Joburg’s rainy spell may be wreaking havoc on your skin
You’ve probably felt it on your face before you noticed it on the forecast: climate change is no longer just about melting ice caps or rising sea levels, it’s showing up in our skin too.
South African skin experts are warning that shifting weather patterns and mounting environmental stressors are taking a real-time toll on our skin health. In cities like Johannesburg, where hot days suddenly turn into thunderstorms and humidity can spike without warning, the skin’s natural balance is struggling to keep up. That unpredictability is driving a rise in breakouts, inflammation and sensitivity, even in people who have never had reactive skin before.
“Your skin is your body’s first line of defence, and it’s taking a beating from climate volatility,” says Karen Bester, Medical Trainer at Lamelle Research Laboratories. “We’re seeing a noticeable increase in concerns like sudden breakouts, increased pigmentation and inflammation. What’s interesting is that these issues are less about product irritation and more about external environmental shifts disrupting the skin’s barrier.”
Humidity highs, UV exposure and dirty air
This year’s rainy season has brought much higher humidity levels than usual, and that alone can trigger a domino effect of skin issues. When the air is thick with moisture, sweat and oil production increase. If not properly cleansed, that mix sits on the skin’s surface and provides the perfect breeding ground for bacteria that can clog pores and cause breakouts.
“Humidity traps sebum and debris against the skin. If you’re not cleansing thoroughly, especially at night, that’s when you start seeing congestion and texture changes,” says Bester. “It also reduces the skin’s ability to ‘breathe’ which can aggravate underlying conditions like eczema and acne.”
But it’s not just the humidity that’s a problem. Ongoing ozone layer depletion means that ultraviolet (UV) radiation remains high, even on grey or overcast days. UV rays contribute to early signs of ageing like fine lines and pigmentation and also increase the risk of skin cancer. Add to this the growing levels of air pollution in South Africa’s major cities, and your skin ends up dealing with a triple threat.
How to build a climate-smart skincare routine
To support skin resilience in the face of environmental pressure, Bester suggests adopting a climate-smart skincare routine. This means updating your products and habits in line with your surroundings not just sticking to the same formula year-round.
A good place to start is with a barrier-supporting serum. “Niacinamide and ceramides are both great ingredients to look out for,” says Bester. “They help strengthen the skin’s outermost layer, which protects against water loss and keeps irritants like pollution particles out.”
Double cleansing is another must during humid or high-pollution days. An oil-based cleanser helps to lift sunscreen, sweat and excess oil. Following with a gentle gel or cream cleanser ensures that all debris is removed without stripping the skin’s natural oils. It’s especially useful for anyone who lives or works in areas with high traffic pollution or inconsistent temperatures.
An antioxidant mist or serum can also help protect your skin throughout the day. Ingredients like vitamin C or green tea extract help neutralise the free radicals caused by sun exposure and air pollution. These mists don’t just refresh your skin they provide ongoing defence, especially when reapplied during long hours outdoors or in an air-conditioned office. Antioxidants work by neutralising free radicals before they can damage collagen, trigger pigmentation, or cause inflammation.
A standout range to consider is Skin Essence by Lamelle Research Laboratories. This advanced mist contains a probiotic lysate that helps improve skin cell health, strengthen the skin barrier, and counteract the harmful effects of environmental stressors. Packed with powerful antioxidants, it provides an additional layer of protection for skin exposed to the pressures of urban living. These mists do more than just refresh your skin; they offer ongoing defence, especially when reapplied during extended periods outdoors or in air-conditioned environments.
Indoor environments can also contribute to dehydration. Air conditioners and heaters dry out the air, pulling moisture from your skin. A humidifier can help regulate indoor humidity and support a healthy skin barrier. “This is especially important in Johannesburg, where cold mornings and warm afternoons can confuse your skin into overcompensating,” adds Bester.
And yes, sunscreen is still non-negotiable. Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic (pore clogging) formula with broad-spectrum protection.
Caring for your skin and the planet
Earth Day shouldn’t be the only day that reminds us that everything in nature is connected and that includes our skin. “Think of your skin as a mirror of what’s happening in the world around you,” says Bester. “When the environment is under pressure, our skin shows the signs.”
Looking after your skin in the age of climate change isn’t just about beauty, it’s about resilience, prevention and long-term wellness. And antioxidants, more than anything, are the skin’s first responders in this fight. By staying aware of the shifts happening around you and adapting your routine accordingly, you’re not only futureproofing your skin, but contributing to a more conscious, climate-smart way of living.