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Conquering UK Weather: A Survival Guide for Asian Skin and Curly Hair

(Read Time: 15 Minutes)

This article is also available in [Burmese]

Today, I don’t want to talk about cameras or software. Instead, I want to discuss a silent battle that those of us living abroad face every day: protecting our skin and hair from the harsh effects of the UK’s climate.

Back in Myanmar, I was never someone who paid much attention to skincare or haircare. But everything changed during my first winter in Oxford. My skin became dry and cracked, little bumps I’d never had before started to appear, and my curly hair became an untamable, frizzy mess.

It was then that I realized a harsh truth: the products designed for Myanmar's humid heat are utterly useless in the UK’s damp, cold, and challenging water environment. This is the practical routine, tested and proven by me, for anyone with Asian skin and curly hair to combat the UK’s weather, water, and central heating.

Know Your Enemy: The Environmental Differences Between the UK and Myanmar

Before you can solve a problem, you need to understand your opponent.

Damp Cold vs. Humid Heat: The hot, humid climate of Myanmar makes you sweat easily, leading to oily skin. That’s why most of our products are lightweight and specifically designed for oil control. The UK’s “damp cold” is different. The air is cold and humid, yet it seems to steal the moisture from your skin, leaving it much drier.
Hard Water: The water in most parts of the UK is “hard,” meaning it contains a high concentration of minerals. This can make hair feel brittle and dry, and it can leave a film on your skin that prevents products from being absorbed properly.
Central Heating: In the winter, the central heating in our rooms is a lifesaver against the cold, but it makes the indoor air incredibly dry. It’s the main culprit for evaporating the moisture from our skin.

My Practical Skin Survival Kit (Centered on CeraVe)

After months of trial and error, I found that CeraVe was the brand that worked best for my dry and sensitive skin. It’s affordable and free from unnecessary fragrances and alcohol.

Shower Filter (Essential): This isn’t a product, but it’s the most critical first step. The water in my accommodation is tough, so I bought a simple shower filter from Amazon. It significantly reduces the chlorine and minerals in the water, making a massive difference in my skin and hair dryness.
Body Wash: CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser (473ml). This is my body wash for dry and bumpy skin. Salicylic Acid helps clear pores and smooth the skin. It never leaves my skin feeling tight or dry after a shower.
Face Wash: CeraVe Foaming Oil Cleanser (473ml). For my face, I use this gentler oil cleanser. It’s compelling enough to remove sunscreen (though not heavy makeup) without stripping my skin of its natural moisture. It’s designed for Normal to Very Dry Skin, but it also works well for oily skin.
Moisturiser (Body & Face): CeraVe Moisturising Cream (for Dry to Very Dry Skin). I use this single cream for both my face and body right after showering. It’s non-greasy, absorbs quickly, and keeps my skin hydrated all day.
Night Moisturiser (Face): CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion. At night, I use this dedicated facial lotion. It contains Niacinamide, which helps to calm redness and fade acne scars.

The Curly Hair Challenge (Managed with Moroccanoil)

For thick, curly hair like mine, hydration is everything. The high humidity in the UK air can easily lead to frizz.

Shampoo: Moroccanoil Curl Enhancing Shampoo (250ml). This shampoo cleans my hair without drying it out and helps to define my curls.
Hair Mask: Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask (250ml). Using this mask once a week is a deep-conditioning treatment that provides my hair with the essential moisture it needs.
Styling:
- Moroccanoil All-In-One Leave-In Conditioner: This is my first line of defense against frizz. After showering, while my hair is still damp, I spray this lightly all over. It detangles, provides a base layer of moisture, and prepares the hair for styling.
- Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream (250ml): Applying this cream to damp hair after a shower helps my curls stay defined all day.
- Moroccanoil Treatment Oil Original (100ml): A small amount of this oil, applied to dry hair, helps tame frizz and add shine.
- Moroccanoil Ceramic Paddle Brush: I use this to detangle and to distribute cream evenly through my hair.evenlyest Confession: Despite using all these products, my hair remains frizzy at times, even with its thickness, and my tendency to sweat a lot. This isn’t a perfect solution; it’s an ongoing journey to find what works best for my hair type.

Indoor Environment & Internal Health

Skincare products are your external defense. But to achieve genuinely healthy skin and hair, you need to take care of your living environment and what you put into your body.

1. Air Quality: Your Invisible Roommate

Student accommodation in the UK, particularly in older buildings, often suffers from poor ventilation and can be dusty. Central heating also dries out the air. It’s essential to address these issues.

Air Humidifier: When the central heating is on, the air in your room can become as dry as a desert. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air, which can significantly relieve dry, itchy skin, nosebleeds, and a dry throat. It’s one of the best investments you can make for a good night’s sleep.
Air Purifier: This might seem like a luxury, but if you’re in an older building, it can be a necessity. It removes dust, pollen, and other invisible particles from the air, which can reduce skin irritation, allergies, and respiratory issues. Good air leads to good sleep, and good sleep leads to healthy skin.

2. Diet: Beauty from Within

Everything you eat has a direct impact on your skin. When you’re far from the fresh, vegetable-rich diet of Myanmar, you need to be more mindful of what you eat.

What to Eat:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Foods rich in Omega-3s, like salmon and walnuts, help maintain your skin’s moisture and reduce inflammation.
- Antioxidants: Berries and green tea protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals.
- Drink Plenty of Water: It’s simple but effective. Drinking at least 2 liters of water a day hydrates your skin from the inside out.
What to Avoid:
- Sugar and Processed Foods: Consuming sugary drinks and ready-made meals can trigger inflammation in the body, which can exacerbate acne.
- Dairy: This doesn’t apply to everyone, but for some people, high dairy consumption can trigger breakouts. Pay attention to how your skin reacts.
My Personal Experience: I found that I couldn’t tolerate the body odor often associated with eating meat, so I significantly reduced my consumption. Now, I eat meat very rarely and focus on a diet based on vegetables. Vegetables are your body’s best friend. They clear up your skin and cleanse you from the inside.

Makeup, Lifestyle, and Self-Respect

The advice in this article is for basic skincare and haircare. For those who enjoy makeup, false eyelashes, and manicures, the costs can be terrifyingly high. A single bottle of foundation from a good brand like NARS or Fenty Beauty can cost £30-£40.

I’m not skilled with makeup and prefer a simple skincare routine at home. I would rather build healthy skin from the ground up than cover it up.

The main point is that taking care of your skin is not just about beauty, nor is it just for women. It’s a fundamental part of self-respect and health for everyone, regardless of gender. A cosmetic product can replace the confidence that comes from clean, healthy skin.

No matter how cold it gets in the UK winter, showering daily is essential. Perfume can temporarily mask body odor, but it cannot replace actual cleanliness, which involves washing away the sweat and bacteria that build up throughout the day. Personal hygiene is a sign of respect for yourself and for those around you.

Furthermore, remember that no expensive cream can undo the damage of an unhealthy lifestyle. Lack of sleep, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use will show up on your face. They dehydrate the skin, cause inflammation, and accelerate the process of health and beauty starting from within.

The Invisible Need: Supplements & Vitamins

Important Disclaimer: The information below is for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. Before starting any new supplement, please consult with your GP (General Practitioner) or a doctor.

Vitamin D: For those of us from a sun-drenched country like Myanmar, the lack of sunlight during a UK winter is a real shock. Vitamin D deficiency is common and can lead to depression and fatigue. Taking a daily Vitamin D supplement during the winter is essential.
Omega-3 Fish Oil: This is particularly beneficial for individuals with dry skin and those who don’t regularly consume oily fish. It helps maintain skin moisture and supports brain health.
Vitamin B Complex: If you’re constantly feeling tired due to the stress of a new environment, this supplement can help support your body’s energy production.
Probiotics: Changes in location and diet can disrupt your digestive system. Probiotics can help restore balance, and good gut health is directly linked to clear skin.

Conclusion: This is What Works for Me

The routine and products I’ve shared today are what I’ve found to work through trial and error, based on my skin, my hair type, and the UK’s climate. This may not work for everyone. Some people might not get along with even the most expensive products, while others might excel with a £1 shower gel and shampoo from a discount store like Poundland. For sensitive people like me, this level of detailed care is less of a “nice-to-have” and more of a “necessity.”

The main takeaway is this: don’t be afraid to find new ways to take care of yourself to adapt to your new environment. It’s a crucial investment not just in your physical appearance, but also in your mental well-being.