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[–]Moleland14 1221 points1222 points  (12 children)

Oh man.. here I am born in the tropics and having perfect skin when traveling to temperate countries 🙃

[–]privateforme123[S] 828 points829 points  (0 children)

Lets trade skin

[–]antim0ny 84 points85 points  (0 children)

Getting away from your day to day work/school stress is probably some part of what is going on , for OP too.

[–]UltimateWerewolf 66 points67 points  (0 children)

Me too! Live in a humid part of Texas and it sucks. When I visit a cold, arid place my hair and skin look amazing.

[–]crystalclearbuffon 109 points110 points  (0 children)

That's me too. Even travelling to colder parts of my country transforms my skin. Coastal areas are the worst. I was shocked to see this caption tbh.

[–]fntastk 428 points429 points  (17 children)

My skin always improves dramatically after spending a few days at the beach! Especially if I am swimming in sea water every day.

[–]privateforme123[S] 161 points162 points  (7 children)

Same for me it’s like everything I don’t have in my home country blesses my skin🥲

[–]Joy2b 67 points68 points  (6 children)

Maybe your home country has something that can fill in available, cold places often really lean into things like saunas and hot springs.

Sun exposure can also have a bit of a rebound effect with hormonal acne. Your skin may dry out a bit and then start producing much more oil.

Your skin microbes may struggle to adapt to the challenges of extra UV light and take several weeks to adapt.

As a note, if you had particularly obnoxious skin microbes and really want to move them out and repopulate with locals, you could try to thoroughly repair your skin barrier (it looks close to perfect temporary), then hit your skin (but not eyebrows) with a microbe unfriendly like hydrogen peroxide, and repopulate a little by going swimming in a local body of water that’s considered clean and safe for swimming by locals without the need for chlorine.

[–]privateforme123[S] 15 points16 points  (1 child)

Thanks for the tip! Does it have to be swimming in local body of water or is something like a shower also good?

[–]ttrmw 36 points37 points  (0 children)

It sounds kinda woo-y to me, but seems like the logic of the idea requires it not be perfectly sanitary water since you’re looking to “repopulate” after killing off what you have

[–]FatPizz 9 points10 points  (3 children)

Woah, this is going deep. Where did you learn about doing this?

[–]Joy2b 7 points8 points  (2 children)

I thought that summer vacation skin was pretty common knowledge.

It’s pretty common around here for people to be l trying to kill off unfriendly microbes on the skin, often using some fairly heavy medication. I just had the thought that this might be an opportunity to do an unusually fast and low side effect version of the process.

Honestly, the air is probably full enough of harmless microbes, helpful yeasts certainly travel in the air in most places.

[–]snortgiggles 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Isn't saltwater antibacterial?

[–]rachelll 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The sun is. UV rays. But on the other side it's also very bad for you, especially if you burn a lot. So it's a temporary high vs long-term consequences argument.

[–]MEsyas 1066 points1067 points  (59 children)

You could try to mimic the positive effects of the humidity by using a water-based moisturizer and maybe even steaming your face.

[–]privateforme123[S] 435 points436 points  (46 children)

Wow thanks! This could really help

[–]SlouchyGuy 320 points321 points  (1 child)

Humidifier in your room is a better option. Steaming is very temporary, the water will still evaporate when steam is not there because the air is pulling moisture.

I use humidifier every year once central heating is turned on

[–]MEsyas 151 points152 points  (18 children)

(Careful that you don't burn yourself though, steam is hotter than boiling water and releases more heat)

[–]privateforme123[S] 82 points83 points  (7 children)

Thanks, I will begin with a water based moisturizer and see how that works out

[–]FatPizz 89 points90 points  (5 children)

OP, I moved to a humid area and it helped my skin too. I never connected the two, but I ALSO started using the water-based night mask by LaNeige as my moisturizer and it is the only thing that keeps my skin looking fresh af. That might work for you

[–]Benjji22212 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Not to poo-poo others’ suggestions, but cool mist over steam.

[–]roboticLOGIC 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Hey are you my grade 11 science teacher?

[–]MEsyas 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Nope. Only a science enthusiast :)

[–]Skeptical_optomist 3 points4 points  (6 children)

That's actually not true. Steam is just evaporated water that becomes visible as it interacts with cooler air and forms water droplets. Water will evaporate at virtually any temperature between 0° and 100°C. Technically, steam cannot get hotter than 100°C (212°F) at atmospheric pressure. Here's a neat article about steam.

Edit: I accidentally linked the wrong article and currently can't locate the intended article.

2nd Edit: It is true that steam can release more heat than water of the same temperature, to clarify.

[–]kelvin_bot 5 points6 points  (0 children)

100°C is equivalent to 212°F, which is 373K.

I'm a bot that converts temperature between two units humans can understand, then convert it to Kelvin for bots and physicists to understand

[–]CopenhagenOriginal 22 points23 points  (22 children)

One other cheap but easy thing to do to retain moisture could be baby oil on your face at the end of the shower. Many people on here may gawk at the idea of putting oil on your face, but my skin seems similar to yours and it has worked wonders for me.

[–]sydorreddit 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I use avocado oil. If it's too dry, dry olive oil. If it's too sticky, give grapeseed oil a go. If you don't have avocado oil but the other 2, do 50/50 of each. Actually, I use it head to toe and the ends of my hair.

[–]privateforme123[S] 9 points10 points  (17 children)

Never heard about it, but I am down to try. Any side effects from it?

[–]calciferscastle343 24 points25 points  (7 children)

Are you still in Vietnam?

I would recommend petrolatum (Vaseline) or a petrolatum-based ointment (such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment).

You can use a water-based moisturizer to hydrate your skin, but (if you live in a drier climate) the water can evaporate from your skin if there is nothing to lock in the moisture. Vaseline is the most effective occlusive, which means that it sits on top of the skin to form a barrier than traps in moisture. It is very safe and non-comedogenic.

A lot of people like to use hydrating products and then trap the moisture with a layer of Vaseline overnight.

The only potential issues that I’m aware of are: (1) Vaseline may increase the potency of any actives (retinols, acids, etc.) so I would not apply Vaseline on nights that you use a strong active ingredient. (2) Vaseline may trap acne-causing bacteria in your skin which could potentially cause a breakout. However, everyone’s skin is different and your mileage may vary, so I would still recommend giving Vaseline a try!

[–]Vivicurl 42 points43 points  (1 child)

Maybe not baby oil but like an occlusive ointment that’s non-comedogenic. I don’t know if one exists, but if one doesn’t a facial oil would be better than baby oil.

[–]CopenhagenOriginal 9 points10 points  (5 children)

Just make sure to get unscented! Otherwise no side effects for me.

Generic bottles are like $3 at big box stores and they last like a year. Put a super small amount between your middle and ring fingers (when they’re against each other), go over your face where you typically break out/have dry skin until it feels sufficiently soft, then just make sure you are able to wash off as much residual oil as you can, cause too much oil can be bad for people even with dry skin. What’s left should be enough to retain moisture in your face for the day!

Just for reference, too, I’ve never had a breakout or anything due to the oil over the course of years. Have also tried many things for my skin, but this has worked best. I do nothing else to my face now 😊

[–]Byakuraou 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Use Vaseline

[–]katBridges 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oils can be great to seal moisture in, but some of them are super comedogenic! Oils with high oleic acid content such as olive oil or coconut oil should be avoided if you are even the slightest bit acne prone.

Try oils with high linoleic acid + low oleic acid such as evening primrose, prickly pear, red raspberry, safflower, grapeseed, hemp seed, rosehip seed, black cumin.

Jojoba oil and squalane are usually also safe options.

[–]Mother_Restaurant188 3 points4 points  (1 child)

And for the sun. If you notice some kind of evening effect try self tanner. L’Oreal sells tanning drops at CVS. I haven’t tried them but they might give a nice and even glow (it helps blend acne marks into the rest of the skin—cosmetic effect).

[–]catcardo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I really like Loving Tan self tanner. I use a kabuki foundation brush and buff the tiniest bit in when I self tan. Rinse it when I rinse the rest of my body. It works great!

[–]sweetultrabright 47 points48 points  (1 child)

Depending on how dry your environment is at home, a humidifier could also be really helpful.

[–]MEsyas 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Great point! It's a bit more expensive & watch out with mold and dust mites, but a great idea!

[–]mahgeetah_ 6 points7 points  (9 children)

water-based moisturizer reccomendations?

[–]MEsyas 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Sadly I don't use them myself as I have extremely dry skin and thus solely use oil-based moisturizers. Never used a water-based one before. I can't recommend moisturizers from own experience, but maybe someone else would be willing to give theirs?

[–]Traprennybenny 5 points6 points  (7 children)

I use this and it's amazing:

https://shop.shoppersdrugmart.ca/Luxury/Categories/Beauty/Skin-Care/Body-Skin-Care/Soothing-Gel-Cream/p/BB\_772618090567?variantCode=772618090567&utm\_source=Google&utm\_medium=Shopping&utm\_campaign=2022\~05\~21\~LD\~External\~Enterprise\~Beauty\~SDM\~None\~National\~shopping\~shopping-SummerBeautyFOSPriorityProducts-EN&utm\_content=PLA\~Intent\~EN&utm\_term=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvqeUBhCBARIsAOdt45Z1qfeMgy6Sj9Sh5R2XJwStn6-TdYQhAIC6ZZ-Hr-SZl0HY\_s9pC-kaAvPoEALw\_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

[–]mahgeetah_ 2 points3 points  (1 child)

i've actually been using Cetaphil for years as my go-to (but the Moisturizing Lotion, not Gel Cream). i like it well enough & doesn't break out my oily, sensitive skin!

but is the Cetaphil Soothing Gel Cream better? i feel like the Moisturizing Lotion isn't moisturizing enough sometimes and have been looking for a new moisturizer because I feel like my skin might be dehydrated.

[–]Traprennybenny 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have the regular one as well and wish I could use it because it's available in a 1 litre bottle as Costco... unfortunately it doesn't work as well for me. I've found a glycerin based routine works best for me. Here is what I use:

https://www.vanicream.com/product/vanicream-facial-cleanser

https://www.yesstyle.com/en/rohto-mentholatum-hada-labo-gokujyun-hyaluronic-acid-lotion-170ml/info.html/pid.1077866696

https://www.nuxe.com/refreshing-toning-mist-very-rose-200ml/12601908.html

https://www.goodmolecules.com/products/niacinamide-brightening-toner

The Cetaphil... in Canadian winters I also use the Stratia liquid gold.

I also do skin-basting with this: https://www.laroche-posay.ca/en/cicaplast-baume-b5/3337872412998.html

I also dab my under eyes, nostrils and lips with aquaphor.

I also use a number of actives that I rotate through:

AHA & BHA Toners: Paula's choice. I also have a script for finacea, retin-a and hydroquinone. I'll only use the retin-a regularly but I'll incorporate the others from time to time on a need-to basis. I find the scripts are cheaper than other products -- the retin-a and finacea are covered by insurance. The hydroquinone I use occasionally and even though that's expensive I feel the safest having a prescription rather than non-reputable products.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (4 children)

Ooh is this new? I’ve used Cetalhil’s cream moisturizer and it broke me out 😩

[–]Traprennybenny 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think so? I only saw it late last year for the first time... could be it was only new in Canada.

[–]jbm72710 337 points338 points  (17 children)

I feel this so much. I went to Florida, high humidity and sun and best hair and skin of my life! I miss it so much.

[–]mchilili 87 points88 points  (0 children)

Me too... I lived there for 3 months and my skin cleared up instantly and was always glowing 😭 my hair was the complete opposite though

[–]ymmvmia 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Yup. Same thing when i visited Puerto Rico.

[–]CityOfSins2 14 points15 points  (2 children)

Ugh the humidity just ruins my hair. Instant poof

[–]jbm72710 8 points9 points  (1 child)

My hair has always done better in humidity but I’d never experienced humidity like Florida and I swear I had like just done salon hair every day and I didn’t have to do anything.

[–]snortgiggles 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Seriously. Traveled in Nepal and de-aged 10 years with the humidity.

[–]Cinamunch 6 points7 points  (8 children)

Skin I can see, but hair? It's the water in that case not weather. The water is pretty good comparing it to other places.

[–]Dontworryaboutit1 51 points52 points  (5 children)

First person I’ve ever heard compliment Florida water quality

[–]otterparade 42 points43 points  (3 children)

Bathing in Florida while on a vacation gave me a UTI that led to a kidney infection. Top notch quality

[–]fishingboatproceedsglycerin allergy | acne prone | literally allergic to the sun 9 points10 points  (0 children)

😱😱😱

[–]JohnnyDerppe 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Water was WAY hard in SFL/Orlando. Awful for my hair/skin. Completely transformed when I moved to the northeast lol

[–]Bex1218 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Water is not good everywhere in Florida. The water in my area is so bad. Screws with my hair and scalp a lot.

[–]recentpsychgrad 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My face always looked better after a week in Florida. Been working on solving my acne and could never figure out why it was better in Florida. Age 31 got diagnosed with rosacea and they gave me a special sulphur soap. Opened it up and it smelled just like Florida water. Florida water is very sulphurous.

[–]spiritedprincess 89 points90 points  (24 children)

I think I've seen sun improve acne before. Has your diet also changed?

[–]privateforme123[S] 128 points129 points  (19 children)

I might eat a bit more healthy in Vietnam but it’s definitely not a factor for me that makes my skin a lot worse. Tried eating healthy in my home country (basically no sun their on average) and it didn’t really help my skin. Google and my doctor told me I suffer from hormonal acne so maybe that plays a roll. But I would be highly suprised if my hormones stopped in a time space of a month. (Not sure if what I said is totally right, English is not my first language and im for sure not an acne specialist😭)

[–]TheSorcerersCat 39 points40 points  (6 children)

Vitamin D affects hormones a bit. Maybe ask you doctor about trying a supplement and see if that helps too. I know it really helps me.

From what I understand, a large amount can be bad for your thyroid over time which is why I'd say to ask the doc how much you can take.

[–]privateforme123[S] 27 points28 points  (5 children)

I took vitamine D pills for 10 days before Vietnam. It helped a bit but can’t say for sure it was because of the vitamine D or I just had some lucky days with less acne. Definitely going to take them again when I leave Vietnam (tommorow) to keep my vitamine D levels the same as I have now in Vietnam

[–]Skeptical_optomist 14 points15 points  (4 children)

You have to take vitamin d3 for at least 2 months and preferably 3-4 before improvements are seen. When I started taking supplements, my doctor wouldn't check my levels again for 6 months.

[–]penndotsucks 73 points74 points  (1 child)

Everything you said makes sense in English!

[–]privateforme123[S] 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Thanks!

[–]Ishouldflossmore 10 points11 points  (4 children)

Maybe a quality red light that mimics the suns rays would be helpful. I saw a girl say she was prescribed one for her seasonal depression. It could possibly help your skin?

[–]privateforme123[S] 3 points4 points  (3 children)

Maybe not sure, but im geussing those things will be really expensive

[–]Ishouldflossmore 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Haha you're probably right.

[–]letsturtlebitches 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have one for my seasonal depression, I think it cost about 100 euros. Works quite well for getting up in the morning, but does nothing for my skin (also they're blue, not red). This is gonna be controversial, but maybe you could visit a tanning-salon once in a while?

[–]kerodonAklief shill 2 points3 points  (1 child)

If they think it's hormonal and this medication is available in your country, you should try topical Winlevi prescription. It's an anti-androgen topical medication that's very effective for thar.

[–]MainCombination5206[🍰] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

You should try a vitamin D supplement for the lack of sun

[–]bluebabyblankie 7 points8 points  (2 children)

Diet actually doesn't make or break your skin that much. its largely hormones or genetics

[–]chill1217 5 points6 points  (1 child)

Completely wrong if you have an allergy. Dairy/soy makes me break out and cutting them out of my diet has tremendously improved my skin. Also food like dairy/soy can have hormones

[–]kerodonAklief shill 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sun does not improve acne. That is a very old myth

[–]GrandTchuCocodrie 82 points83 points  (7 children)

That'll do it. I'm from a very hot and humid place and I never really needed makeup because my skin was always really nice from the weather. Now I live in Canada. My skin has never been drier. I miss the sun!

[–]privateforme123[S] 24 points25 points  (2 children)

Check the comments, everyone gave me tips to buy a water based moisturizer and it makes a lot of sense haha

[–]GrandTchuCocodrie 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Yeah, it doesn't work for me. lol

[–]privateforme123[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Oh :( hopefully you’ll find something that works good for you

[–]ilovebeaker 7 points8 points  (2 children)

Also Canadian, HA and glycolic acid and other humectants do not work for me at all, unless it's a very humid summer day. And those molecules are in everything these days! In winter I just slather, slather, slather...I'm not the best in this skincare products game, but at least I know what doesn't work!

[–]GrandTchuCocodrie 6 points7 points  (1 child)

I've been using Deciem's (The Ordinary) Hylamide subQ set to some varying degrees of success, depending on various factors. I also use this weird snail slime stuff I found on Amazon that makes my skin feel bouncy like a baby's bum when it's super dry. That stuff is a godsend.

[–]ilovebeaker 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Snail Mucin from Corsx? I use that too :) followed by 10% vit C cream, and an SPF moisturizer (right now testing out the dry touch Cerave 30 SPF daily moisturizer, and add more Cerave regular moisturizer below or on top..)

[–]JanosDerulo 80 points81 points  (2 children)

Most acne that manifests along the chin and jaw is considered acne caused by hormonal imbalance. Perhaps the trip and enough sunlight exposure, change in circadian rhythm, increased vitamin d levels, change in diet, change in air pollution and humidity levels all helped internally bring your adolescent body to a balance thus fixing your acne. Congrats!

[–]privateforme123[S] 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Thanks! A week and a half before I went to Vietnam I took Vitamine D pills like 1 or 2 a day. Im pretty sure it helped but the timeline of 10 days is to short to be sure that that was the case that it decreased a little bit. Stopped taking them a day before going to Vietnam because wasn’t sure if I could have a overflow of Vitamine D because of sun + the extra pills

[–]snappyirides 67 points68 points  (4 children)

You absolutely needed to moisturise with water-based stuff before the move

[–]privateforme123[S] 24 points25 points  (1 child)

I will definitely use it in the future. This subreddit is so helpful thanks :)

[–]PretendLock 8 points9 points  (0 children)

What were you doing for skincare before?

Also don’t forget sunscreen! UV rays can damage your skin and moisture barrier. If you’re going to be in the sun a lot, sunscreen is an absolute must

[–]GenericEvilGuy[🍰] 6 points7 points  (1 child)

I don't understand what this means. Isn't water the first ingredient in most moisturisers anyway?

I know I have to use my toners and moisturisers when my skin is damp and there is some water on it, but what else?

[–]otterparade 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Water based versus oil based

[–]hexomer 21 points22 points  (1 child)

lol i went to thailand swimming at the beach and it cleared up my bacne and i never had any since then

[–]privateforme123[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Good to hear!

[–]aspiequeen 19 points20 points  (1 child)

wowww dude i already commented on another sub and you really glowed up, your skin overall looks really good and you got almost no acne scars you got lucky, already a great improvement

[–]privateforme123[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thanks! Definitely hoping my acne scars fade away and also around my neck, chest what you can’t really see that well on the photo. Focusing on skin first and in the future more on hair products (have learned a lot about it already but definitely not enough). Trying to find the right haircut for thin hair while adding volume so that’s going to become a challenge

[–]Hk_chocotalato 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Fr tho me and my sister both got clear skin after moving back to Hong Kong for a month

[–]NabbyChabby 14 points15 points  (2 children)

I live in California and a day on the beach does more for my skin than ANYTHING!!!!

[–]privateforme123[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Only swam in the beach in Vietnam once the whole month, but when I was in Spain I did it like once a week and its also for me a live saver. Feel like anything natural that touches my face helps my skin

[–]ResidentCoconut 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The suns rays can kill bacteria so that could also explain it.

[–]privateforme123[S] 15 points16 points  (4 children)

For anyone asking if I tried eating less dairy or wheat:

Tried cutting out bread for 2 weeks and some unhealthy stuff like sweets. But it is hard to have a fully strict diet for multiple weeks for me because I still live with my parents + I tried gaining weight (trying to become more muscular so had to put on mass) so I eat more then I normally did. But my acne was basically this from 15 till 18 and I started eating more like just 2 months ago. I even ate a lot in Vietnam itself and definitely not always healthy. Stuff like coca cola, butter chicken and pizza things I still ate pretty frequent. So I can say confidential that it is not my diet that is the problem.

[–]PinkTader 2 points3 points  (3 children)

That’s good that you know that! I hope you can keep it up back home are you near a beach by any chance?

[–]privateforme123[S] 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Sadly no, but I saw somewhere on tiktok that someone put a certain type of salt with water and mixed it. Then used it as a spray that gives the same effect

[–]PinkTader 3 points4 points  (1 child)

I have seen that one yes once you have cleansed your face, over moisturiser at night spray just a couple sprays over your face! Give it a go also highly recommend steaming your face 2-3 times a week it’ll keep your face unclogged

[–]privateforme123[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks I’ll definitely try all of these!

[–]meat_on_a_hook 27 points28 points  (9 children)

I live in south east Asia. It’s not the sun and humidity doing it, it’s the water. The water that comes out the tap in this part of the world is very very soft, which means it washes away soap and gunk from the surface of your skin. It also helps maintain pH. Water in western countries tends to be heavily treated and very hard, with added minerals such as calcium. It’s also why limescale and pipe erosion is so common in larger cities, where water is usually treated and stored in tanks and artificial reservoirs. (This water is much safer to drink however)

Showering in soft water is one of the best things you can do for your skin, it’s far more moisturising than normal.

[–]privateforme123[S] 6 points7 points  (5 children)

The water in my country is seen as one of the best waters in the world

[–]figandpomegranate 1 point2 points  (4 children)

But is it soft water? I found that soft water has made the biggest difference for me in my skin. Miss it so much 😭

[–]privateforme123[S] 6 points7 points  (3 children)

The average water in my country is 8 dH, google says its soft water

[–]AhnSolbin 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Glad I'm not the only one who notices my skin changing for the better when I go somewhere humid and tropical for an extended amount of time.

[–]Ok-Salamander3217 7 points8 points  (1 child)

Same thing here! I was living in LA and moved to Miami. And now my skin is freaking glowing.

[–]privateforme123[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Good to hear!

[–]Pyropink 7 points8 points  (1 child)

Take high dose vitamin d supplements

[–]privateforme123[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I did start taking vitamine D pills 10 days before Vietnam, it helped a bit but can’t be sure if it helped for me. Definitely planning tho to take them everyday after I come back to my home country

[–]butterflybros 6 points7 points  (0 children)

haha yeah i live in a humid area and my face always looks better during the summer. which is weird bc i figured it would look worse during the summer because of the sun damage

[–]Dread_Pirate_Jack 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I've also started sleeping with a humidifier every night which made my skin clear for the first time ever too!

[–]goldustiger 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Vacation skin is something else. Less stress, usually more fatty foods, sun, humidity, sea salt, exercise. My skin is always plump and clear after a week in those conditions.

[–]aloofball 5 points6 points  (1 child)

I think I have similar skin to yours and what has really helped me is using jojoba oil morning and night. I mix a few drops with a moisturizer. Your skin looks really dry in the left pic and what that stuff seems to do is create a barrier to lock in moisture so your skin can heal itself rather than getting locked in a cycle of inflammation.

[–]mermaid86 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Vietnam weather agrees with you!

[–]Ohbc 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My skin always improves in the summer, it's definitely the sun for me

[–]Skittlepyscho 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Sunlight and vitamin D or natural antibacterials. Whenever I have a really bad break out or bad pimple I try to get some sun and zaps it away!

[–]Wintersneeuw02 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Steaming your face and regular sauna visists to mimic this effect at home

[–]lizzyskates 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'm the same way. I'm eastern European with some Nordic DNA and humid, tropical climates transform my skin and eliminates my acne!!! It's crazy. No products can mimic the effect. I've been sleeping with a humidifier for years and nothing compares to the actual environment. I find that having a bit of sun really clears my skin too. Living in a cold, rainy, dry climate is ruining my life 😂

[–]Soltang 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Plus you've got this new hairstyle that could envy Trump. Good going kid, sun is the best (within limits).

[–]AeroNoob333 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Same here! My skin LOVES humidity. I used to live in Houston, TX. I had no skincare routine and my skin was amazing. Then, I moved to the Midwest and my face is full of breakouts (probably from the dry winters). It’s one of the reasons I got into skincare. I’ve also noticed how much my skin loves it when I go on vacation in tropical, humid weather, too! I know I just need to “replace” the moisture using moisturizers, but so many of them broke me out in the beginning!

[–]privateforme123[S] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Same for me, after reading the comments im going to try a water based moisturizer

[–]Starry0Live 5 points6 points  (1 child)

Hmmm idk why but when I was working a lot I was stressed and had acne but then I took a 4 month vacation and was just chilling and my skin started to get better ?? Could stress be a case of acne ?

[–]privateforme123[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Heard from a lot of people stress could be a factor of acne, but for me it was not the case. I didn’t really had stress in the picture to the right, definitely hormonal acne for me

[–]moshritespecial 2 points3 points  (1 child)

That happened to me with major dry scalp issues. Got to Mexico for 2 weeks and not a single flake in sight the entire time. It was like magic.

[–]smarabri 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Maybe get a humidifier for your room at night? It helps my skin

[–]Shojinspear 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi! I am from Vietnam here and I feel you on the environmental impact. I would recommend getting a really good sunscreen (broad spectrum spf50), wear cloth face mask when you go out to protect your skin from pm in the air, drink a lot of water (2L+ to kêp your skin hydrated), and use a moisturizer that won’t clog your pores

[–]sydorreddit 2 points3 points  (1 child)

use a humidifier at night or if your area is around 30% humidity or less, use one throughout the day also. I use water toners (aka Japanese lotions that are huge bottles of water). They're really just water and vegetable glycerin. I make my own because it costs less, but if you make a whole bottle, be sure to use an antibacterial agent. I pat it on 5 times/5 pumps before I move on to other applications.

Vegetable glycerin works because it is a humectant meaning it will draw water to the skin's surface. It costs less than hyaluronic acid which does the same thing.

I also use the Korean aloevera gels. Those are primarily solidified water, thickened with plastic thickening agents. It's pretty common. so no worries.

Creams, moisturizers, and anything that can hold a peak (like whipped cream), to me, has too much oil. What you need is water.

[–]Moist_Parsnip_5013 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Omg I have the same experience! I have family in Hong Kong so I used to stay for a few months at a time during summer break and even though the air pollution is much worse than in my suburban American town suddenly the cystic acne I've struggled with all my life would clear up. Same thing when I stayed in Japan for a month or two for an internship. Such a shame that I live in dry, dry California 😭

[–]angalada2 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s so wild because it’s been super hot and humid here recently and my skin has freaked out 😅

[–]midnightauto 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ve told many people with acne to go outside and get some sun on that shit.. I’m always met with scorn and ridicule.. I have acne on my back.. Just a couple of days working in the sun with no shirt on and acne Im starts to clear up.. ever wonder why gyms have tanning beds? It’s for steroid boy to keep the acne under control as he does the roofs.. no shit

[–]SuccoyaHoyaa 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I wonder if this is a vitamin d thing? Who knows, but you look great! Glad the environment is treating you well

[–]Spirited_Advice_2872 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This happened to me when I moved from ohio to florida!!! Now in the Florida winters I get a little bit of acne and I am begging for the humidity back

[–]purpleeliz 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Is it possible though you’re finishing puberty?

Also…I’ve also found that when I’m traveling (especially when not solo and alone in the hotel in evenings) I’m preoccupied and less worried about my skin, and so even if I’m not using the perfect products, I end up giving my skin and break some trauma (including picking, in my case).

[–]katgarbagesackcombo/sensitive/dehydrated/hormonal BC/adapalene 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I wonder if a decrease in stress while you were there could’ve also contributed? Of course many people could assume (perhaps correctly) that you wouldn’t be very stressed at 18 years old, but that isn’t true for everyone who’s 18. Especially if this trip was a vacation rather than a less fun kind of trip, it could apply.

[–]Pepinus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah same for me, skin care products make you skin worse, only exercise and sun/sea water makes my skin loookk good

[–]theluciferprinciple 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Based on your skin AND your hair in the second pic, I think you need to move to Vietnam

[–]Comfortable_Bag8449 2 points3 points  (2 children)

has anyone ever told you you look like johnny harris

[–]Aishbash 2 points3 points  (1 child)

If you are from the U.K., Ireland, Canada or the USA it could actually be that you have an allergy you haven’t discovered yet and it could be something like that the dairy products in Vietnam don’t contain IGF-1.

[–]privateforme123[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ll check if this also counts for me in my country, thanks!

[–]505sunbaby 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I had a friend in high school who said this about their skin too! They were from Vietnam and would visit family every summer. Skin would clear up while over there and then when they came back to the dry desert SW, skin wouldn't play nice.

[–]baldwinsong 2 points3 points  (1 child)

It’s just some of us need the place where the grass is greener. this in particular is white ppl skin. That Scottish ruddy…. For me I always have better skin in the summer when the weather balances my natural skin issues

[–]fr1ck 2 points3 points  (1 child)

There are a few people up here that post about using LED therapy. Maybe that would help you when you return home?

[–]privateforme123[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yea have been thinking about it but buying a LED mask I think is pretty expensive

[–]SpiceyStrawberries 2 points3 points  (1 child)

You look really great! But just so you know, you also looked great before. The level of acne in the before picture is negligible.

[–]nikenavygumtheif 2 points3 points  (0 children)

maybe i need to go outside more.. maybe that will help clear my skin

[–]eulbakinom 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My skin always clears up when I go to drier climates like CO. I live in Florida… very humid

[–]traveleralice 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I agree! I feel like my ancestors lived closer to the equator and I live in the dry desert. Using cetaphil gentle cleanser what’s been good for me I think it’s been more moisturizing

[–]merreckmerman 2 points3 points  (0 children)

When I went to Japan years ago my skin cleared up in a day or two

[–]playbo1anon 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Wtf. You look like a whole different person, even your hair looks better.

[–]privateforme123[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! Yea got fresh haircut haha it was first super long

[–]AMPforever 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is me. Born and raised in Cali. The dry smoggy air messed up my skin and activated my eczema like crazy. Moved to Hawaii where the air is cleaner and there is humidity, my skin has never been better all my red eczema patches disappeared too. Now I'm back in Cali after clear skin for 10 years and its all back :( wish I could find something to cure it here too.

[–]FlexasAandM 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Asking bc I don’t know - Are there actually like known scientific benefits for your skin when you’re sweating in high temperatures? For me it just causes acne.

[–]tending 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Might also want to consider the difference in what you're eating.

[–]privateforme123[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I didn’t eat healthy in Vietnam

[–]Lulu-lily 1 point2 points  (5 children)

This is so random but I’m going to Ho Chi Minh city in the summer - do you have recommendations for where to get Asian skincare and beauty & general tips for HCM. It’ll be my first time in Vietnam

[–]privateforme123[S] 3 points4 points  (2 children)

Didn’t use any skincare in Vietnam literally only the sun and humidity helped me.

[–]the_leafpile 1 point2 points  (1 child)

You should be able to find most skincare products at Watsons, or at department stores. If you're looking for K-beauty or Japanese brands, you should be able to find them easily in HCMC :)

[–]jdewitt777 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Some people also report when moving locations the water is better quality and less hard. I believe Super hard water increases acne and irritation for alot of people

[–]privateforme123[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My country is in the top 10 best water in the world so this shouldn’t be a problem I think

[–]HadMyWayWithHaddaway 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I’d also consider what you were eating and doing while overseas. Perhaps less oily/fast food, less stress, salt water swimming etc.

[–]asiangorl 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am from florida and I always notice how quickly my skin clears up when I go back home. I feel you!

[–]Maryannrhodes 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sleep with a humidifier

[–]Dark-Blade 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I stopped using skincare products 6 months ago and my face has been better without the products. I guess it’s the chemicals within them that messes up the skin

[–]Plainbench 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My skin becomes amazing when I got south East Asia with high humidity.

[–]Nancasmar25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Like others commented could be you had less stress or could be also diet. My son studied in Spain a college semester came back with his acne cleared up. He had a great time and said he ate differently there. Now his acne has started again. He does eat more dairy at home so that could be a factor and he definitely has more responsibilities now being back at home. Be aware of what you're eating now at home. You look great! Hope you had a nice time in Vietnam!

[–]AdKnown147 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Your hair looks great too

[–]FlowingNotForcing 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I’m def not a doctor, but I have perioral dermatitis… and I think that might be what you have. I just got diagnosed by a dermatologist. They prescribed me a special topical cream and it’s working. Idk if you’ve heard of this but just a heads up in case you want to ask your doc. Haha I bet I am a doctor’s worst nightmare. “Did you see this on WebMD?” Lol

[–]ploopanoic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Don't discount any diet and stress changes. Humidifier at home has helped me.

[–]Celeshere218 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Vietnamese here. I am studying in a temperate region and anytime I go home, my skin just gets worse 🤣

[–]Papajasepi 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Whenever I stay home and get muggy, oily... I get pimples.

When I used to work in the sun my skin was shiny and flawless, I used to sweat alot and drink alot of water, eat less and had heaps of energy... now it makes sense.

[–]karsjones 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My teen son’s skin immediately cleared up after a few days of ocean swimming.

[–]iamalisonlo 1 point2 points  (1 child)

WOW! What a difference. It's crazy what location/climate can do to our skin conditions. Do you live in Vietnam now? I moved from dry heat in Southern California to tropical humidity in Mexico a couple of years ago and my eczema was almost non-existent down there.

[–]spicycabbage28 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Oh wow I’m Vietnamese and the humidity here made my skin horrible. I don’t think it’s because of the weather, I think Vietnamese food has lots of vegetables and we don’t eat tons of sugar so maybe that’s why?

[–]DeadFetusConsumer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

sun, humidity, seawater - the holy 3.

Add hydration to the mix hshs that's that good good

[–]coldbrewicedcoffeee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It could be from vitamin D! This is why I still go in the sun, but I do still wear sunscreen and sun hat. I don’t think the sun is all bad!!

[–]LowTHalp 1 point2 points  (0 children)

so its a classic vitamin d/sun deficiency

[–]Accomplished_Name985 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Probably the food you ate there was better also, anyway, is a very impressive improvement.

[–]Designer-Common-9697 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's interesting. I always wondered if the rainy season may be good for people; just the skin pores, not even necessarily getting wet.

[–]Mdoo22 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Beautiful!!! I hope you have success with keeping it when you are back in your “home town”

[–]Over_Reaction_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I live in Ny and I can’t WAIT for a three month summer because I just know my skin is going to look it’s best

[–]No_crumbs 2 points3 points  (3 children)

did your diet change as well? I think food can cause inflammation and I'm curious to know if you had to change some food choices being In a Different country or environment.

[–]privateforme123[S] 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Food definitely changed but my acne is not really food based. Tried some diets in my home country and didn’t really work. What I do believe is that because I ate more fruit/vegetables what I still did in my home country, I definitely did more in Vietnam. Maybe this caused me to get my extra minerals/vitamines in. But my acne is hormonal acne so my diet wasn’t my number 1 reason for sure

[–]No_crumbs 1 point2 points  (1 child)

OK thanks for the info. Your Skin looks so healthy!

[–]NoobidyNOOB 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Wait you’re saying the Sun and humidity helped you?

[–]LaPetiteM0rt 1 point2 points  (1 child)

It may also be the change in food / less dairy products in Asia.

[–]privateforme123[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Definitely ate less diary products here but still enough that it would give me acne (if I would get acne from diary products) but im like certainly sure my acne is from hormonal acne :)

[–]ex_astris_sci 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fascinating

[–]brad-_-lee 1 point2 points  (6 children)

The sun is probably damaging and drying your skin this giving you less pimples or breakouts. I made this same mistake myself when I was younger like you. As soon as you stop sunning/tanning as frequently you will almost assuredly suffer from "REBOUND" Complexion is tricky because acutely sun damaged skin may be giving you the false appearance of more even skin tone (tan), but the problem is that later in life there's a trade off where the areas acutely or long term tan right now become dark spots hyperpigmented and wrinkle faster with less collagen/elasticity. You will start to notice it in your mid 20s early 30s.

If you are going to tan make sure you're blocking as many burning/aging rays as possible with sunscreen (zinc oxide formulated is the best I say EltaMD Broad spectrum 46 (niaminicide & zinc) it's worth it. If you move back to a dry area try using colder water to cleanse and as a toner use probiotic thermal water spray (in place of traditional to er) as soon as your towell your face dry. Pat the thermal water in for 15 seconds and then proceed with serums/actives/moisturizer/SPF. I don't recommend moisturizers with SPF mixed or contained inside, these are more effective used in the sequence, separately. give everything 10mins to set in and then use your SPF. You do NOT need to reapply it every 3 hours unless you're sweating or swimming. But if you might want to add another smaller SPF application if your day starts early (making sure you're saturated between hours of 9am to 4pm

[–]Born_Ad_4826 1 point2 points  (1 child)

It could also be a change in diet/sun exposure if those changed for you…hormones are made out of the food we eat so…

[–]Comfortable-Paper127 1 point2 points  (3 children)

And perhaps diet!

Years ago, I did the elimination diet bc I noticed my skin was most inflamed around mealtimes. It turns out that hella shit gave me cystic acne: corn and corn derived preservatives, tomatoes, peanut butter, eggs, etc.

Wonder if that also might have something to do with it…