Japan is about to enter the rainy season, known as tsuyu. According to the Japan Weather Association, the 2026 rainy season is expected to begin slightly later than usual.
Tsuyu is the period between spring and summer when rainy and cloudy days continue across most of Japan (except Hokkaido). Often called Japan’s “rainy season,” it usually lasts from late May to early July.
During this season, humidity levels rise and the weather becomes hot and sticky. It can also be a stressful time for your skin.
Japan is about to enter the rainy season, known as tsuyu. According to the Japan Weather Association, the 2026 rainy season is expected to begin slightly later than usual.
Tsuyu is the period between spring and summer when rainy and cloudy days continue across most of Japan (except Hokkaido). Often called Japan’s “rainy season,” it usually lasts from late May to early July.
During this season, humidity levels rise and the weather becomes hot and sticky. It can also be a stressful time for your skin.
Do you ever feel like your oily but dry skin gets worse during humid weather?
- Your skin feels oily but still dry?
- Your pores and shine become more noticeable?
- Your makeup melts or breaks down more easily?
Why Humid Weather Can Trigger Skin Problems
During Japan’s rainy season, both temperature and humidity rise rapidly.
As the weather becomes warmer, your skin naturally produces more oil (sebum), and sweating also increases. This can leave excess oil and sweat sitting on the skin’s surface, leading to:
- Sticky skin
- Excess shine
- Clogged pores
- Makeup breakdown
Hot and humid environments can also encourage bacteria growth, which may contribute to acne and skin irritation.
At the same time, many people spend more time indoors with air conditioning running. While the air feels cool, it can dry out the skin from within.
As a result, your skin may become what is often called dehydrated oily skin — oily on the surface but dry underneath.
Common Skin Concerns During Humid Weather
Oily Skin and Shine
Higher temperatures and humidity levels increase oil production, making the skin feel greasy throughout the day. The T-zone is especially prone to excess shine and makeup smudging.
Enlarged Pores and Blackheads
Excess oil mixed with dead skin cells can clog pores, making pores appear larger and causing clogged pores and blackheads.
Acne and Breakouts
Humidity creates an environment where bacteria can grow more easily, increasing the likelihood of breakouts and inflammatory skin concerns.
Dehydrated Skin (Inner Dryness)
Even if your skin feels moisturized because of humidity, the inside of the skin may actually be dehydrated.
Makeup Melting and Creasing
Sweat and oil can cause foundation to separate, crease, or settle into pores more easily.
３Essential Skincare Tips for Humid Weather
1. Keep Your Skin Clean
One of the most important skincare steps during humid weather is proper cleansing.
Removing sweat, excess oil, sunscreen, and makeup helps prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
Cleansing Tips
- Wash your face twice daily (morning and night)
- Use lukewarm water (around 90–93°F / 32–34°C)
- Cleanse gently with foam rather than scrubbing
- Keep cleansing time to around one minute
- Use an enzyme cleanser 1–2 times a week to remove dead skin cells
Avoid
- Harsh scrubbing
- Very hot water
- Over-cleansing
- Strong cleansing products that strip the skin
Overwashing can actually trigger more oil production.
Recommended Japanese Cleansers for Humid Weather
Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder 0.4g – 32 Pieces
If excess oil and clogged pores are major concerns, try adding an enzyme cleanser to your routine once or twice a week. This Kanebo Suisai powder cleanser contains two enzyme cleansing ingredients and amino acid-based cleansing agents that help remove dead skin cells, excess sebum, and clogged pores while leaving the skin smoother and clearer. It’s especially popular during Japan’s humid rainy season for Japanese skincare, oily skin, and pore care. However, overusing enzyme cleansers may lead to dryness, so using it 1–2 times weekly is recommended.
Kao Curel Foam Cleanser – 150ml
If you want to remove excess oil without over-drying your skin, this gentle foaming cleanser is a great option. This Kao Curel cleanser cleanses while helping maintain the skin’s moisture barrier, making it suitable for:
- Oily skin
- Combination skin
- Dehydrated oily skin
- Sensitive skin
It also contains anti-inflammatory ingredients, making it a good choice during seasons when the skin feels more reactive or unbalanced.
Using Curel daily and adding Suisai once or twice weekly can work well during humid weather.
Matsuyama M-Mark Amino Acid Bubble Wash – 130ml
During humid weather, amino acid-based cleansers are also a great option because they help remove excess oil while keeping the skin hydrated. This Matsuyama M-Mark cleanser contains eight amino acids, which are major components of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). Its rich foam helps remove pore impurities and excess sebum while keeping oily and combination skin fresh and balanced.
Senka Perfect Whip Facial Wash – 120g
This popular Senka Perfect Whip cleanser is known for its dense micro-foam texture. The cushiony foam helps reduce friction while deeply cleansing dirt, oil, and dead skin cells from pores. It’s a good option for people who want a thorough cleanse without excessive irritation.
2. Don’t Skip Moisturizer — Even If Your Skin Feels Oily
Many people think they only need toner during humid weather because their skin already feels greasy. However, skipping moisturizer can make dehydration worse.
After cleansing, replenish moisture immediately with toner or lotion, then lock it in with a serum or lightweight moisturizer.
Recommended Moisturizer Types
- Gel moisturizers
- Watery lotions
- Lightweight hydrating lotions
Recommended Ingredients
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ceramides
- Glycerin
- Amino acids
- Proteoglycan
Use lighter hydration on oily areas like the T-zone, while focusing more moisture on dry areas such as the cheeks and around the eyes.
Recommended Japanese Lotions for Humid Weather
Sana Nameraka Honpo Soy Milk Isoflavone Facial Lotion NC – 200ml
If your skin feels dehydrated during humid weather, hydrating lotions can still be very helpful. This Nameraka Honpo moisturizing lotion has a lightweight, non-sticky texture and helps leave the skin feeling smooth and soft. It contains Nameraka Honpo’s original high-purity soy milk isoflavones and fermented soy milk extract to support hydration while remaining refreshing and comfortable on the skin.
Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner – 500ml
Humid weather can lead to many common skin concerns, including:
- Excess oil
- Clogged pores
- Makeup breakdown
- Acne
- Dehydrated skin
That’s why focusing on these three basics is so important:
Cleanse, Hydrate, and Protect From UV Rays
By adjusting your humid weather skincare routine and choosing lightweight, comfortable products, you can help keep your skin fresh, balanced, and healthy throughout Japan’s rainy season.
This lightweight and refreshing Naturie Hatomugi lotion is popular for layering hydration without heaviness. A Japanese skincare method called “hitahita-zuke” involves applying generous layers of lotion to deeply hydrate the skin. Using about three coin-sized amounts can help deliver moisture to the outer layers of the skin more effectively.
3. UV Protection Is Essential Even During the Rainy Season
- Choose SPF30+ and PA+++ or higher
- Use SPF50+ and PA++++ on sunny days
- Choose waterproof formulas during humid weather
- Reapply every 2–3 hours
- Use hats or umbrellas for extra protection
Final Thoughts
That’s why focusing on these three basics is so important:
Cleanse, Hydrate, and Protect From UV Rays
By adjusting your humid weather skincare routine and choosing lightweight, comfortable products, you can help keep your skin fresh, balanced, and healthy throughout Japan’s rainy season.
We will continue to share enjoyable articles with you, so please stay tuned.
Tomomi
I am a former English teacher for children.I enjoy drawing and making crafts.I hope to share writing that gently conveys the charm and values of Japan.
