Acne in the Tropics: How to Deal with Breakouts

When we first started Clearly, we had focused on reaching out to teens since the incidence of acne normally drops off after the age of 19. But to our surprise, adults in their 20's and 30's were signing up for subscriptions alongside teens... why?

While we know that incidence rate of acne remains high even into adulthood, we have an additional hunch. Although there haven't been large-scale epidemiological studies done in Southeast Asia, conditions here make it easier for acne to thrive.


Here are some points to consider:

  1. The heat and humidity that comes from living in the tropics stimulates sebum production which in turn causes more breakouts on acne-prone skin.
  2. High UV exposure from the sun can quickly darken spots where acne once existed, making spots more prominent.
  3. The Asian diet centers around refined carbs like white rice and noodles. These carbs increase blood sugar, insulin and ultimately the production of androgen hormones. Why does this matter? Harken back to those wonderful teenage years when hormones would kick sebum production into overdrive and cause a wave of breakouts. Eating all those refined carbs may create a similar effect.
  4. About 90% of East Asian adults are lactose intolerant, yet we see a lot of Asians consuming dairy. Every individual's response to lactose may be different but increased sebum and mucous production are common reactions.
  5. Towels are hard to dry due to the humidity, especially in the evenings when there is no sun. Damp towels are breeding grounds for bacteria, fungus and mildew which may disrupt our skin's microbiome when we use dirty towels on our skin.
  6. Eight of the top ten countries that produce coconuts are in Asia so it is common to have coconut oil in our cosmetics, creams, moisturizers and soaps. Refined coconut oil is comedogenic and should not be applied to acne prone skin.
[insert wcps, product-handle:clearout, endinsert]

While living in the tropics may make conditions a little more 'sticky' for acne to show up, don't get too hot and bothered.

There are simple steps we can take to reduce breakouts, even in this heat.

Back to the Basics

This may be rudimentary, but you would be surprised how many people wash their face improperly. We're inundated with marketing about soaps and cleansers and many of us wash and exfoliate excessively believing that it will help with acne-prone skin.

Unless you have extremely oily skin, washing your face with a gentle soap twice per day is the best strategy. Overwashing has little positive impact on acne and may in fact worsen existing acne if it is causing irritation.

As for acne cleansers and washes, in most cases they are overrated since the active ingredient is not left on for enough time to penetrate the skin before they are rinsed off.

Go with a simple cleanser and follow these steps:

  1. Using lukewarm water, get the soap wet. Do not wash your face while you're in the shower.
  1. Apply the soap to your skin and rub gently with a circular motion using your fingertips or a soft, clean washcloth. Do not use abrasives, loofah sponges, brushes or scrubs
  1. Splash your face with lukewarm water until the soap is completely gone. Expect to rinse your face for just a few seconds
  1. Using a clean, soft cotton towel, pat your skin until it's dry

First Line Treatments

If you are experiencing acne, Benzyol Peroxide (BP) is your first line treatment. BP has the dual function of bringing oxygen into your pores (thereby killing anaerobic P. acnes bacteria), removing dead skin cells and helping to clear blocked folicles.

High concentrations of BP may be just as effective as low concentrations with less irritation so start with a 2.5% concentration and move up in strength as needed.

Apply a thin layer of BP to areas of your skin that has acne or is acne-prone. Start out applying every other night and increase the frequency if there is no irritation. Be patient. BP takes some time before results start showing. You can pick up BP at your local pharmacy. As for brands of BP, Clearly recommends using high-quality generics since the active pharmaceutical ingredients are the same. The price premium you are paying in a branded product is largely marketing and packaging.

[insert wcps, product-handle:pduo, endinsert]

The Big Guns + Good Habits

If BP alone has not worked in the past, consider using the Clear Out formulation. It is packed with three active ingredients which work together to address acne from several angles: retinol to flush out the dead skin that is the material that forms clogs; AZA to calm redness and inflammation; and pracaxi oil, a potent antioxidant.

In addition to serums and lotions, we cannot over-stress the importance of the good habits that must go hand-in-hand in order to maintain healthy skin.

For the acne-prone amongst us (and we are many), watch for the points above and practice all the great stuff that does come from living in the tropics anyways: donate stress, sleep more, keep hydrated, and enjoy the bounty of local fruits and vegetables.

If you are out in the sun, remember to apply your sunblock (non-comedogenic of course)!



Back to blog
Based on 2976 reviews
83%
(2469)
12%
(360)
3%
(96)
1%
(26)
1%
(25)

I really love this moisturizer and have been using it for over a year now. Every once in a while i will try something new but i keep coming back to this one. Its the best!

Improvement

Have been using for a few weeks now and notice an improvement in texture and firmness. You don’t have to use a lot, so it lasts. Will likely order another jar when my supply is used!

Amazing Neck Cream. Visible results.

I’m in love with this neck cream. My neck is left moisturised and toned. I can definitely see the lifting effect immediately.

Great product

I was very pleasantly surprised to notice a difference in the appearance of my neck after using this product.

The BEST! ❤️

Best night cream ever!!!

Can't live without it

Drastic results. I'm very self conscious of my neck. Big improvement with daily use.

GAME CHANGER!!

I've suffered from a slight double-chin that is pronounced when I'm talking/using my voice in any way and is worsened by water retention. After using this product for over a week, my jawline is WAY more defined

The best cream for the neck!

I like that I don't have to use a lot for my neck, it has a great consistency and you can see the effects.

I love the results I’ve

I love the results I’ve seen. The size of the purchase was a great value also!!

Really seemed to work within

Really seemed to work within a few days with only a small amount required. I’ve now ordered the large one

Phenomenal results!

Have been using the neck cream for months. It has helped to prevent deep lines.

This product is amazing… worked right away

Ive been using this product

Ive been using this product for a few months and Im addicted. It truly works and I recommend it.

Since using the Advanced Tightening

Since using the Advanced Tightening Neck cream my neck is firmer and more smooth.

Nice hydrating cream

Got it at Costco in a two pack. Very hydrating and gives glow.

Love this. There are not

Love this. There are not many brands that focus solely on a neck cream. It’s extremely smooth when applying and you only need a small amount as goes a long way.

Excellent

Only a sample size. But it was lovely to use Would purchase

Neck cream lovely to use

Pleasant to use, feel I am doing all I can to combat this sagging area by using this great product! I am also using it on my décolletage area.

Smooth and amazing

This cream is amazing making my next smoother and so much younger looking!!!

Best neck cream I’ve tried

This cream is fantastic, tried many other brands and by far the best, the cream has a silky consistency and glided on the skin, very worth while purchase

Love all the products in

Love all the products in the clearly range my grandson put me onto it telling me how good it was

Emotional uplifting

So glad I bought the neck cream. I was on medication that that swelled my face and neck. I needed this after the med wore off to revitalize the skin.

neck cream

What a difference. I took pictures and you can see the difference especially around my chin. I use the light weight cream for sensitive skin. Now i'm going to order more.