Taking that leap to relocate from the U.S. to the Philippines is an adventure with new places to explore, a vibrant culture to embrace, and, of course, the thrill and challenge of adjusting to a completely different environment. If you have sensitive skin or existing skin conditions you constantly have to deal with, the climate shift can throw your skincare routine into chaos almost immediately. Your go-to products are no longer as effective, or they no longer fit your new lifestyle. Humidity becomes your skin’s unwanted new best friend, pushing you to make acquaintance with local ingredients quickly.

Being healthy will be key for making the transition to your new environment. For this article, we will focus on skincare. As the biggest organ in your body and one of the first to show signs of distress, your skin requires special attention. Maintaining healthy skin will not only help you feel comfortable but also contribute to making a good and lasting first impression as you build new relationships and start a new home away from home.

Common Skin Problems When Moving to a Hot and Humid Climate

Relocating from a temperate climate to a tropical one means your skin will likely react to the sudden increase in heat and humidity. For those with normal to oily combination skin, here are some common issues you may face:

1. Excess Oil Production & Breakouts – The intense humidity stimulates sebum production, often leading to clogged pores and acne breakouts. Your once-reliable mattifying products may no longer be effective.

2. Heat Rashes & Irritation – Sweat buildup combined with bacteria can cause heat rashes, redness, and itchy skin, especially in areas where clothing creates friction.

3. Sun Sensitivity & Hyperpigmentation – The sun’s intensity in the Philippines is stronger than in most temperate regions. Prolonged exposure can lead to sunburn, increased sensitivity, and worsening hyperpigmentation or melasma.

4. Dehydration & Moisture Imbalance – While the air is humid, it doesn’t necessarily mean your skin is well-hydrated. Excess sweating can cause a loss of essential hydration, leading to dull and tired-looking skin.

5. Increased Sensitivity to New Ingredients – Skincare formulations differ across regions, and switching to locally available products may introduce unfamiliar ingredients that your skin may initially react to.

To keep your skin happy, healthy, and glowing despite the drastic climate change, it’s important to adjust your routine. In the next section, we’ll dive into what products to swap out, why certain ingredients became our holy grail (or a total disaster), and the best ways to maintain balanced skin in the tropical heat.

If you’re navigating this big move, consider this your survival guide to thriving in the Philippines’ warm and humid environment!

Moving to the Philippines?

About the image : A tube of skincare on a block of marble surrounded by leaves from tropical plants like Monstera and ferns.

Swapping Fall-Winter Skincare Faves to Tropical Must-Haves

1. The Tropical Climate's Impact on Skin

Moving to the Philippines means adapting to a hot, humid, and tropical climate year-round, a stark contrast to the varying seasons in the U.S. If you’re used to the cooler, drier air of autumn and winter, your skin will likely react to the shift in environment. The higher humidity can cause increased sweating, excess oil production, clogged pores, and breakouts, especially if you continue using heavy, occlusive moisturizers or thick creams designed for colder weather.

Even if you have normal to oily combination skin, like mine, the constant exposure to heat and humidity can lead to a more oily complexion, making lightweight, breathable skincare a must. On the flip side, air conditioning indoors can still create dryness, especially on areas like the cheeks, hands, and feet, requiring targeted hydration.

Additionally, stronger UV exposure is a major factor to consider. The Philippines is close to the equator, meaning intense sun exposure year-round, so broad-spectrum sunscreen becomes even more critical—not just for preventing sunburn, but also for protecting against premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and sun-induced skin issues.

• Double cleanse at night to remove sweat, oil, and environmental pollutants.

• Use lightweight, non-comedogenic skincare. Choose gels instead of thick creams and water-based products to avoid clogged pores.

• Use blotting papers and setting powders to manage shine throughout the day.

• Incorporate oil-controlling products like mattifying powders, blotting papers.

2. Hydrate from the Inside Out

Stay hydrated, internally and externally, to maintain skin balance in alternating hot outdoor air and indoor AC environments.

I brought with me from the U.S. my family’s collection of Takeya, Hydro Flask, Contigo, and Stanley travel mugs and water bottles. We've always made it a habit to carry one wherever we go, but staying hydrated became even more crucial in the sweltering, humid heat of the Philippines. Proper hydration isn’t just about quenching thirst—it plays a vital role in maintaining healthy, glowing skin, especially in tropical climates where excessive sweating can lead to dehydration and dull, dry skin. Drinking enough water helps replenish lost fluids, flush out toxins, and keep the skin supple despite the relentless heat.

However, I've had to deal with the smaller cup holders of local vehicles sold here in the Philippines. Even our Chevy couldn’t fit a 16oz Contigo Ashland upright, let alone a 32oz bottle.

No need to pack bulky drinkware either. These popular brands are readily available at malls and online platforms like Shopee and Lazada, often at comparable prices.

3. Swapped Out Product Upon Arrival

What I did not anticipate was how quickly I would need to adjust my skincare routine. By Day 2, I was already at a mall shopping for allergy medicines and essentials for my daytime skincare routine.

I moved in the latter half of October, relying on my Fall-Winter favorites to keep my skin healthy and balanced. However, they proved ineffective in the Philippine climate. My CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser felt too heavy, so I quickly replaced it with the Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. Fortunately, I had used it before during a family vacation in Singapore, so I felt confident it would work well in the Philippines due to the similar climate.

For cleansing oils, I initially used the Pyungkang Yul Cleansing Oil I brought with me. It worked well at first, but after about three weeks, it started causing breakouts. When I had to stop using it, I switched to the Biore Perfect Oil Cleansing Makeup Remover, only to experience similar issues. It wasn’t until I tried the Apieu Deep Cleansing Oil that I finally found a formula that worked, adapting well to the changes my skin has gone through over the years.

Despite these adjustments, my nighttime routine remained mostly unchanged since I applied my serums indoors with the AC running constantly. I was relieved that I could continue using both my Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex and my Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule without issue until they both ran out.

4. Dead Skin Build Up

Both tropical and temperate climates experience natural skin cell shedding, but hot and humid tropical climates can lead to more buildup due to increased sweating and slower shedding. After a few weeks in the Philippines, I noticed dead skin accumulating despite showering twice daily.

The CosRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser I had been using in the US was readily available at local Philippine drugstores and malls, so I tried it on my body—and it worked like magic. To cover more surface area, I looked for a body wash version for better volume, but it wasn’t as effective. So, I went back to using the CosRX cleanser twice a week.

5. The Daytime Skincare Routine Change

The real challenge in my skincare journey was adjusting my daytime routine. Moving between the cool confines of home, malls, and cars to walking under the sun or sitting outdoors at a café, I could literally feel my skincare and makeup melting off my face.

To combat this, I streamlined my routine with multitasking products like sun serums, which not only simplify application but also help my skincare stay put throughout the day. Lately, I’ve been alternating between the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Moist Sun Serum, Commonlabs' Vitamin C Brightening Sun Serum. If I’m aiming for a matte look, BOJ is my go-to, whereas Commonlabs is my pick when I need extra hydration.

Given that the Philippines leans more toward Western beauty aesthetics, keeping shine at bay remains a priority.

6. Sunscreen as a Daily Essential

Coming from a state with daily cloud cover and relatively stable temperatures, I was already in the habit of wearing sunscreen year-round. Initially, I used Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen before transitioning to Korean skincare, a switch that happened quickly. By the time I relocated, I was already well-acquainted with Asian sunscreens.

For my normal-to-oily combination skin, I found a favorite in Biore UV Perfect Face Milk SPF50+ PA++++, which works best for me in this tropical climate. Other strong contenders include Dermaction Plus by Watsons Sun Solar Invisible Balm SPF50+ PA++++, MISSHA All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++, and ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Gel SPF50+ PA++++.

Although I tested a few popular sun sticks, I found myself rarely reaching for them. The Beauty of Joseon Sun Stick was convenient, but I personally prefer fluid sunscreens since they ensure an even and thorough application.

• Prioritize sunscreen with at least SPF 50 and reapply regularly due to high UV exposure.

• Reapply as often as needed, especially when outdoors and sweaty.

Earlier, I mentioned that my family had some skin sensitivities, which flared up a few weeks after our move. After seeing a dermatologist, we were advised to use Aveeno. No surprise there; however, I was shocked at the price. A 354 ml (about 11.97 US fl. oz) bottle of AVEENO Daily Moisturizing Lotion costs around PHP 1,040 (roughly USD 18). This is a stark contrast to U.S. pricing, making it a costly adjustment for those reliant on specific Western brands.

I personally rely on some Avene products due to my atopic dermatitis, and I’ve noticed that their pricing is more or less the same as in the U.S. If you are relocating while maintaining your level of income, the pricing difference may not matter much. However, if you switch occupations and are hired locally, your take-home pay may change, making it difficult to afford the same products you've used for years. Finding suitable replacements will take time. Consulting a dermatologist quickly helped address my issues and point me to the right product to use to get back to normal healthy skin.

A quick view of what was swapped out on the first week after arriving in the Philippines. These worked well together for me, delivering what my normal to oily combination skin needed ASAP.

For mobile devices, slide left to right to see the entire table.

Product-related posts coming soon!

7. Fragrance in Philippine Skincare

Most products by Philippine manufacturers are scented, and this was initially unsettling for my family. We are rare users of fragranced body or hair products, and some of us have skin and scent sensitivities. Even items marketed for sensitive skin often have floral, fruity, or powdery fragrances, which can be overwhelming if you're used to fragrance-free formulations.

Incorporating local products into my daily hair and body care routine has been a challenge. The strong artificial scents of many lotions, shampoos, and body washes have made it difficult to find options that work for me. The first deterrent to purchasing a product is the scent, followed by formulation and texture. Some products also contain alcohol or strong active ingredients that can be irritating.

I also prefer transparency when choosing skincare, so I rely on ingredient lists to determine if a product is worth trying. However, not all local brands list their full ingredients on the packaging, which makes decision-making frustrating. No list, no buy.

• Seek dermatologist-recommended, fragrance-free products, often available at Watsons, Mercury Drug, or specialty stores.

• Look for hypoallergenic and sensitive-skin formulations, which are less likely to have overpowering scents.

• Check for essential oils or artificial fragrances if you are particularly sensitive to strong scents.

• Explore Korean, Japanese, and derma-grade brands, as they often have more unscented or lightly scented options.

Some recommend airing out a scented product or mixing it with an unscented base if no other option is available. I disagree with this. Skincare products are packaged in airtight containers to prevent cross-contamination. Exposing them to air compromises the manufacturer's efforts to provide a clean and safe product. Diluting the product may reduce its effectiveness or, worse, alter its intended formulation.

8. The Cost of Imported Skincare

9. Navigating Local Skincare Trends

Many products in the Philippines are labeled “whitening,” but they are actually brightening rather than drastically lightening. The market favors even-toned, radiant skin, with ingredients like kojic acid, arbutin, papaya extract, and glutathione. If you prefer avoiding whitening, look for sensitive skin-friendly or dermatologist-approved options.

I made the same wrong assumption when I went into a mall to shop for skincare on my second day in the Philippines. The market heavily favors even-toned, radiant skin, which is why many products contain ingredients like kojic acid, arbutin, papaya extract, and glutathione. While these may not align with Western beauty standards, they dominate the market.

• If you’re interested in brightening but not whitening, opt for vitamin C or niacinamide-based serums.

• Be informed about whitening ingredients if you have sensitive skin.

10. Finding US Faves vs. Exploring Readily Available Alternatives

If you're loyal to U.S. skincare brands, be prepared for higher prices and limited availability. While some well-known drugstore brands like Simple, Cetaphil, CeraVe, Aveeno, L'Oréal, and Neutrogena can be found in major retailers like Watsons, SM, Landmark, and Mercury Drug, they may come with a significant markup.

Brands like The Ordinary, Paula’s Choice, La Roche-Posay, and The Inkey List are not always widely stocked in physical stores. Instead, you'll often need to purchase them through online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Shopee, or Lazada, where independent resellers may charge premium prices.

That said, the Philippines has a thriving skincare market with local and Asian alternatives that perform just as well in a tropical climate. Filipino brands are gaining popularity, offering products tailored to local skin needs with hydrating, soothing, and brightening ingredients.

• Bring enough of your must-have U.S. products before your move to give you time to find alternatives in your new home country. Observe the TSA 3-1-1 rule when packing your carry-on luggage.

• Explore local Philippine brands like BLK, Ellana, Human Nature, and Luxe Organix.

• Try Korean and Japanese skincare options, they are readily available and are often fragrance-free with beautiful elegant formulations and textures.

• Work with a local dermatologist to build a tropical-friendly skincare that suits your needs.

Moving from the U.S. to the Philippines requires adapting your skincare routine to a new climate, lifestyle, and product landscape. The high humidity and intense sun demand a flexible approach, as your old routine may not work the same way.

Listen to what your skin is telling you. Watch how it reacts to the new environment and each new product. Introducing only one product at a time over a stretch of time helps prevent unnecessary sensitivity and allows you to identify any problematic ingredients in your evolving tropical skincare routine.

Embrace local and Asian skincare brands designed for tropical conditions, and don’t hesitate to experiment with new products that suit your skin’s changing needs. If you rely on specific U.S. brands, stock up before your move, but be mindful of price differences when purchasing them locally.

Give your skin time to adjust—breakouts, dryness, or sensitivity are normal during the transition. Stay consistent, protect your skin from the sun, and prioritize hydration inside and out. With patience and the right choices, you can maintain healthy, glowing skin in your new tropical home.

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