Hot weather = flaky skin? Not anymore with these steps

From cleansing to protecting, follow this simple skincare guide to treat your flaky skin and get your glow back.

By Aaron Kok - 7 May 2024

Share this article

Unless you've been living in a basement in 24/7 air conditioning (holler if you have space for roomies, btw), you'd know that Singapore is in the thick of a massive heatwave. The weatherman has said outdoor temps can feel like 41 degrees (ouchie) and even the health authorities are getting in on the skincare game by issuing an advisory on wearing sunscreen when leaving your house.

For this writer, one more issue has been plaguing me since the start of the heatwave: the return of my flaky skin.

It's not a big deal, per se. But it's an annoying one. Who wants to show up in the office or at a lunch with clients with little flakes of skin hanging from your nose?

Admittedly, whilst I am steadfast in my skincare, I've lightened it up considerably to mitigate my hyperactive oily skin that came the oft high-humidity and rainy weather that preceded this heatwave. So when we entered late February and the slew of sun-battered days, my skin was not adapting well.

Lucky for you, I found the tweaks that needed to be made to deal with flaky skin. Three weeks into this heatwave and my skin still holds up even after a long day outdoors. So with that, here's your roadmap to getting your skin back to its glowing self in spite of the dry, hot weather outside.

Double cleanse your skin

1/8

In the throes of a sleepy morning, it's so tempting and easy to skip over the second cleansing step and just go for a regular face wash. Double cleansing your skin ensures that your skin is free of oil and skin debris that may build up at night. If a cleansing oil is not something you prefer, go with a micellar water cleanser that's gentle on skin.

Bifesta micellar cleansing water moist (400ml), $18.20, Watsons

shop now

Exfoliate regularly

2/8

If you already have flaky skin, working in a gentle exfoliation step is important so that it removes the existing dead skin and aids your skin to regenerate itself. Fresh' Sugar Face Polish contains strawberry seeds that are fine enough to do the work without setting off your sensitivities or redness.

Fresh sugar face polish, $99, Sephora

shop now

Nourish your skin with a mask

3/8

Speaking of regeneration, follow your exfoliation with a face mask that will flood your skin with the hydration it needs. The Sublimage Masque from Chanel is infused with Madagascan vanilla planifolia extracts and camellia seed oil amongst other actives to leave your skin feeling softer, radiant and hydrated.

Sublimage masque, $293, Chanel

shop now

Do a mini massage with a hydrating serum

4/8

Once your face mask is rinsed off, follow with a hydrating serum. The Parsley Seed Intense Serum is a good bet for those who have sensitive and dry skin. On top of hydrating your mien, it also leaves behind a porous layer of protection to guard against environmental pollutants and does it with a matte finish (so you don't get shiny by midday).

Work it into your skin with a rolling device to ensure optimal absorption.

Parsley seed anti-oxidant intense serum, $123, Aesop

shop now

Skip the foundation and use a tinted moisturiser

5/8

Perhaps you want some coverage so you're not completely bare-faced when you leave your house. Where foundations can appear cakey as your skin gets drier and flakier, try a tinted moisturiser that pulls double-duty by leaving you with a light layer of coverage and moisturising your skin.

Pure radiant tinted moisturiser SPF30/PA+++, $74, NARS

shop now

Don't forget the SPF

6/8

The importance of sunscreen cannot be overstated especially when it's a billion degrees outside, so remember to apply your sunscreen multiple times in a day. Sulwhasoo's UV Wise Brightening Multi Protector offers low-irritation protection from the sun and cools the skin down during heat exposure.

UV Wise Brightening Multi Protector SPF50/PA++++, $11o, Sulwhasoo

shop now

Carry a face mist with you all the time

7/8

Refresh your skin with a cooling mist in a handy little bottle. There are a wide variety of face mists available on the market, but one that I love is the Moisture Surge Face Spray from Clinique, because it's able to deliver a rapid dose of moisture and hydration to rebalance my skin.

Clinique Moisture surge face spray thirsty skin relief (30ml), $18, Sephora

shop now

Use lukewarm water

Credit: Pexels

8/8

Lastly, in all of your skincare steps, avoid the use of hot water. Yes, this includes bath time too.

While hot water feels great after a long day, it can strip the skin of essential oils that leave it drier and more prone to flakiness. What this writer does is wash the face last, so you still get to enjoy the therapy of a hot shower. When it comes to face wash, turn the heat down to a lukewarm temperature for the last part of your bath time.