Skin care
Hazy days, sensitive skin? Keep it gentle
How to protect your skin barrier when Singapore's haze season comes around.
When the haze rolls in, many of us notice our skin feeling tighter, more sensitive or more prone to breakouts. Fine particles in hazy air, combined with heat and humidity, can stress the skin barrier, the outer layer that keeps moisture in and irritants out.
In Singapore, haze episodes most often occur during the Southwest Monsoon, roughly between June and October. On those days, a simpler, gentler routine is usually kinder to your skin.
Five gentle habits for hazy days
- Cleanse thoroughly, but gently. Wash your face morning and evening with a mild, non-stripping cleanser to lift away particles and sunscreen, without over-scrubbing.
- Pare back strong actives. If your skin stings or feels tight, pause harsh exfoliants and strong retinoids for a few days and let it settle.
- Moisturise to support the barrier. Look for soothing, barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin and panthenol.
- Keep wearing sunscreen. UV still reaches your skin on hazy and overcast days, so a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen remains essential.
- Look after yourself indoors. Stay hydrated, keep windows closed when the air quality is poor, and consider an air purifier if you are sensitive.
When to see a doctor
If redness, stinging, itching or breakouts persist or worsen, or if a condition such as eczema, rosacea or acne is flaring, it is worth having your skin assessed. A calming, barrier-focused plan can help your skin recover before anything more active is considered.
In clinicOur barrier-care facial and gentle skin boosters can support sensitised skin. We always assess first, and keep things simple.
