19-05-2025
5 tips to build a climate-smart skincare routine
South African skin experts are warning that shifting weather patterns and mounting environmental stressors are taking a real-time toll on our skin health. In cities like Johannesburg, where hot days suddenly turn into thunderstorms and humidity can spike without warning, the skin's natural balance is struggling to keep up. That unpredictability is driving a rise in breakouts, inflammation and sensitivity, even in people who have never had reactive skin before.
How to build a climate-smart skincare routine
To support skin resilience in the face of environmental pressure, you just need to update your skincare routine and include the correct products and ingredients to be in line with your surroundings. Start with these five tips from Lamelle Research Laboratories:
A barrier-supporting serum:
Opt for a serum that contains niacinamide and ceramides, as these help strengthen the skin's outermost layer to protect against water loss, while keeping irritants like pollution particles out. Double cleansing:
This is a must during humid or high-pollution days. An oil-based cleanser helps to lift sunscreen, sweat and excess oil. Following with a gentle gel or cream cleanser ensures that all debris is removed without stripping the skin's natural oils. It's especially useful for anyone who lives or works in areas with high traffic pollution or inconsistent temperatures. An antioxidant mist or serum:
Ingredients like vitamin C or green tea extract help neutralise the free radicals caused by sun exposure and air pollution. These mists don't just refresh your skin they provide ongoing defence, especially when reapplied during long hours outdoors or in an air-conditioned office. Antioxidants work by neutralising free radicals before they can damage collagen, trigger pigmentation, or cause inflammation. Product tip: We love the Skin Essence range by Lamelle Research Laboratories. Packed with powerful antioxidants, it provides an additional layer of protection for skin exposed to the pressures of urban living. Sunscreen:
And yes, sunscreen is still non-negotiable. Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic (pore clogging) formula with broad-spectrum protection. Invest in a humidifier:
Indoor environments can also contribute to dehydration. Air conditioners and heaters dry out the air, pulling moisture from your skin. A humidifier can help regulate indoor humidity and support a healthy skin barrier. This is particularly important if you live in a place like Johannesburg, as the mornings are now colder, yet the afternoons are often warm which can be confusing for your skin, causing it to overcompensate.
For more on beauty, visit Get It Magazine.
