Your Quick Guide to Hot Weather Skin Woes
From heat rash to sun allergy, here’s your cheat sheet to dealing with the most common skin problems in tropical climates.
From the relentless glare of the sun to the oppressive humidity, the shifting weather can leave our skin feeling and looking out of sorts. Hot weather skin woes, from bungang araw to fungal infections, can dampen your best laid plans, and can even cause discomfort all year long; we live in a tropical country, after all. We spotlight six of them here and enumerate the best ways to deal—derma-approved picks, included.
Sunburn
The quintessential summer souvenir, sunburn occurs when UV rays penetrate the skin, causing redness, pain, and sometimes blistering. Prolonged exposure without proper protection exacerbates this issue.
Prevention and treatment: Burn-proof your skin with a reliable broad-spectrum sunscreen, opting for SPF 30 or higher. Re-apply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Post-sun pampering includes aloe vera gel and hydrating mists to soothe and hydrate, and cool compresses to alleviate discomfort.
Try: Heliocare 360 Invisible Spray SPF 50+, P2,250
This spray-on sunscreen helps ensure you’ve got your bases covered, especially hard-to-reach areas like your back. It’s powered by Fernblock®+ technology and provides supreme protection from four types of radiation (UVB, UVA, Visible, and Infrared).
Ivatherm Eau Thermale Herculane (Thermal Spring Water), starts at P780
Dry skin is more prone to burning fast, so keep skin moisturized with this nutrient-rich spray, which also works great as an after-sun product.
Melasma
Melasma manifests as dark patches, often on the face, triggered by sun exposure and hormonal fluctuations. Filipinos’ naturally melanin-rich skin makes us susceptible to this condition, with signs of discoloration typically appearing on the face, particularly on the cheeks, forehead, chin, and upper lip.
Prevention and treatment: Be wary of whitening skincare products that contain ingredients that may make skin extra sensitive to sunlight, as these can contribute to the development or exacerbation of melasma. To lighten dark spots gently, opt for formulas containing ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C or other natural brighteners. Be sure to prioritize sun protection, too, and avoid exposure during peak hours of sunlight.
Try: TDF Fairence T-Complex, P5,800
This cream is scientifically designed to reduce the intensity of dark spots and pigmented skin, and is clinically proven to treat and manage melasma. Its patented Xcelarev® technology provides enhanced penetration of key ingredients (up to 11x!) for maximum effectivity.
Heat Rash
The bane of humid days, heat rash (or bungang-araw) manifests as tiny, itchy bumps, resulting from sweat trapped in blocked pores. Common in skin folds and areas with friction, it can be exacerbated by tight clothing. While it’s more common in children and infants, adults can also experience this.
Prevention and treatment: Keep cool and dry by wearing loose, breathable clothing. Opt for lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen. Calamine lotion provides relief from itching, while gentle exfoliation with a mild scrub helps prevent pore congestion.
Try: Froika Froicalm Cream, P2,300
Get immediate relief from itching and irritation due to heat rash and other conditions (like eczema, allergies, insect stings, and sunburn) from this soothing skin cream formulated with calamine.
Acne Flare-ups
Summer heat and humidity can trigger excess oil production and increased sweating, leading to clogged pores and acne breakouts. The back and chest area may also be extra prone to zits due to the friction and moisture from sweaty clothing.
Prevention and treatment: Maintain a consistent skincare routine with oil-free, non-comedogenic products. Salicylic acid cleansers help unclog pores, while benzoyl peroxide spot treatments target stubborn blemishes. Don’t forget to hydrate with oil-free moisturizers to balance skin’s moisture levels.
 Face Cleanser |
 Face Cream |
 Spot Treatment |
Try: Kamedis AC-Clear Line, which includes the Face Cleanser, Face Cream, and Spot Treatment
Featuring botanical-based formulas, Kamedis’ acne line is powered by the unique CLEAR Botaniplex™ technology, a multi-level skin restoring system for acne-prone skin. Start by cleansing your face with the non-drying cleanser, apply the spot treatment on problem areas (after drying skin), then moisturize with the face cream.
Fungal Infections
Warm, moist environments foster fungal growth, culminating in infections like athlete’s foot (alipunga) or ringworm (buni), prevalent during the summer months. Watch out for fungal acne, too, which can appear on the face, chest, back, and arms (you can read more about it here).
Prevention and treatment: Keep feet clean and dry, wearing breathable footwear. Antifungal powders or creams combat existing infections, while tea tree oil possesses natural antifungal properties. Seek medical advice for persistent or severe cases.
Try: Psorolin Medicated Bathing Bar, P450
Aside from being an effective treatment for psoriasis symptoms and severe dryness, this soap bar also effectively exfoliates and cleanses skin to prevent fungal infections.
Bella Pelle Tea Tree Bar Soap, P195
Enriched with tea tree extract, this has natural antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-viral properties. It’s safe to use on the face and all over the body.
Sun Allergy or Photosensitivity
For some, exposure to sunlight triggers allergic reactions, resulting in redness, itching, and rashes like polymorphic light eruption (PLE). Filipinos with fairer skin or certain medical conditions may be more susceptible.
Prevention and treatment: Shield skin with broad-spectrum sunscreen and protective clothing. Antihistamines can alleviate itching, while corticosteroid creams soothe inflammation. Consult a dermatologist for personalized management strategies.
Try: Mesoestetic Sun Protective Repairing Stick, P2,000
A precise sunscreen stick designed for sensitive areas, this provides high sun protection (SPF 50+) and contains rosehip seed oil to boost skin regeneration and healing. You can use it on the eye contour, lips, as well as on scars and spots.
For customized skin and hair care recommendations, you can book a virtual or face-to-face dermatological consultation with Dr. Maximin Navarro, our resident dermatologist, and a Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) fellow, here. You can also inquire at the Bella Pelle Skin Solutions Center via (+63) 999-887-1944. View the full menu of services and treatments here.
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SHOP OTHER PRODUCTS:
 Heliocare 360 Water Gel, P2,120 |
 Ivatherm Ivapur Purifying Cleansing Gel, P1,300 |
 Biretix Tri-Active Spray, P1,850 |
 Aknicare Body Spray (Chest & Back), P2,380 |
