Common Skin Issues in Singapore — and How to Fix Them

Skincare Guide

Common Skin Issues in Singapore —
and How to Fix Them

Understand how Singapore’s humidity and heat can affect skin —
and what you can do today to start seeing results with your skincare.

Issue 01

Enlarged Pores

Contrary to popular belief, pores cannot permanently shrink, and are largely determined by genetics. However, they can appear larger in a climate like Singapore

What causes it?

Your skin produces more oil, and you'll also sweat more, in Singapore's climate. Hence, pores became enlarged when oil, sweat, and debris accumulate, stretching the pore opening.

Why should you care?

This can escalate to blackheads and acne. While you cannot permanently shrink pores, keeping them clear with proper skincare can minimize their appearance and improve overall skin texture.

Issue 02

Acne Breakouts

Presenting as pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, or sometimes painful cystic bumps, acne not only affects quality of life, but also self-esteem.

What causes it?

Singapore's heat and humidity trigger excessive oil production. When this oil mixes with sweat and dead skin cells, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria that can trigger more breakouts.

Why should you care?

Beyond the obvious discomfort, untreated acne can lead to scarring and dark spots (hyperpigmentation) that's difficult to reverse. The longer you ignore it, the harder (and more expensive) it becomes to treat.

did you know

Singapore has one of the highest rates of acne (as a percentage of our population), due to our tricky climate.

Issue 03

Eczema

Characterised by flakiness, itching, redness, eczema can negatively affect quality of life, and self-esteem.

What causes it?

The heat and humidity in Singapore creates multiple triggers for eczema ー from, heat and sweat, to environmental byproducts like dust mites and mould.

Why should you care?

Not only is it painful and itchy, scratching damages the skin barrier further, creating a vicious cycle. Secondary bacterial infections can develop quickly in humid weather and can lead to further complications requiring medical intervention.

Did you know

Singapore has one of the highest rates of eczema (as a percentage of population), due to our tricky climate.

Issue 04

Wrinkles

Wrinkles form as collagen and elastin decrease with age, but premature aging is accelerated by sun damage (photoaging accounts for 80% of visible aging).

What causes it?

Year-round intense UV that generates free radicals that breaks down collagen and elastin. Furthermore, heat increases inflammation, impairing skin's repair mechanisms.

Why should you care?

Once damage is done, it is very hard to expect results just from topical products. Effective treatment typically entails in-clinic procedures which can be painful and costly.

Issue 05

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation occurs when skin overproduces melanin in localized areas, creating dark spots that are extremely difficult to fade.

What causes it?

Singapore's constant UV radiation triggers excess melanin production daily, UVA rays penetrate indoors/through clouds, and the combination of heat-induced inflammation plus UV intensifies pigmentation—especially post-acne marks.

Why should you care?

Once damage is done, it is very hard to expect results just from topical products. Effective treatment typically entails in-clinic procedures which can be painful and costly.

Mistakes 01

Over Moisturising

Too much moisture can actually damage skin barrier and disrupt skin's microbiome
Products that promise the 'glass' or 'glow' skin effect may actually turn skin into a breeding ground for bacteria growth
Products designed for cold, dry climates can also trap heat and sweat, clogging pores

Mistakes 02

Not Cleansing

Letting sweat, grime, and residual skincare and makeup products sit on skin can lead to bacteria growth, clogged pores, and flareups

Mistakes 03

Skipping Sunscreen

Sun damage is the number one cause of wrinkles, dark spots, and skin cancer
And yes, UV rays can penetrate windows, causing damage even when you're indoors

Mistakes 04

Under-applying Sunscreen

You need at least 2 finger lengths worth of product to get the stated SPF protection
Stick and spray on sunscreens do not provide sufficient protection, and should not be the primary form of sun protection

Mistakes 05

Not Reapplying Sunscreen

Sweat, oil, and facial movement break down sunscreen, requiring reapplication every 2 hours when outdoors

Mistakes 06

Over Exfoliating

Whilst more people are using exfoliants to reduce oiliness, minimise appearance of pores, reduce acne, overdoing it can actually damage the skin barrier, causing increased sensitivity, and more frequent flareups

Suggestions 01

Cleanse Well

Removes oil, sweat, and debris that clog pores—cleanse twice daily with gentle, pH-balanced cleansers
Whereby possible, cleanse after workouts to prevent bacteria from multiplying on your skin
At night, consider double-cleansing to remove traces of sunscreen and makeup thoroughly

Sunscreen Up

Prevents premature wrinkles and hyperpigmentation (photoaging causes 80% of visible aging)
UVA rays penetrate windows causing damage indoors—wear sunscreen rain or shine, inside or outside
Use at least 2 finger-lengths of product for your face to get full SPF protection
Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors or sweating—sweat and oil break down sunscreen
Apply minimum SPF 30 daily

Exfoliate Occassionally

Unclogs pores by removing dead skin buildup
Helps fade hyperpigmentation when paired with daily SPF
Avoid harsh physical scrubs that cause micro-tears in the skin (use chemical exfoliants (BHA/AHA) instead)
Start slowly with once weekly and gradually increase if skin tolerates it (over-exfoliating damages skin barrier causing sensitivity and inflammation)
Do not use with retinol (or start slow) as it could damage the skin barrier and lead to more sensitivity

Suggestions 04

Use Lightweight Formulas

Heavy creams trap heat and sweat in humidity, clogging pores and causing breakouts—choose gel or water-based moisturizers instead
Occlusive products create breeding grounds for bacteria that worsen acne and eczema
Use products with humectants like ectoin that both hydrates, and provides barrier repair to the skin
Avoid products marketed for "glass skin" or "glow"—they're often too occlusive for tropical climates

Avoid Sensitizing Ingredients

Fragrance and essential oils may cause inflammation, especially problematic for acne and eczema-prone skin
High alcohol content may cause skin to be dehydrated and sensitive
Some people react to chemical sunscreen filters (oxybenzone, octinoxate)—try mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide if chemical sunscreens do not work

Suggestions 06

See a Dermatologist

Topical products you can get over the counter may not be enough for moderate to severe acne and eczema
For persistent symptoms that affect quality of life, discuss treatment options with a certified dermatologist
Established wrinkles and stubborn hyperpigmentation rarely respond to topical products alone—professional procedures like lasers, peels, or injectables deliver faster results