4 MOST COMMON SKIN PROBLEMS THAT SINGAPORE WOMEN FACE
The heat and humidity of Singapore is something we are all familiar with. Although it may seem like hot girl summer lasts forever in Singapore because of this very reason, the reality is far more saddening and comes with its fair share of consequences.
The amount of heat and sun exposure our skin receives in this tropical country is a lot, and this definitely affects our skin negatively. This leads to excessive skin damage and problems in almost all of us. In this article, we explore the most commonly occurring skin issues, noticed in the women of Singapore, as well as simple ways to prevent/cure them.
RASH
The first most common issue would be rashes. Rashes are something that occur in both men and women of all ages. Due to the climate conditions in Singapore, the most frequently observed type of rash is what is known as sweat rash, or prickly heat. Prickly heat occurs when the ducts in our sweat glands get blocked, resulting in the sweat produced being trapped in the skin and unable to escape. The trapped sweat then leads to itchy and inflamed skin with reddish bumps on the surface, which we call a rash. This can also develop under folds of the skin where sweat could get trapped.
A sweat rash also tends to worsen due to our habits and practices as well. Wearing clothes made of synthetic or non-breathable materials can aggravate the rashes as it further traps the sweat responsible for your rashes, or even causes friction on the infected skin. Cosmetic products used, including creams, lotions, make up, etc., can also further worsen your rash situation.
It is imperative to be aware of your body and take adequate actions to prevent or cure conditions such as this before it is too late. In extreme cases of rashes, the simple sweat rash could worsen to become fungal infections that can damage the skin. Hence, it is always advisable to wear breathable clothes and cleanse your body well with mild soaps after excessive sweating. Avoiding cosmetic irritants and showering with cold water can also help control your sweat-related rash. Over-the-counter medication or other home remedies can also greatly help your case. If you experience a more severe rash, it is advisable to consult a doctor to receive prescribed medication that can help your case.
DEHYDRATED SKIN
Dehydrated skin is often confused with dry skin. However, these two terms cannot be used interchangeably as they entail two very different conditions. Dry skin refers to skin that does not naturally produce oils, whereas dehydrated skin refers to one that lacks water content and hydration. Although the feeling may be similar in both cases, it is imperative to identify the problem accurately and treat them respectively.
Dehydrated skin can occur due to various reasons, including poor lifestyle and diet choices, medications, as well as environmental factors. Singapore’s humidity and heat, hence, plays a huge part in the dehydration of our skin. Regardless of whether you have naturally dry or oily or combination skin, you could be prone to dehydration if your skin is not properly cared for.
A major step you can take to avoid dehydrated skin, is to increase your daily water intake. By incorporating more foods with essential fatty acids into your diet, such as eggs, avocado, nuts, etc., you can greatly and positively affect your skin’s hydration. As for external solutions, it is always best to incorporate humectants such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, etc., into your beauty routine as it helps trap water in your skin, leading to lesser chances of dehydration.
You can also opt for facial treatments, such as HydraFacial offered here at NeuGlow, that are specifically designed to help restore your skin’s hydration while also giving you a younger, more refreshed appearance. Before you opt for any of these remedies, however, it would be advisable to consult a dermatologist/aesthetician to determine whether your skin is dehydrated or simply just dry.
ACNE
We are all familiar with the term ‘acne’. Simply put, it is a skin condition wherein the pores of the skin or hair follicles get clogged with dirt, oil or dead cells, resulting in raised bumps or pimples on the skin. Acne can develop anywhere on body, but frequently occurs on the face, neck, chest and back.
Living through Singapore’s hot and humid days, hence, do not bode well with those who are prone to pimple formation or acne. The humidity in the air can cause excessive sweating that leads to dust and bacteria getting trapped in the skin pores, and the heat causes excessive oil production that clogs pores as well. Regardless of whether you experience occasional pimples, or severe acne, it is imperative to observe and take care of your breakouts early on so as to prevent scarring and/or lighten existing ones. There are various treatment methods and tips out there that one can follow to help their acne.
Due to the climate conditions in Singapore, it is always advisable to showering with cold water and antibacterial washes in order to clear the skin of sweat and germs. Avoiding creams and other cosmetic products that are comedogenic (pore blocking) can also greatly improve your acne situation. Other influencing factors you can deal with to reduce your chances of acne could include dirty makeup brushes, unchanged pillow sheets, certain hair products, etc. You can also opt for aesthetic acne treatments, such as the ones offered at NeuGlow, that are specifically designed to target the root cause of your acne and provide you with a fresher, more rejuvenated appearance.
SKIN PIGMENTATION
Excessive sun exposure can give way to various skin problems, and uneven pigmentation or dark spots are one of the most commonly experienced ones in many. Especially for Asian skin, if it’s not well protected, it could be prone to visible pigmentation and spot formation, as well as significant sun damage.
Uneven pigmentation and/or dark spots occur when sunlight directly hits the skin, resulting in the overproduction of melanin by the cells. Since melanin is what contributes to skin complexion, the overproduction of it causes the skin to become darker that it naturally is, hence giving way to uneven pigmentation, as well as dark spots, on the face and/or body.
There are various ways you could reduce the chances of skin pigmentation. The most important step you can take, is to incorporate sunscreens into your daily routine. Along with this, you can also choose to wear hats, sun sleeves, and other covered clothing that can help protect the skin from excessive sun exposure.
A simple Google search can also give you several DIY solutions you can incorporate into your life, such as aloe vera face masks, etc. You may also opt for our various facial and bodily treatments here at NeuGlow, such as HydraFacial, OxyGeneo facial, etc., that are designed to target skin pigmentation at its root cause and provide you with a more refreshed and rejuvenated appearance.
