The ESK blog

Does Humidity Cause Breakouts?

22 July 2021

We KNOW that humidity causes breakout because we have experienced it ourselves. But in 2017 we got some extra scientific proof. (1) In a Saudi Arabian study of 144 women aged between 22-24 with acne, the higher the humidity and heat, the higher the number of pimples.

The authors of the study proposed heat and humidity provide the perfect environment to promote the growth of Cutibacterium Acnes, the bacteria blamed for zits.

SO WHAT DO YOU DO ABOUT IT?

I’m writing this on a hot, steamy, Sydney summer day. I’ve escaped to my air conditioning but the minute I step outside, I am going to start sweating like crazy. It’s just what happens living where I do. I can’t change the weather but I can change my skincare.

Cleanse: This will help remove dead skin cells and probably bacteria from the surface of your skin. Soap-free cleanserswill be gentler on inflammation and break out prone skin. Both of ESK’s cleansers (Hydroxy Cleanser and Calming Cleanse) are soap free.

Hydroxy Cleanser

Our Hydroxy Cleanser is a soap-free, pH-balanced cleanser that provides gentle yet effective cleansing for your skin. Lightly foaming, it removes dirt, excess oils, and impurities without drying or irritating, making it perfect for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Designed with a neutral to acidic pH, it’s ideal for sensitive skin types, including those with acne, aging skin and pigmentation. This cleanser helps preserve hydration, supports the skin’s microbiome, and normalises skin pH, creating the perfect base for your skincare routine. Free from harsh soaps, astringents, and irritants, Hydroxy Cleanser leaves skin feeling fresh, balanced, and ready for any treatment.

Featuring

Gentle, soap free syndets to leave your skin feeling clean and soft
A pH of 4.5-5 to maintain the skin barrier
Perfect for daily use for normal/oily skin

Calming Cleanse

Our Calming Cleanser is a non-foaming, coconut sugar-based formula with a gentle pH of 4.5-5, making it ideal for sensitive skin types, including those with eczema and rosacea.

This creamy cleanser effectively removes impurities while preserving the skin’s natural hydration and pH balance. Its non-soap formula minimises irritation and dryness, providing a soothing cleanse without disrupting the skin barrier.

Designed for sensitive skin, Calming Cleanser avoids harsh ingredients like astringents, camphor, and menthol, which can trigger irritation. Gentle yet thorough, it supports a healthy microbiome and barrier, leaving skin calm, soft, and ready for the next step in your routine.

Featuring;

A coconut sugar base with soothing botanical
A thorough yet gentle cleanse
Suitable for daily use and even as a make-up remover

A creamy soap-free cleanser for skin that needs a gentle, silky wash.

Coconut based with soothing botanicals
Leaves skin clear & hydrated
May be used as a make-up remover

Sunscreen: Ideally non comedogenic sunscreens will help prevent ultraviolet damage and inflammation. Given pimples are inflammatory in origin, anything that reduces inflammation reduces your risk of a breakout. Try ESK’s ultra-matt Zinc Shade which is non-comedogenic and is ideal under makeup.

Zinc Shade

Zinc Shade is a lightweight matte day cream and primer. Its non-greasy, matte finish allows for smooth application and works well under makeup.

We spent countless iterations perfecting this lightweight, non-greasy formula to avoid the typical white cast and thick feel of zinc products. The results? A matte finish that works beautifully under makeup. With well tolerated matte finish, it's also well suited to irritable and blemish and bump prone skin. With SPF 15 it also provides broad-spectrum sun protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Key features:

Lightweight, matte formula suitable for daily use
Smooth application with minimal white cast
Broad-spectrum UV protection
Tested SPF 15 with enhanced UVA coverage

Usage: Apply evenly to all exposed areas of skin before sun exposure. Reapply as needed throughout the day.

Hydroxy acids: Choose a leave-on hydroxy acid skincare product (2). Hydroxy Acids are keratolytic so they break down old skin cells, and seem to be antibacterial as well. (3)

Smooth Serum

Smooth Serum is a night treatment formulated with 3% Glycolic acid, 1% Lactic acid, and 1% Gluconolactone. This gentle AHA blend supports the appearance of skin texture and surface renewal, helping maintain the look of even skin tone.

Key features:

Combination of alpha hydroxy acids to support skin texture
Supports the appearance of smoother, more even skin
Can be used alongside products containing Retinal to maintain overall skin texture

Caution: Not recommended for very sensitive skin or skin prone to rosacea.

Use Retinal at night. Retinal is the most effective and gentlest form of non prescription vitamin A to put on your skin. Vitamin Ahelps with skin cell turnover and reduction in the number of pimples. Plus it is antibacterial (in fact Retinal is the most effective form of Vitamin A when it comes to battling bacteria!)

Ultimate A+

Building on the proven performance of Ultimate A, Ultimate A+ Night Cream is designed for those looking to refine texture and tone or support skin prone to congestion. With 0.1% Retinal (the next-generation form of Vitamin A), Niacinamide, and 2% Glycolic Acid, this formula delivers visible improvements while remaining gentle and well tolerated.

This unique combination supports smoother-looking skin, helps refine the appearance of pores and uneven tone, and promotes a more hydrated, balanced complexion.

Featuring:

Potent yet gentle formulation suitable for daily use
Helps improve the appearance of uneven tone and texture
Supports firmer, more supple-looking skin
Formulated with evidence-based ingredients known to enhance skin clarity

Note: Retinal is not suitable for use during pregnancy.

Scale back oil based skin care products. I LOVE my vitamin C Serum in the morning but it is an oil based product. That’s because the best evidence for Vitamin C is at a 5-10% concentration in an oil emulsion. During the humid season, you might need to avoid your T Zones or any part of your face where you tend to break out.

Use Beta Hydroxy Acids AKA salicylic acid. Salicylic acid applied overnight once or twice a week is anti-inflammatory, and improves skin cell turnover. Our Hydroxy Overnight Mask contains 5% salicylic acid as well as soothing aloe vera.

Hydroxy Overnight Mask

Our Hydroxy Overnight Mask is your go-to for clearer, glowing skin! With 5% salicylic acid and 10% urea, it’s a powerful yet gentle way to take on blemishes and keep skin hydrated. In oiler skin, Salicylic acid gently exfoliates for a smooth finish, while urea deeply moisturises. Use it as a spot treatment, or apply it once a week for an all-over refresh. Just cleanse, apply, and let this overnight mask work its magic while you sleep—wake up to softer, clearer, and radiant skin ready to take on the day!

Featuring;

- Gentle exfoliators for a weekly skin refresh

- Convenient size means you can keep it on hand to tackle blemishes when and wherever they happen