Dry skin can feel like a persistent challenge, especially in climates like the Philippines where high humidity is the norm. While humidity might seem to promise natural hydration, it often leads to an imbalance in your skin’s moisture levels, leaving those with dry skin struggling to find relief. But don’t worry—clean skincare tailored to these unique conditions can help you achieve hydrated, radiant skin.
What Is Dry Skin?
Dry skin is a common skin type characterized by a lack of moisture in the epidermis, the outermost layer of your skin. It often feels tight, rough, or even flaky and can look dull. Unlike dehydrated skin, which is a temporary lack of water, dry skin is typically a skin type that requires consistent care to maintain balance.
Signs of Dry Skin:
- Flaking or peeling
- Redness or irritation
- A feeling of tightness, especially after cleansing
- Visible fine lines or cracks
- Itchy or rough patches
What Causes Dry Skin?
Dry skin arises from various factors, often influenced by a mix of genetics and external conditions. Some people are naturally predisposed to dry skin due to their genetic makeup, which determines their skin’s ability to retain moisture. Additionally, age plays a significant role—our skin produces less oil as we grow older, leading to dryness and an increased likelihood of fine lines and dullness.
Environmental factors also heavily impact skin hydration. Cold weather, low humidity, and harsh winds can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it feeling tight and flaky. Interestingly, even high humidity, common in tropical climates, can disrupt the skin barrier, causing unexpected dryness. Overwashing or using harsh soaps exacerbates the problem, as they remove the skin’s essential protective oils.
Certain medical conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, can intensify dryness by impairing the skin’s barrier function. These conditions make it difficult for the skin to retain moisture, leaving it more susceptible to irritation and inflammation. Understanding these causes helps in crafting an effective skincare routine tailored to restore moisture and maintain healthy skin.
Why Clean Skincare for Dry Skin in High Humidity Is Essential for Filipinos
The Philippines’ tropical climate can create a tricky paradox for people with dry skin. While the air’s moisture might seem beneficial, the combination of sweat, pollution, and humidity can compromise the skin barrier, making it harder for the skin to retain water.
Clean skincare is ideal for dry skin because it prioritizes gentle formulas free from harsh chemicals. Traditional skincare products often contain ingredients like synthetic fragrances or alcohols, which can strip the skin of its natural oils and exacerbate dryness. Clean skincare products use natural, soothing alternatives that hydrate and nourish sensitive skin without irritation, making them especially effective for maintaining a healthy complexion.
Another key benefit of clean skincare is its focus on barrier support. Ingredients like natural oils, ceramides, and humectants work to reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier, preventing water loss and enhancing hydration. This barrier repair is vital for dry skin, particularly in challenging climates like the Philippines, where high humidity can paradoxically weaken the skin's defenses.
Clean skincare is also designed to work seamlessly in humid environments. Lightweight and breathable textures ensure the skin stays hydrated without feeling greasy or clogged. Additionally, these formulations often promote a balanced skin microbiome—a crucial factor in maintaining a strong barrier and preventing dryness. Together, these qualities make clean skincare the best choice for restoring and protecting dry skin.
The Ultimate Skincare Routine for Dry Skin in High Humidity
Step 1: Hydrate and Prep with Bulgarian Rose Everything Elixir
This luxurious elixir is your ultimate skin-prep companion. Infused with Bulgarian rose extract, bisabolol and BHT-free retinol, it provides deep hydration while calming redness and irritation—two common issues for dry skin in high humidity.
Why It Works: Bulgarian rose is a powerhouse for moisture retention and soothing sensitivity in dry skin.
How to Use: After cleansing, apply a few drops to your palms and gently press onto your face. Allow it to absorb before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Seal in Moisture with Dream Drops Universal Hydro-Oil
Lock in hydration with this versatile hydro-oil. Dream Drops is packed with nourishing oils like jojoba and antioxidants like resveratrol, it ensures long-lasting softness and hydration for dry skin.
Why It Works: The oil’s lightweight texture won’t feel heavy in humid conditions, but it’s rich enough to replenish dry, thirsty skin.
How to Use: After applying the elixir, massage 2–3 drops onto your skin, focusing on drier areas like the cheeks and forehead.
Step 3: Blur Imperfections with Velvet Veil Moisturizing Matte Face Oil
Complete your skincare ritual with Velvet Veil, the perfect solution for achieving a smooth, matte complexion. Formulated with a blend of high-performance oils and extracts, it delivers hydration while visibly blurring imperfections, leaving your skin soft and camera-ready.
Why It Works: Velvet Veil’s unique moisturizing yet mattifying formula is ideal for high-humidity environments, keeping shine at bay while enhancing your skin’s natural glow.
How to Use: After sealing in hydration with Dream Drops, apply 1–2 drops of Velvet Veil to your face. Gently pat and blend evenly, focusing on areas prone to shine or where you want a perfected finish.
Step 4: Protect with Dream Shield Universal Day Cream SPF 50
No routine is complete without sun protection. Dream Shield is a lightweight day cream that combines hydration with SPF 50, shielding your skin from UV damage while keeping it soft and supple. Perfect for all skin types, including dry skin.
Why It Works: High SPF is critical for preventing dryness caused by sun exposure, and the cream’s non-greasy formula is ideal for humid days.
How to Use: Apply generously to your face and neck as the final step in your morning routine. Reapply as needed throughout the day.
Additional Tips for Managing Dry Skin in Humid Climates
Keeping your skin hydrated goes beyond applying moisturizers—staying hydrated from within is equally essential. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain your skin’s natural moisture levels. Pair this with the use of a gentle, non-stripping cleanser to avoid washing away your skin’s protective oils, which are crucial for keeping dryness at bay. Additionally, stick to lukewarm showers, as hot water can further deplete your skin's moisture and exacerbate dryness.
To counter environmental factors, consider investing in a humidifier, especially if you spend long hours in air-conditioned spaces. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, helping to prevent your skin from drying out. Also, practice mindful exfoliation—limit it to once or twice a week to avoid over-stripping your skin and compromising its barrier. Together, these habits create a solid foundation for keeping dry skin healthy and balanced.
The Bottom Line
Dry skin can be challenging to manage, especially in a humid climate like the Philippines. However, with a targeted, clean skincare routine and the right products, you can achieve smooth, hydrated, and radiant skin.
Pure Culture’s Bulgarian Rose and Universal collections are tailored to meet the unique needs of dry skin in high humidity. By combining hydration, nourishment, and protection, this routine ensures your skin stays healthy and glowing all year round.
Start your journey to #WildSexySkin today—because your skin deserves the best care, no matter the weather. If you need assistance with your routine, visit us at SM North Edsa, 2F Main Hall across Max’s, and our beauty advisor will attend to your needs. You may also send us a message on Facebook or Instagram.