Growing up in Cambodia’s hot, humid climate, Sovichheka Sok learned early how the weather can shape your skin—and your routine. Her story highlights the unique challenges Cambodians face and why local knowledge, simplicity, and sun protection are key.

Sovichheka Sok,21, from Cambodia first started her skincare journey at the age of 16. “I think I started a bit late. My friends around me  were using skincare products and my mom encouraged me to look after my skin as well so that’s why I started. “ She says it took her a while to develop a consistent routine,” But I still feel lazy sometimes in using the products.”

Cambodia has a warm, humid and tropical climate. It is characterised by two seasons, the dry season which lasts from November to April and the wet season which lasts from May to October.

According to the EPI Dermatology and Laser Specialist Clinic tropical climate conditions can accelerate the production of sebum, leading to oily skin, and can also increase the likelihood of fungal and bacterial infections due to excessive sweating and moisture retention.

In order to prevent these adverse effects on your skin, taking care of your skin under these conditions is extremely important.

Sovichheka says that her skincare routine is quite simple, effectively using only three to four products,” It’s just basically three or four products: sunscreen, cleansing oil, facial cleanser and moisturizer. I think I have learnt that keeping it simple works for me. “  She decided to make her routine simpler after she once used a toner which lead to a major breakout,’that kind of traumatized me and made me stick to a simple routine.”

Soivchheka’s routine in the morning involves washing her face and using sunscreen and her nighttime routine involves using facial cleansers and a moisturiser. She also oil cleanses twice a week before her facial cleansing and occasionally uses face masks as well.

Sovichheka started oil cleansing when she noticed that her skin started becoming more oily.

“I don’t think my skin is that sensitive, which I am grateful for. I would say my face does get more oily usually in the T zone and some clogged pores in my nose area back in Cambodia.”

She has been living in the UK for the last three years and has noticed the difference in her skin compared to when she was in Cambodia.”I didn’t really pay attention to how the weather affects my skin back at home but after moving to the UK, I realised how the weather makes such a big difference.”,she says her skin gets really dry,especially her lips, in the UK but back in Cambodia,”I think I tend to get more oily due to sweating more in the heat.”

Due to Cambodia’s high UV index,Sovichheka also used sunscreen regularly and tried to avoid the sun when she went out by opting to stay in shadier places.

According to the Era Clinic in Cambodia, some of the common skin concerns that people in Cambodia can face are Acne, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. According to NHS UK Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes flaky patches of skin which form scales.

“I think most people I know growing up  struggled with some forms of Acne.” says Sovichheka. She has also experienced rashes due to the high humidity,” They develop in areas where my skin would rub against each other when I move but they usually go away within a day. “

Read more about how to navigate skicnare in Singapore’s Tropical climate: https://radiancemag.co.uk/2025/06/02/glowing-in-the-tropics-navigating-skincare-in-singapores-humid-climate/

Going to school also affected Sovichheka’s skin as she tended to sweat more while moving around which led to more rashes.

In order to battle against these skin concerns,Sovichheka has more trust in Korean and Japanese brands when it comes to skincare, “majority I do prefer K-beauty skincare products. I find that Asian skincare in terms of face wash and sunscreen works better for my skin and I like the formula better.” She says.

According to an article on Cambodianess Since the normalization of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and South Korea, South Korea’s investments in Cambodia have exceeded $8 billion as of 2023. This has positioned South Korea as the Kingdom’s third largest Investor and this includes Korean Beauty and skincare.

Sovichheka’s has one major concern when it comes to skincare products and that is,”e adding products to my very simple routine that would not result in me breaking out. For example, I don’t really find it hard with skincare in Cambodia’s weather but once I visit a drier place and come back, my lips would start to be extremely chapped and it is so hard to find a product that will help stop that.”

Sovichheka also stays up to date on the latest products and trends through her friends and social media,” I don’t go out of my way to keep up with what the current holy grail product is but if I do see multiple people rave about the same product and my friends use it, I would probably then decide to try it.”

The world of skin care is constantly changing and evolving with new products, treatments and trends coming in every day. Amidst this growing market, Sovichheka has a simple advice for all our readers,” I think the diet is really important and is often overlooked when it comes to skincare but honestly, I think keeping it simple is the way to go, to let your skin breathe and drink lots of water.”