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How to avoid getting enlarged pores and breakouts in Singapore’s humid climate

In a humid climate like Singapore, our skin is constantly exposed to high levels of moisture and heat, leading to enlarged pores and frequent breakouts. The combination of heat and humidity can create an environment where sweat, oil and dirt accumulate, clogging pores that eventually translates to acne and other skin issues.

How to avoid such problems? Read on to find out.

Common Skin Issues in Humid Climates

Common skin issues people face in humid climates like Singapore include:

Acne and breakouts — Excessive sweating and oil production, along with the accumulation of dirt, can clog the pores, leading to acne and breakouts.
Enlarged pores — The build-up of dirt and clogging of pores can lead to larger pores, especially in oilier parts of the face.
Heat rashes — The sweat glands can be blocked or inflamed, causing irritation and bumps on the skin.
Dry skin — Contrary to popular belief, humidity can cause dry skin. Sweat can strip the skin of moisture, causing dry, dull-looking skin.
Skin sensitivity — Humid conditions can irritate the skin, causing skin sensitivity, redness and inflammation.
Skin infections — Humidity can encourage the growth of fungi and bacteria, which can cause skin infections and symptoms like scaly skin or rashes.
Oily skin — Humid environments can stimulate sebum production, causing greasy skin.
Hyperpigmentation — Heat and humid climates with more sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tones.

The Role of Pore Cleansing

One solution that can help with the skin issues associated with humidity is pore cleansing. It sets the tone for your overall skin health, preventing the buildup that clogs pores and causes skin issues. Its main role includes:

Priming the skin — Proper pore cleansing primes the skin by keeping it clean and free of impurities before application of other skincare products.
Ridding the skin of dirt and impurities — Pore cleansing removes dead skin, dirt, excess oil and other impurities that build up on the skin throughout the day.
Promotes radiance — Clean and clear skin reflects light better, creating a glowier, more radiant appearance.
Unclogs pores — Proper pore cleansing can unclog pores by dissolving and removing blackheads and sloughing away dead skin cells and excess oil.
Kills bacteria — Some pore cleansers can kill acne-causing bacteria, preventing future breakouts.

Choosing the Right Pore Cleanser in Singapore

When it comes to choosing the right pore cleanser in Singapore, it is important to first understand your skin type and concerns, and the challenges that come with living in a humid environment.

Suitable for your skin type — Always pick a pore cleanser that works best for your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a gentle, fragrance-free and non-irritating cleanser that’s free of harsh chemicals. Oily skin may require a gel-based or foaming cleanser that can rid your skin of excess oil and unclog pores.
Oil control — In a humid climate like Singapore, it helps to have a cleanser that offers oil control benefits to prevent greasy-looking skin.
Non-comedogenic — Non-comedogenic cleansers won’t clog your pores, making them an ideal option for hot and humid weather where sweat and oil are common.
Hydrating — Proper hydration is crucial as excessive sweat can strip your skin of its natural oils. Find a pore cleanser that can hydrate without clogging the pores or adding excess oil.
Other key ingredients — Look out for other key ingredients that are beneficial for humid weather, such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.

With the amount of pore cleansers available on the market, picking the right one can be confusing. If you’re still unsure, consult a professional. Skincare specialists can provide recommendations based on your skin type, needs and skin goals!

Tips for Effective Pore Cleansing

Here are some tips for effective pore cleansing:

Exfoliate regularly — Regular exfoliation 1-2 times a week can remove dirt and dead skin cells that could potentially clog pores.
Be consistent — Results may take time. Be consistent with your pore cleansing to keep pores clean and healthy.
Keep your skin hydrated — After properly cleansing, follow-up with a non-comedogenic moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated without clogging your pores.
Avoid over-cleansing — Avoid over-cleansing to prevent drying out the skin and stripping it of its natural oils. Cleansing once in the morning and once at night should suffice.

Pore cleanser by SkinLab

SkinLab’s Pore Perfecting Cleanser is specially formulated for Singapore’s humid conditions, deeply cleansing the pores without drying out the skin. It contains a powerhouse of active ingredients, such as Triethyl Citrate, Ethyl Linoleate and GT-Peptide 10, which work together to regulate sebum production, kill acne-causing bacteria, calm inflammation and unclogs pores.

Find out more about the product here.