Cruel Summer

We ask two skincare experts for their advice on tackling the unique challenges faced by our skin during extreme heat and humidity

- Coco Marett

Much of Asia may be hot and humid year-round, but “summertime” just hits different—perhaps because we take time off from work and out of air-conditioned spaces, but many of us seem to experience some form of seasonal amnesia, and experience a shock to the system (and specifically, our skin) when we’re faced with that brutal combination of heat, humidity and pollution.

As the beauty industry continues to move away from a one-formula-fits-all approach, more skincare brands are paying attention to the unique concerns not just of different skin types, but different environments.

“Everyone’s skin is unique, which requires an attentive and customised approach to meet its needs so it can thrive,” says Christal Leung, founder of Hong Kong-based vegan skincare brand Skin Need. “With a changeable climate of high humidity and air pollution one minute and cool, dry air-conditioning the next, our skincare routine must be able to evolve based on these changing factors.”

In 2019, Dr Barbara Sturm, the German aesthetics doctor and founder of her eponymous skincare brand—a cult favourite among celebrities and It Girls around the world—extended her range of nontoxic serums and creams to include formulations designed especially for Asian skin, and the unique challenges of pollution and humidity.

Determined not to spend another summer with shiny skin, we asked Leung and Sturm for their advice on keeping skin hydrated, protected and grease-free.

HERE COMES THE SUN