Sun, sweat and SPF: a dermatologist's guide for humid climates

The Wellness Desk · 🌏 Regional

AWAW Health Desk · 1d ago · Story

Editorial · The Wellness Desk · Health, explained

Health & WellbeingPreventive care

Sun, sweat and SPF: a dermatologist's guide for humid climates

Humidity changes everything about sun protection, and most advice is written for dry climates. Three rules that hold up in Hanoi, Bangkok or Manila: 1. Reapplication beats SPF number. SPF 50 applied once at 7am protects nobody by lunch. A cheap SPF 30 reapplied wins. 2. Gel and fluid textures survive sweat better than creams — you're more likely to actually reapply them. 3. UV is highest 10am–2pm, but UVA (the ageing, deeper-penetrating kind) is constant all day, even through office windows.

Peer experience, not medical advice. AWAW does not diagnose. Speak with a qualified health professional about your situation.

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Encourage first, advise second

Linh Nguyen

'You're more likely to actually reapply them' — the most honest skincare advice I've read.

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