breakdown leads to premature wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging. But the damage goes deeper than that.
Loss of collagen and elastin also contribute to enlarged pores. Think of it like this: when the skin's support structure weakens, the pores lose their firmness and become more prone to stretching. These enlarged pores can then trap excess sebum and dead skin cells, creating a breeding ground for blackheads and whiteheads and increasing the risk of acne breakouts.
UV rays also cause hyperpigmentation, creating dark spots and uneven skin tone, which can worsen if your skin is frequently exposed to the sun. And ultimately, this cumulative UV damage significantly increases the risk of skin cancer. The sun’s rays can harm the DNA in your skin cells, potentially leading to mutations over time. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate and cause skin damage, making daily sun protection essential.
To protect your skin from these environmental stressors, a well-rounded skincare routine is key.
Essential Skincare Routine for the Philippine Climate
The foundation of healthy skin is a consistent skincare routine, especially in climates as challenging as the Philippines’. While the basic steps of cleansing, hydrating, and protecting your skin remain the same, some adjustments can help your skin thrive in this environment.
Cleansing
Cleansing is the first and most crucial step in your skincare routine, especially in a humid climate with high sweat and oil production. Throughout the day, your skin accumulates dirt, excess oil, sweat, and pollutants from the environment, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. A good cleanser not only removes these impurities but also preps your skin to better absorb the products you apply afterward, like moisturizers and serums.
When choosing a cleanser, look for one that suits your skin type and cleanses deeply without stripping away your skin’s natural moisture barrier, as this could lead to irritation or trigger excess oil production as your skin tries to compensate. For the Philippine setting, a gel-based or foaming cleanser works well to remove sweat, oil, and environmental pollutants that accumulate throughout the day.
Exfoliation
In a hot, humid environment, your skin may not shed dead cells as efficiently, which can lead to clogged pores, rough texture, and a dull complexion. Dead skin buildup not only contributes to breakouts but can also prevent your skincare products from penetrating effectively. Regular exfoliation helps to remove these dead skin cells, keeping your skin smooth, clear, and radiant.
Aim to exfoliate two to three times a week, depending on your skin type and tolerance. If you have sensitive skin, opt for chemical exfoliants like BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), which dissolve dead cells gently without the harsh scrubbing that physical exfoliants require. Physical scrubs can sometimes irritate inflamed or acne-prone skin, so choosing the right type of exfoliant is crucial to avoid irritation and maintain a healthy, balanced complexion.
If you’re not sure about the exfoliant you should get, book an appointment with us at DMD. We’ll help you choose the one that’s perfect for your skin.
Hydration
As we mentioned in our guide for oily skin, it’s a common misconception that this skin type doesn’t need hydration. Even in a humid climate, keeping your skin hydrated is essential. Hydration helps regulate oil production, preventing your skin from overcompensating with more oil.
For oily face skin care in the Philippines, lightweight, water-based moisturizers are your best bet. They provide the necessary hydration without leaving your skin feeling greasy. These types of moisturizers absorb quickly, which is important when dealing with high humidity.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of any skincare routine, especially considering the aforementioned intense sun exposure in the Philippines. To fully protect your skin, opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Broad-spectrum formulas shield you from both UVA rays, which accelerate skin aging, and UVB rays, which cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer. In a tropical climate, SPF 50 is crucial as it filters out about 98% of UVB rays, providing the high-level protection that your skin needs.
Be sure to apply sunscreen generously to all exposed areas, including often-missed spots like your ears and neck. Many people apply too little, which reduces the sunscreen’s effectiveness. Reapplying throughout the day—especially after sweating or swimming—is key to maintaining that protection. As an added bonus, regular sunscreen use also helps prevent dark spots, uneven skin tone, and premature aging, keeping your skin looking healthy and youthful.
Spot Treatments and Serums
Speaking of dark spots, if you’re dealing with this skin issue as well as acne or oiliness, incorporating spot treatments and serums into your routine can help. Serums are packed with concentrated ingredients that target specific issues effectively.
If you're struggling with oily skin, for example, a serum with niacinamide can help regulate oil production and reduce shine. For those dealing with dark spots or uneven skin tone, serums with vitamin C or arbutin can brighten and fade hyperpigmentation. And if acne is your concern, salicylic acid or potassium azeloyl diglycinate serums can clear up breakouts while keeping your pores clear.
Essential Dermatologist Recommended Skin Care Products for the Philippines
We’ve covered the essential steps for skincare in the Philippines, but what about the specific products to use? At DMD Skin Sciences, we carry a range of dermatologist-recommended skin care products well-suited for the Philippines. Each one has been carefully selected to meet the highest standards of skincare, ensuring that your skin gets the targeted care it needs to stay healthy, balanced, and radiant.
Here’s a list of our top recommendations, categorized by their specific function.
For Cleansing
- Acnoklair AcnoBar Cleanser: This light, dermatologist-approved cleanser is designed for acne-prone and sensitive skin. It contains Salicylic Acid, which helps prevent acne formation and control oiliness, while Allantoin soothes the skin. Perfect for those new to skincare or dealing with excess oil, this gentle formulation is ideal for maintaining clear, balanced skin in the humid Philippine climate.
- Azelane Face Soap: This face soap features Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, which helps regulate oil production, dry up acne lesions, brighten hyperpigmentation, and improve red acne marks. It's an excellent choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin, providing balance while improving skin moisture and elasticity.
For Exfoliating
- ETHERIUS. Niacinacor Niacinamide Serum: This lightweight, non-sticky serum contains Niacinamide that strengthens the skin barrier, regulates moisture, and brightens hyperpigmented areas, leaving your skin smooth and radiant.
- MISSION: SKIN° Acnoregulin Spray: This spray contains 2% salicylic acid (BHA), which helps exfoliate the skin, clear out clogged pores, and regulate sebum production. With the added benefit of Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, it brightens hyperpigmented areas while keeping your skin smooth and your pores tight. Use this a few times a week or daily to maintain clear, even-toned skin in the humid Philippine climate.
For Hydration
- MISSION: SKIN° HydroLock Lite Moisturizing Cream: This light, fast-absorbing cream is designed to increase skin moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. By preventing Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL), it helps your skin retain moisture, reducing dryness and leaving it smooth, hydrated, and supple. Its ceramides also help minimize signs of aging, making it perfect for maintaining a healthy, youthful glow.
- ETHERIUS. Hyalurane Hyaluronic Acid Serum: This lightweight, non-sticky serum boosts your skin’s ability to retain moisture, leaving it supple and glowing. Its active ingredient, hyaluronic acid plays a crucial role in skin hydration, as it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It helps your skin retain moisture effectively, making it perfect for enhancing hydration in hot, humid climates like the Philippines. Use this serum under your moisturizer to lock in moisture, improve skin elasticity, and achieve a hydrated, youthful appearance.
For Sun Protection
- MONT DE LUR Moisturizing Body Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++: This lightweight body sunscreen provides efficient broad-spectrum protection against UV radiation, infrared radiation, and visible light while also delivering moisturizing benefits. It's easily absorbed, leaving no white cast, making it a great option for full-body protection in the Philippine sun.
- MONT DE LUR Crystal Silicone Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++: A lightweight, clear sunscreen ideal for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin. It offers SPF50 protection without a white cast and can decrease chances or improve acne scars due to its silicone base. Its matte finish ensures a non-greasy feel, making it perfect for daily use.
- MONT DE LUR Crystal Serum Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++: This sunscreen provides lightweight, barely-there coverage and is absorbed easily by the skin. With Alpha Arbutin as its active ingredient, it helps lighten dark spots and offers broad-spectrum protection. Its dewy finish is perfect for those looking for a hydrated, glowing look while staying protected from UV rays.
- MONT DE LUR Tinted Mousse Sunscreen SPF50+++: A tinted, lightweight sunscreen that blends well with Filipino skin tones, offering a powder finish. It controls oil production while providing SPF50 protection against UV radiation, infrared, and visible light. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.
- FREZYDERM Face Sunscreen SPF50 (Color Velvet/Tinted): This exclusive DMD patient product is perfect for those seeking sun protection with a velvety, matte finish. It offers SPF50 protection and adjusts to match the user’s skin tone. With discreet, light coverage, it works well with Filipino skin tones and absorbs excess oil, making it great for acne-prone skin.
For Spot Treatments and Serums
- MISSION: SKIN° SpotLite Acne Spot Concentrate: This targeted treatment is perfect for healing active acne, reducing inflammation, and lightening dark spots caused by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Its double-action Acnomelan formula works to both treat acne lesions and lessen hyperpigmentation, making it ideal for those with stubborn breakouts and lingering dark marks.
- ETHERIUS. Tranexatin Tranexamic Acid + Arbutin Serum: This serum is designed to combat hyperpigmentation and dark spots from melasma or acne. Tranexamic Acid inhibits melanin production, while Arbutin helps prevent further darkening, making it perfect for anyone looking to even out their skin tone after sun exposure or acne.
- ETHERIUS. Ascor Vitamin C Serum: A powerful antioxidant serum, this product helps to stimulate collagen production, repair sun damage, and reduce pigmentation. The 3-o-ethyl ascorbic (Vitamin C) neutralizes free radicals, protects the skin from environmental damage, and lightens dark spots, giving your skin a brighter, more even appearance.
Radiant Skin and Confidence with the DMD Glow Program
Sometimes in the Philippines, skincare products might not be enough to achieve radiant skin, especially for those struggling with acne. The heat and humidity often aggravate breakouts, increasing oil production and clogging pores. This not only affects your skin’s appearance but can lead to long-term issues like scarring and hyperpigmentation.
For those tired of battling persistent acne in such a climate, the DMD Glow Program offers a comprehensive, dermatologist-supervised solution that goes beyond regular products. This program is designed to target the root causes of acne that are worsened by the Philippine climate. It focuses on balancing oil production, clearing clogged pores, and treating active breakouts. Instead of waiting for individual products to work, this structured program offers a personalized step-by-step approach tailored to your skin’s unique needs, helping you see faster and more noticeable results
Check out the results of this patient:
@dr.mike.d Acne Treatment na Masustanya 🤭 DMD Glow Program #fyp #foryou #acne #acnetreatment #acnetreatmentph #acnetreatmentphilippines #acnefighter #tiktokawardsph2022 #skincare ♬ original sound - dr.mike.d - Dr. Mike D
If you’re ready to finally achieve clear, smooth skin despite the challenges of the climate, the DMD Glow Program can help you get there. Don’t wait—schedule a consultation with DMD Skin Sciences today and start your journey to lasting, radiant skin.
Conclusion
The Philippine climate presents unique challenges for your skin, such as excess oil, breakouts, and sun damage. However, by following a consistent skincare routine tailored to these conditions—including proper cleansing, exfoliating, hydration, and sun protection—you can maintain radiant, healthy skin year-round.
At DMD Skin Sciences, we offer personalized skincare solutions, including the DMD Glow Program, which is specifically designed to tackle persistent acne and help you achieve clear, smooth skin despite the effects of the climate. Whether you’re battling breakouts, dark spots, or simply need expert guidance, we’re here to help.
Ready to transform your skin? Contact DMD Skin Sciences today and take the first step toward radiant, healthy skin in the Philippine climate. We look forward to hearing from you!