Heatwaves to humidity: Skincare tweaks for tropical transitions

India's climate doesn't just shift; it pivots. We swing from dry, searing heat to sticky, sweat-drenched monsoons, and our skin bears the brunt of these extremes. Heatwaves are no longer rare events but frequent occurrences. In 2024, many Indian cities soared past 45°C, according to the Indian Meteorological Department. Our skin, the body's largest and most exposed organ, is on the front lines as the biggest casualty of extreme heat. From surging UV exposure to the spread of tropical diseases, climate change is already increasing the burden of dermatological diseases.

Skin's protective barrier: Under attack

Extreme temperatures compromise the skin's protective barrier, leading to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which dehydrates the skin. This makes it vulnerable to allergens, bacteria, and pollution, triggering eczema, dryness, prickly heat, and inflammatory conditions like rosacea. Increased sweat and sebum create a breeding ground for bacterial and fungal infections, especially in urban areas with limited access to cooling and hygiene.

Pro Tip: Listen to your skin. Use a light, lotion-based moisturizer in summer and a thicker, hyaluronic and ceramide-based one in colder weather. Don't skip moisturizer, especially if using active ingredients.

UV exposure: A growing threat

While India has lower skin cancer rates than Western countries due to increased melanin protection, recent studies suggest this protection isn’t absolute. There’s a documented rise in precancerous skin lesions, photoaging, and rare but aggressive forms of squamous cell carcinoma in darker skin types. The WHO projects a 10% global rise in skin cancer by 2050 due to continued warming and ozone damage. Pollution worsens the impact, causing premature aging and hyperpigmentation.

Pro Tip: The Indian Association of Dermatologists (IADVL) recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen. Reapply every 2-3 hours outdoors, or twice daily indoors. On hot days, minimize outdoor time, wear breathable fabrics, hats, and sunglasses.

Fungal infections: A damp, dark problem

Heat and high humidity increases the risk of fungal skin infections especially in occluded areas like underarms, groin, or under the breasts. Athletes and gym-goers are especially vulnerable. In India, the occurrence of kin fungal infections caused by a fungal species called Trichophyton indotinea has grown to epidemic proportions. These can be challenging to treat.

Pro Tip: Tweak your wardrobe (choose breathable fabrics), shower promptly after sweating, and use antifungal powders like clotrimazole or ketoconazole. Change socks and footwear often, and keep skin dry. Avoid steroid creams unless prescribed by a doctor. See a dermatologist if over-the-counter treatments fail after four weeks.

The skin-mind connection

Extreme weather events, displacement, and environmental stressors don’t just affect the skin physiologically—they affect it psychologically. The emerging field of psychodermatology shows how stress exacerbates conditions like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, trichotillomania, and acne.

Pro Tip: Avoid smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Keep water intake high, exercise regularly, support the gut-skin axis with fermented foods or probiotics, manage stress proactively and ensure 7–8 hours of sleep—your skin will thank you. 

Climate inequity: A matter of access

Climate change is also a health equity issue. Marginalised communities are often the most exposed and the least protected. Outdoor workers, slum dwellers, and rural populations lack access to sunscreen (oftentimes this is impractical), clean water, cooling systems, or dermatological care. The burden of heat rashes, photo dermatitis, and infectious skin diseases is disproportionately higher in these groups—yet underreported in research and underserved in treatment.

The rising rates of skin issues linked to climate change serve as a powerful warning. If we want to safeguard the health of current and future generations, urgent action is needed to mitigate climate change, improve public health infrastructure, and address health inequities. It is essential to implement sustainable practices, advocate for environmental protection, and prioritise the well-being of our communities.