How Seoul's Climate Can Change Your Skin

Many Americans who arrive in Seoul notice their skin behaving differently within days or weeks: oilier and breaking out in summer, or tight and flaky in winter. Often the climate is part of the reason. This guide explains Seoul's seasons, how they compare with the US Northeast and California, what humidity and cold do to the skin, and what simple changes can help.

Yes, your skin can change after arriving in Seoul. Seoul is hot, humid and rainy in summer and cold and dry in winter. How much your skin notices depends on where you come from and when you arrive. The US Northeast has a broadly similar seasonal pattern, so the change is often smaller. Coastal California is drier in summer and milder in winter, so the contrast is usually bigger. Climates also vary within each coast, so treat this as a general guide.

According to Korea Meteorological Administration climate normals:

• Average relative humidity is 61.8% over the year, lowest in February and March (54.6%) and highest in July (76.2%)
• Summer (June to August) averages 71.8% humidity, while spring and winter average 56.3%, which is relatively dry
• About 63% of the year's precipitation falls in summer, and the rainy season, called jangma, runs from late June to late July
• January is the coldest month, averaging -1.9°C (about 28°F), and August the hottest, averaging 26.1°C (about 79°F)

The US Northeast, including New York and Boston, has a humid continental climate with cold winters and hot, humid summers, a pattern broadly similar to Seoul's. Coastal California, including Los Angeles, has a Mediterranean climate with dry summers, mild winters and most of its rain in winter.

A 2016 review in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology concluded that low humidity and low temperatures lead to a general decrease in skin barrier function. Skin also becomes more reactive to irritants and allergens, and cold, dry weather increases the risk of flares in people with atopic dermatitis (eczema).

Hot, humid weather works the other way. Skin tends to feel oilier and sweatier, which can contribute to breakouts in some people.

In summer:

• Switch to a lighter moisturizer
• Cleanse gently, especially after sweating
• Wear sunscreen daily
• Avoid layering heavy products

In winter:

• Use a richer moisturizer, especially after washing
• Cleanse gently and avoid hot water and harsh scrubs
• Protect your skin from cold wind
• Consider the humidity of heated indoor air
• Keep wearing sunscreen year-round

If dryness is your main concern, see which treatments fit winter dry skin.

Climate-related changes often settle once your routine adjusts. See a doctor if you notice:

• Breakouts that keep coming back
• Eczema that flares up
• Redness or irritation that does not settle with simple changes

Working Hours:
Monday/Wednesday/Thursday : 10:00 – 19:00
Tuesday/Friday : 10:00 – 21:00
Saturday : 10:00 – 15:00
Lunch Break : 13:00 – 14:00
Last appointment is one hour before closing.

When using the subway
From Saetgang Station (Line 9 or Sillim Line)
Walk straight out of Exit 2 until you reach a corner. It is the building on the other side of the street on your left. Got to the black door on the left of the Mammoth Coffee place and go up to 9TH FLOOR.