Be it because of the humidity, the dryness, or the pollution, managing acne in Pakistan can feel like a never-ending battle. Are you sick of Pakistan’s aggravating climate wreaking havoc on your skin? Well, we are here to help you tackle your acne problem head-on, with the most essential and practical strategies, useful even in such a challenging climate.
Understanding the Climate
Acne is undoubtedly an extremely common problem anywhere but Pakistan’s diverse climate does not particularly help with the clogged pores, excess bacteria, inflammation, and oil production. Coastal areas like Karachi experience extreme humidity for most of the year which can make the skin oilier and clog pores faster. On the other hand, the desert regions of Sindh and Balochistan are extremely dry and arid and can result in dehydrated skin. Cities like Islamabad and Quetta face dry air and dusty winds, leading to skin irritation and inflammation.
Overall, Pakistan’s climate differs in every area, mainly characterised by extreme seasons with scorching summers and cold winters. To make matters worse, the extreme urban pollution does not help, aggravating skin sensitivity– particularly acne. The solution is a tailored skincare approach that fits both your skin type and the climate you’re living in.
Top Tips
1. Cleanse Your Skin
Cleansing is your first line of defence against acne since your sebaceous glands are active all day. Properly cleansing your skin with the right products will ensure the removal of dirt, sweat, and excess oil without over-drying your skin. Wash your face twice a day, especially after sweating, to prevent acne caused by clogged pores.
The facewash you choose should suit your skin type, since oily, dry, and combination skin have different needs. Head over to our in-depth guide to personalised skin care to figure out your skin type, but in the meanwhile, for a face wash recommendation, the dermatologist-recommended Clariderm Face Wash is perfect for all skin types. It cleanses the skin, removes dead cells and tackles blackheads, pimples, and impurities, all while keeping redness and shine at bay.
2. Hydrate Inside Out
A common belief is that oily or acne-prone skin doesn’t need hydration because doing so will result in further production of oil. However, that is very far from the truth. Skipping moisturiser can make your skin overcompensate for the dryness by producing more oil, worsening acne problems. So no matter what climate you experience, a moisturiser is a must!
The best pick would be a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser with hyaluronic acid such as the Hydra FX Moisturizing Cream. However, for those in a humid area that believe that a cream gives your skin a greasy feel, the Hydra FX Moisturizing Serum also provides excellent moisturising effects, or you may even opt for a gel-based moisturiser.
Your skin does need topical hydration, but dehydration from a lack of water in the body can also make your skin produce more oil to compensate, leading to clogged pores and acne. So always keep a water bottle handy, especially during Pakistan’s sweltering summers. A pro tip– you could even add lemon or cucumber slices to your water for a refreshing detox!
3. Eat Clean
We have discussed the need to hydrate your body by drinking water, but what about overall diet? Your diet plays a very important role in managing acne problems. Foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats can trigger breakouts, while certain, healthy foods can help improve skin health.
The baseline is to limit sugary sodas, fried snacks, and heavily processed foods. Alongside, you must include foods rich in vitamins, especially vitamin A, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach, in order to help regulate oil production. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds should be consumed for their anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, foods high in zinc, such as nuts, seeds, and lentils, generally help control acne.
So, by making smarter food choices, you can nourish your skin from within to manage acne naturally at home.
4. Don’t Forget The Sunscreen
Sunscreen is truly your skin’s best friend. While some people worry that sunscreen is an unnecessary step or that it might cause breakouts, skipping it is actually the worst thing you can do, especially, in a harsh and hot climate like Pakistan where sun exposure is high for most of the year. Sun damage can make acne scars darker and irritate sensitive skin, resulting in breakouts.
Although finding a broad-spectrum product that provides protection and is also tailored to your skin type can feel like a challenge, we are here to help. Those in humid areas like Karachi should choose a sunscreen labelled "non-comedogenic" and "oil-free” to avoid clogged pores and reduce shine. For those living in drier areas and for those with dry skin, choose from sunscreens that have hydrating ingredients which offer moisture along with UV protection.
In Pakistan, Rederm’s Solero Sunblock range offers one of the best medicated sunblocks, especially since it is formulated to work in Pakistani climate for Pakistani skin. It is dermatologist approved to work for all skin types, be it dry, or oily- and it even offers a special Sebum Control Sunblock if you need help with excess oil production.
5. Stress Less, Sleep More
Stress is a major trigger for acne because it increases the production of hormones that result in oil production. Combine this with a lack of sleep and your skin is bound to suffer.
Try meditation, yoga, or a daily walk to clear your mind and aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your skin the opportunity to repair itself.
6. Keep Your Hands Off
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to manage acne is to avoid touching your face. Your hands come into contact with countless surfaces throughout the day, picking up bacteria, dirt, and oil. Touching your face transfers these impurities to your skin, clogging pores and worsening breakouts.
Be mindful of habits like resting your chin on your hands or picking at pimples because these small changes can make a big difference in keeping your skin clear!
7. Tips For Men
Although all the above tips work for men and women both, acne is not usually taken seriously as a common concern for men. In fact, factors like shaving, sweat, and not following a proper skincare routine can aggravate acne problems in men. So follow the tips laid out in this blog, and here is also a shaving tip: always use a sharp razor and shaving cream for sensitive skin to avoid irritation.
8. Consult a Dermatologist
Sometimes, managing acne at home is not enough. If your acne persists or worsens, consult a dermatologist because they can provide appropriate treatment and address any underlying issues. They might suggest topical treatments to reduce inflammation and bacteria, oral medications for hormonal therapy or for severe cases, or might suggest investing in chemical peels or laser therapy to tackle stubborn acne scars.
You know your body best, so if you feel the above tips are not helping, follow this tip and consult the professionals to provide a more tailored solution.
Wrapping Up!
Managing acne in Pakistan’s climate can feel challenging, but it is not impossible. With the right combination of skincare, a healthy diet, and selfcare, you can keep breakouts at minimum. Whether you’re looking to manage acne at home naturally, or to incorporate new skincare products into your routine, these tips will have your skin looking clearer and healthier in no time.
So, head over to https://redermaesthetics.com/ to explore your product options, try out these tips, and allow your skin to be at its best– no matter the weather!
