Manny Hernandez/GC ImagesKeeping complexions clear in humid weather may feel like a losing battle (The onslaught of oil! Big time blemishes!), but celebs—who seemingly are not just like us—look only more radiant when in subtropical locales. Totally unfair. Also: How do they pull it off?
As the hottest stars from around the globe land in Miami for the Billboard Latin Music Awards, we swear that this year, we will look as radiant as any A-lister on the beach. This, of course, requires expert advice from a major celebrity dermatologist, like Dr. Harold Lancer, who counts Victoria Beckham, Sofía Vergara and Kim Kardashian as clients. Lucky for us, he shared his top three tips for making skin glow with the clarity of a thousand tropical sunsets.
Incorporate acid: "At humidity levels greater than 50 percent, perspiration sits on the skin rather than evaporating quickly," Lancer said. "This can lead to clogged pores and breakouts if the skin isn't properly cleansed." He recommended using a cleanser with a light grade of alpha or beta hydroxy acids to gently exfoliate the skin and dissolve built-up oil in the pores.
Hydrate lighter: When in more sweat-inducing conditions, heavy duty moisturizers or those that use heavy oils (like argan or macadamia nut) may prove too dense, which can lead to blemishes. "Most people find that switching to a lighter-weight moisturizer helps to keep the skin hydrated, but not excessively oily," Lancer noted. "Water-based sunscreens, which absorb into the skin quickly and leave little residue on the skin, can also help avoid the ‘oil slick' face."
Hands off: Lancer reminded us to keep hands away from the face. "This is important in all climates, but especially important in very humid areas where you already have sweat and sebum sitting on the face—you don't want to add bacteria to the mix," he said.