A Survival Guide to Living in a Humid Climate

Simple Life Hacks for Living in Humidity.

Air dry your laundry

I know, I know, this is very uncommon in the States, even though drying racks are very commonly used globally.

When our American friends come to visit. Each have a similar response of, “I don’t want my clothes to be stiff.” To which I understand and agree. The way around that is to dry clothes outside with breeze and indirect sun. Although, I will be fully transparent and say, we do sometimes put our big pool towels in the dryer.

In any case, dryer laundry machines are big humidity creators, which drying racks are not. They also don’t add to the electric bill.

This Foldable Clothes Drying is very popular, low in cost and has over 4,000 positive reviews.

Have a good air conditioning system.

Air con units are a savor here in Singapore. It’s the norm’ to have mandatory maintenance scheduled every quarter written into rental agreements. It’s such a life-comfort disruption when one or all of the units are not able to perform as expected. So keeping up the maintenance on our aircons is key for surviving humidity.

Get a green thumb.

Get plants for your home. You won’t be needing to install a greenhouse. But a few plants can reduce humidity while simultaneously purifying the air. Which can assist with restful sleep and decrease mold. Fair warning. Too many plants in one area of your home will create humidity. So spread them out.

6 Plants that Reduce Humidity Indoors

a) Fern – this Side Show Bob top mop look-alike plant regulates a good balance of humidity levels while fighting off air pollutants. This air pollutant fighter does well in humidity and prefers indirect sunlight.

b) Spathiphyllum (Peace lily) – It has looks and power. This gorgeous plant loves humidity and thrives in this type of environment. It’s superpower is the ability to absorb water vapor through its leaves and can remove air pollutants with little sunlight. This powerful crusader is a perfect indoor plant to combat humidity.

c) A Reed palm – Just like the Peace Lily this plant will also purify the air of your home. These plants do well in a shady area and in the light. It’s ideal because it’s fairly low maintenance and ideal for indoors.

d) Hedera (Ivy) – this vine loves to be elevated to fight off mold and formaldehyde. Raise it to the ceilings where most humidity sits and let it absorb those water vapors from up above.

e) Spider plant – Mostly seen in a lot of offices. It’s low maintenance and can remove a high portion of air pollutants .

f) Tillandsia (epiphyte) – This plant can absorb water and nutrients from the air. Without root, it will absorb humidity in the room like a sponge.

5 Tips for OutDoor Activities in Humidity

As an outdoor enthusiast, it’s soul-crushing limiting my outdoor life.

Training for a race is a whole new ballgame in humidity. The last race Tim and I ran was for the first Tough Mudder in Asia (Philippines). Training was a battle way beyond the physical. It’s mental toughness that is best to accept the humidity isn’t going anywhere. So being a smarter runner is absolutely necessary.

1) Run in the early morning or evening. Exercise outdoors before 10 am and after 4 pm. Or, opt to run in a gym on a treadmill.

2) Hydrate a lot and often with ice & electrolytes. If you are like me and prefer not to run holding or having a bottle of water on your person. Map out a running area with public drinking water fountains. Thankfully, I have found a park that I can run around the circumference and has public water fountains every few kilometers.

3) Shade & sunnies (whatever you call sunglasses). Block that direct sun. I’ve heard of some people putting their hats in the freezer before using them for a run (let me know if you try this). Also, be strategic about the shade. I’m constantly crossing the street where it’s most shady.

4) Dri fit clothing are your new best friend.

5) Monitor your heart rate (duh). Just be aware humidity increases your heart rate. Making it harder for the body to cool down because sweat doesn’t evaporate. In very high conditions, HR can increase up to 10 beats per minute in temps of 75F to 90F. I like to keep my exercising heart rate around 110 – 120. I know I can run for 30 minutes at this rate (in humidity) comfortably and without keeling over. To figure out your heart rate, count the number of pulses your heart beats in 15 seconds. Then multiply this number by 4.

6 Must Do’s for Living in Humidity

1) Stay inside. Before you think I’m telling you to become a hermit and say goodbye to society. Being indoors during crucial times, is an easy solution to avoid the sun intensity peaks of UV radiation that could lead to sun skin damage, premature aging and the big C. Skin Cancer. As mentioned before Singapore is close to the equator. Harmful ultraviolet UV levels can be particularly dangerous during 10 am to 3 pm. This doesn’t mean turn down those lunch dates. Just limit the time in the sun to a minimum, especially during the hours of 10 am to 3 pm.

2) Keep hydrated by drinking a lot of water. When out & about having water on your person is helpful. Your skin and body will thank you.

3) Take a cool shower. Not turning on the water heater before a shower is fine with me. There are days (especially after exercising) that I am so hot and having a cool shower is pure heaven. Plus cool water help shrink pores. SKIN WIN!

4) Finding the right antiperspirant that matches with your body is crucial.

Secret Antiperspirant Clinical Strength for women is very effective.

For the men, there’s Degree Clinical Protection Antiperspirant and Deodorant .

5) Protect yourself. Anything that provides an extra layer of shade (besides SPF) against direct sun is necessary. Protect your skin from the sun that gives skin cancer. Rain or shine carry an umbrella. It’s a life saver when there’s no shade outside and you have to walk down the block(s). Wear SPF & UV rays sun screen, especially on the exposed skin areas.

I’m a huge fan of Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Facial Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 70.

It’s non-comedogenic, Oil-free & PABA-Free Weightless Sun Protection and comes in 1.4 fl. oz. Which is great for travel.

Also, COOLA Organic Sunscreen Body Spray has certified organic ingredients, SPF 30, Ultra Sheer and water resistant.

Hair, Makeup & Clothing for humid climates

Hair Tips that Help with Humidity

When I started my Buyer career. I landed a job for a leading, hair salon company in the States. At the time, we had 800 locations across the nation. One of my favorite and top brands is Kerastase. Their high quality hair products not only have a broad range that cater to high processed, color treated and a variety of types of hair. But it was how Kerastase products rejuvenated my locks into silk, that made me a super fan.

Kerastase Discipline Shampoo, Conditioner and Masque are the leaders in the beauty world for taming those frizz filled hair.

Or, you can simply pony up your do. A beautiful french braid is also a quick alternative to low maintenance updos.

PRO TIP: At the end of your shower, wash your hair with cold water. It will close your hair’s cuticle, which will the reduce fluffiness that comes from humidity and adds extra shine to your hair.

On a side note of hair in humidity: Humidity will always fluff out bleached and porous hair. Using products can and will help reduce a fluff ball hair style.

As of late, I’ve noticed my hair is more manageable and low maintenance because I’ve completely stopped all chemical treatments.

My hair used to be very long and very bleached. The mid-length down to the ends were very ashy. Some people asked if I had hair extensions. Nope! It was all my own hair – every bit of crunchy, dry and destroyed hair strand. By bleaching and coloring my hair, I was making my hair very porous. Which allowed humidity to fill, frizz and fluff it up. Humidity had a heyday with my colored & bleached hair.

After 2 years of growing my hair out. I almost have a full head of hair that’s my natural color. Humidity doesn’t affect my virgin hair and I couldn’t be happier. It’s also a relief on my wallet too. Having bleached hair (for me) meant a lot of toners, purple shampoo, and treatments every 2-3 weeks, because my natural hair is a level 9 (which is almost black). And when I didn’t tone or treat my hair, it would turn very brassy-yellow- gold-orange-color. Worst look ever.

My new found hair products that I’m totally digging on Ethique’s bars for shampoo, conditioner and body washes.

Not only does my hair and skin love these products, but they are plastic free!!! AND they are great for travel. Liquid free, no bottles needed – WINNING ALL AROUND!

PRO TIP: These bars are also great to use for cleaning makeup brushes!!

My last little hair humidity tip is; limit your time with the hairdryer. Not only does it keep heat styling at minimum but it also decreases turning your bathroom (or where ever you do your hair) into a sauna. Talk about damage control….. ba, dun, dun, tsss.

Best Makeup Tips for Hot Humid Weather

Let’s be honest, the ultimate goal is, not having sun damage skin!!

SPF for everything!

Spoiler alert! In humidity, get used to the dewy look, whether you want it or not. The reality is, it’s hot it’s humid and you’re human. You will sweat.

So, sunscreen is a definite must have. I prioritize that it’s in both of my moisturizer and foundation. For me, this is a non negotiable consumer cosmetic choice. I already have a sun spots on my face, I don’t need anymore 🙂

For moisturizer I really like Neutrogena’s Oil Free Moisture with Broad Spectrum SPF 35.

It’s not greasy, nor thick like regular sunscreen, my skin approves and it’s water based.

PRO TIP: Look at the 1st ingredient of your foundation and moisturizers. Most likely they are either water based or oil based. Science proves they don’t mix well. If mixed, …. you may have a weird gloppy goop on your face. So ensure your foundation and moisturizer choice is both water or oil (no mixing).

My go to foundation is Maybelline Fit Me Matte Poreless.

It comes in 40 shades, works well with my skin, SPF 18 and water based. Plus it covers up those sun spots I have – ugg.

I also put on SPF 50 on exposed areas (legs, shoulders, and arms). It provides good UVA & UVB protection.

Once that sun goes down it’s a whole new world. During the evening I may amp up my makeup a bit.

An alternative solution for reducing sweat. Botox.

For those who want to go the extra mile and reduce or possibly eliminate excessive sweating. Botox might be a possible solution.

And before my Mom or anyone asks, “No, I’ve never had botox.” I’m still sweating and suffering like most. Since I’ve never done it, obviously I don’t have experience with it nor promoting it, but here’s an article by Health Line to read up on the topic. Click here.

Clothes for Humidity

Goodbye pants hello dresses. I was never was one for zippers anyways. But that’s me 😉

Light and loose clothing is best. The key is to allow air to circulate. Breathable fabrics like linen, cotton and silk are great for humidity. Though cotton absorbs sweat quickly and wearing a cotton shirt with sweat absorbed spots is not cute.

Buutttt, when the sun goes down, jeans and cotton are fine. Skinny jeans are the devil, me thinks.

Check out Baleaf sun protection for women, and men. The collections are great for travel and outdoor sports and activities.

There you have it. Your guideline on how to live in a humid climate.

Humidity affects everyone differently and for some it takes more time to acclimate than others. My husband is still trying to fully acclimate (it may never happen). After being outside, he’ll still sweat an hour after sitting in air conditioning. We are adaptable human beings and living in a humid climate takes slight adjustments.

To surviving and thriving! To whatever the life altering challenge may be!