As you start a new life at university, there are more issues you might encounter than just attending lectures and making friends. For many international students, it begins with a surprising challenge attributed to Sydney’s ‘four seasons in one day’ weather conditions. During these moments, as you immerse yourself into the new schedule and discover more of the city, your skin might be going through its own stress. Whether it’s breakouts or dryness, no one can ever be quite ready for Sydney’s weather and its transformations. So, it’s about time we break it down on why your skin might be acting up and how you can tackle this problem head-on.
Is the weather the cause?
Sydney’s climate can be a rollercoaster, it can go from hot and humid to dry and cool quickly. It can especially pose significant challenges for students coming from different parts of the world. Moving to a new country implies dealing with a different climate, and the skin, as well as the whole body, takes time to adjust.
For international students, this has become a common reality. Vouchleang Oeng, a Western Sydney University student, shared her experience: “My skin barrier was good until I came to Australia. When I first came here, I faced several issues with my face. The skin barrier, hormonal acne and breakouts got worse. However, as I got used to the weather and everything here, it has been getting better overtime. With that, I try to keep my skincare routine simple and easy.”
Raynesh Charan, another WSU student, had a similar experience: “I faced severe breakouts once moving to Australia, although I’m not exactly sure if it was due to a change in climate or diet. I was able to deal with it by going to the doctor and receiving prescription-only medication, which was stronger than anything I had needed in the past.”
(Aneera Asif, an international student, celebrating Eid in Sydney while wearing a traditional kurti. Photo credit: Aneera Asif, 2024)
Aneera Asif, another student, echoed similar skin concerns: “Before coming to Australia, my skin was generally clear, with only a few pimple marks. However, since arriving, I’ve experienced a significant flare-up in active acne. Mostly due to the weather change. I’ve tried incorporating products like vitamin C serum and hyaluronic acid into my routine, but nothing has seemed to help. Now, I’m focusing on a simplified skincare regimen, using just a vitamin C cleanser paired with a vitamin C serum. I’m hopeful that this will help calm my skin and bring it back to its previous condition.”
(Kuleena, sitting on a rock at the beach, enjoying the serene view. Photo credit: Kuleena, 2024.)
Kuleena’s story is another testament to the challenges posed by Sydney’s climate: “Since the time I have come here, my skin has been breaking out really bad. I have tried vitamin C, niacinamide, oil cleansers, and what not. But nothing has been working so far. My pores are also increasing. I am not sure how to proceed about the same.”
These stories are not just mere isolated incidents. The climate in Sydney can differ dramatically from what these international students were used to, potentially leading to many skin issues. So, if you are an international student and if you have also noticed that your skin is not as happy as you are, then don’t worry, mate! (accent intended). You are not alone in this, and we have rounded up some fast facts for you! So, grab your glasses, it’s time to make a toast and say g’day to smoother and healthier skin!
Here’s some expert advice for you:
While working in the beauty and dermal industry, Najwa Fayad, a qualified Beauty, Dermal & Laser therapist, emphasises the importance of sun safety. “Our skin is the largest organ in our body that we can SEE! Isn’t that amazing? Our skin can send visual messages of changes to our health happening internally, especially when it comes to our gut microbiome. Unfortunately, the Australian climate is responsible for multiple skin concerns, but the biggest is sun damage.”
Australia is located close to the equator, which means it experiences some of the highest UV indexes in the world. “UVA & UVB rays produced significantly change the skin of Australians. This is why it’s so important that we are sun safe. UVA & UVB rays damage the DNA in skin cells, which causes things like skin cancer, sun damage, and other forms of premature aging.”
“The Fitzpatrick Scale is commonly used in the beauty and dermal industry. It is a numerical scale for human skin colour, carrying Type 1 to Type 6, with Type 1 being the lightest and most sun-sensitive skin and Type 6 being the darkest and least sun-sensitive skin type. This means that people traveling to Australia with a skin Fitzpatrick of 1-3 will most likely experience the most sun sensitivity.”
“Most skincare brands in Australia carry a broad-spectrum SPF 50. Broad-spectrum means it helps to protect the skin from UVA & UVB rays. Ultraviolet A rays have a longer wavelength and are what can cause skin aging, while Ultraviolet B is associated with burning the skin.”
“Unfortunately, most people don’t know how much SPF to apply or the importance of reapplying. It’s always important to read the directions of the SPF you’re using. In most cases, an SPF 50 requires a teaspoon to cover the face and should be reapplied every 2 hours.”
“Thankfully, many skincare brands have now formulated SPF products that don’t feel greasy and sticky on the skin like they once did. Instead, you can get your SPF in multiple formulations suitable for all skin types, so there really is something for everyone.”
“Becoming a skincare enthusiast has become a trend in the past five years due to social media trends and influences. But in my professional opinion, there is no point in investing thousands of dollars a month in your skincare if you aren’t being sun-safe with your face and body. Wear your SPF, sunnies, hat, and sun-safe clothing, and make your beauty and dermal therapist proud!”
Did you know that you can also utilise your OSHC to tackle this issue?
As an international student, you might not realise that you can use your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to get advice from an expert. You can visit a General Practitioner (GP) as these doctors can provide sound advice about managing skin conditions. Booking an appointment is straightforward: you can just log on to your OSHC provider’s website to find participating GPs. Ensure to always carry your OHSC card when visiting to make insurance claims.
At the appointment, try to let your doctor know of all the products that you have been using and the changes to your skin since you have moved to Australia.
While Sydney’s weather may keep you on your toes, your skincare routine will always be your constant companion. Keeping abreast of changes to the climate and its effect on the skin and understanding when professional help is required can help you in taking control of your skin’s health. With a little patience and the right approach, you’ll be able to keep your skin glowing, no matter what surprises Sydney’s weather has in store.
Hi, this is Jasmine. I am pursuing master’s in social work at WSU. I am calligraphy artist, a dog mom and a poetry lover. (You’ll probably find me watching dog videos in my spare time). My special talent? Adding a Punjabi tadka to Italian and English dishes. Yes, you’ll find garam masala in my pasta. I am all about yapping, helping, and making the world a little brighter, one poetry piece at a time. See you on the other side!
