Humidity might be a relief for dry air, but for oily skin, it brings a wave of new challenges—greasiness, clogged pores, acne flare-ups, and a shiny T-zone that refuses to settle. If you’ve been struggling to keep your skin calm and balanced in humid weather, the problem may not be your skin type—it could be your skincare routine.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential do’s and don’ts for oily skin during humid seasons, focusing on just two game-changing products: a 12% niacinamide serum and a sunscreen for oily skin (with SPF 70). When used consistently and correctly, these two formulas can help transform your skin from greasy to glow—even when the air feels like a sauna.
Oily skin tends to go into overdrive during humid weather. Here's what happens:
Excess sweat + oil mix together and trap dirt on the surface
Pores get blocked, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples
Your skin barrier weakens due to overwashing or using the wrong products
You skip sunscreen, thinking clouds protect you (they don’t)
This cycle often leads to constant breakouts, a dull, congested look, and uneven skin tone. But with a few targeted skincare shifts, you can take back control.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is the ultimate multitasker for oily, acne-prone skin. A 12% niacinamide serum helps regulate sebum production, which means less shine and fewer breakouts.
Here’s what it does for your skin:
Reduces oiliness
Minimizes visible pores
Fades post-acne marks
Soothes redness and inflammation
Strengthens the skin barrier over time
Apply it after cleansing and before sunscreen (in the morning) or moisturizer (at night). Just 2–3 drops are enough—gently press into your skin and let it absorb fully.
Humidity makes skin feel sticky enough—so sunscreen often gets skipped. But this is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. UVA rays penetrate through clouds and windows, and they’re a major cause of:
Tanning
Hyperpigmentation
Darker acne marks
Premature skin aging
Opt for a sunscreen for oily skin with SPF 70. This gives you high-level protection without clogging pores or making you look greasy. Apply it every morning and reapply every 3–4 hours if you’re outside or near windows.
Remember: If you’re not wearing sunscreen, your niacinamide serum won’t be able to show full results, since sun exposure will continue to cause inflammation and dark spots.
When it’s humid, your skin doesn’t need layers of products—it needs consistent, minimal care. Just cleanse, apply a 12% niacinamide serum, and finish with your SPF 70 sunscreen. That’s it for mornings. At night, repeat with just your cleanser and niacinamide serum.
Fewer steps = less confusion for your skin barrier.
Cloudy skies still allow 80% of UV rays to reach your skin. Skipping sunscreen lets those rays increase pigmentation and worsen acne scars. Your SPF 70 sunscreen should be the last step of your AM routine every single day—no exceptions.
Overloading your skin with multiple actives—especially without proper layering—can cause more harm than good. If you’re using a 12% niacinamide serum, let that be your primary treatment step. It already tackles oil control, pigmentation, and breakouts. There’s no need to double up with harsh actives that can clash or irritate your skin.
While you may feel the urge to wash off sweat and oil every few hours, over-cleansing strips your skin and signals it to produce even more oil. Limit cleansing to twice a day—morning and night. In between, use blotting paper or just rinse with plain water if necessary (but avoid face wash overuse).
If you're using niacinamide at night and feel dry afterward, you can follow up with a light moisturizer. Just make sure it doesn’t counteract your serum and is designed for oily skin types.
Still, your main focus during the day should remain on two essentials: your niacinamide serum and SPF 70 sunscreen for oily skin.
Morning:
Cleanser
Niacinamide Serum
Sunscreen for Oily Skin (SPF 70)
Night:
Cleanser
Niacinamide Serum
This minimalist routine works with your skin—not against it. It reduces stress, simplifies your decisions, and delivers real results over time.
If you’ve been battling oily, acne-prone skin in humid weather, the solution isn’t a longer routine—it’s a smarter one. With just two powerhouse products—a 12% niacinamide serum and a high-protection sunscreen for oily skin (SPF 70)—you can control oil, reduce breakouts, and protect your skin from the elements.
Stick with these essentials, skip the fluff, and your skin will stay clear, balanced, and glow-ready—no matter how humid it gets outside.
