Why International Beauty Products May Not Work For Your Skin

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of buying new things when you’re in a different country, and beauty products are always a part of the list of things that I’ve convinced myself I absolutely needed to take home with me. So when I came across a viral moisturizer with a “best-selling” sticker on it, I knew I had to get my hands on it. 

It worked like a dream. My skin felt so hydrated, glowy, and soft that I took about a hundred selfies during that vacation. But when I landed back in the Philippines, it lost its magic. It felt greasy, and I started breaking out. I was left completely baffled.

Here’s the thing (and what I learned the hard way): our skin doesn’t just react to products, it reacts to climate too!

How does climate affect our skin?

When it comes to skin concerns, Filipino skin differs significantly from Western and East Asian skin, largely due to variations in melanin levels. According to board-certified dermatologist Melanie Chao-Lo, MD, Filipinos and many Southeast Asians typically fall under Fitzpatrick skin types 3 to 5. Fitzpatrick skin phototypes (FSP) is a skin tone scale used for classifying skin color based on the skin’s response to ultraviolet (UV) exposure. 

This means that Southeast Asian skins have “higher melanin content” compared to Western and East Asian skin, which are usually classified as Fitzpatrick skin types 1 to 2, Dr. Chao-Lo says.

She also explains that this higher melanin provides some natural protection against sun damage and skin cancers but also increases the likelihood of developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (those stubborn brown spots that often follow acne or irritation) and melasma. 

“In terms of pigmentation, our skin often tolerates irritation less well. We’re more prone to scars and hyperpigmentation. Sometimes, a small scratch or a paper cut leaves a dark spot that lasts for months,” she says.

That’s why as much as I love experimenting with new products and swapping things in and out of my routine, one non-negotiable staple for me is using sunscreen daily–something that Dr. Chao-Lo affirms. She says it’s very important to use sun protection with at least SPF 50 everyday, and reapply every 2 hours.

Additionally, differences in sebum production further influence how Filipino skin responds to skincare products and environmental factors, she explains.

How to find the right product for you?

While it’s so easy to get influenced to buy one of the thousands of products you see on your TikTok feed, understanding what your skin concerns are, and what your skin needs are the first steps to finding the right skincare products that should go into your routine.

As it’s hot and humid in our country, Dr. Chao-Lo suggests using  “lightweight, noncomedogenic” skincare products that won’t clog pores or worsen oiliness. Noncomedogenic means that a product is formulated to not clog pores.

Heavy creams can trap sweat and sebum, increasing the risk of breakouts and irritation, she says. For oily skin, using breathable formulated products will allow the skin to stay balanced and less prone to congestion. She also recommends trying products that contain oil-regulating actives like niacinamide, and azelaic acid. 

While climate is a big factor in how your skin reacts to products, board-certified dermatologist Tanya Perez-Chua, MD, also explains that even if we’re dealing with sticky, tropical weather, “people with dry skin may still need richer creams for their body.” 

Skincare, as emphasized, is not a one-size-fits-all. Even if we’re all living in the same climate, we’re dealing with different skin concerns. This is why it’s essential to know and understand how your skin behaves. 

The takeaway is that, as someone with oily skin, I truly obsess over lightweight, gel type products, which people with dry skin might not love. And for people prone to hyperpigmentation, which dermatologists mentioned is a common concern among Filipinos, choosing gentle, non-irritating formulas that also target dark spots can help prevent flare-ups and support a more even skin tone.

Dr. Chao-Lo also reminds us that “makeup and skincare should enhance our Filipina skin, and not harm your skin. It would be nice to have smart choices and safe practices. So, go low and slow, always.”

At the end of the day, the best skincare routine is the one that responds best to your skin. When you understand what your skin needs and meet it where it is, confidence comes and results follow. So let’s stop chasing the next viral product, and instead, choose what works for you, and be intentional about it.