A very strong El Nino until early 2027: how to protect your skin in hot weather

A very strong El Nino is forecast to last until early 2027. Indonesia's food and drug authority, BPOM, said so in an official news release on 28 October 2026, citing extreme temperature changes and a long dry season. For your skin, a longer hot season means more sun exposure and a face that turns oily faster, so your routine needs to adapt.

This article sums up BPOM's El Nino update, how to apply sunscreen properly according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), tips for skin that gets oily in the heat, and a sunscreen recommendation from Kira.

What BPOM says about El Nino

In its official news release, BPOM is tightening food safety oversight to face a very strong El Nino that is forecast to last until early 2027. BPOM head Taruna Ikrar pointed to extreme temperature changes and limited clean water from the long dry season. BPOM's focus here is food, but the same hot weather affects your skin every day.

How to apply sunscreen properly in hot weather

According to AAD dermatologists, sunscreen only works when it is applied correctly:

1. 01Choose SPF 30 or higher, water resistant and broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB). A tinted sunscreen with iron oxide also helps prevent dark spots by protecting against visible light.
2. 02Apply it about 15 minutes before going outdoors, on dry skin, because the skin needs time to absorb it.
3. 03Use enough. For the face, use at least 1 teaspoon, about the length of your index and middle fingers.
4. 04Remember your neck, ears and the tops of your feet, all skin not covered by clothing.
5. 05Reapply about every two hours when outdoors, and after swimming or sweating.

The AAD also notes that no sunscreen is truly waterproof or sweatproof, so water-resistant sunscreen still needs reapplying after sweating. The full guide is in how to apply sunscreen correctly.

Skin turning oily in the heat? Dermatologists' tips

Hot weather makes us sweat more and the face feels oilier. The AAD recommends:

• Wash your face up to twice a day and after sweating, without scrubbing, since scrubbing irritates the skin.
• Choose products labelled oil free and noncomedogenic, including cleansers, moisturizers and makeup, so pores do not clog.
• Use a gentle, foaming face wash. A harsh wash can irritate the skin and trigger more oil.
• Avoid oil-based or alcohol-based cleansers.
• Keep using a moisturizer, an oil-free one.

Need a fuller routine? Read skin care for oily skin.

Kira's sunscreen recommendation

Not sure which sunscreen texture to pick? Here is Kira's real result for the question "which sunscreen suits my skin?" from one selfie:

For this normal skin with a little shine, Kira suggested three SPF 50 options: a cream for extra moisture, a lotion that is light and absorbs easily, and a gel that feels fresh and non-sticky. To avoid: alcohol-based sunscreen, fragranced sunscreen and heavy sunscreen.

Kira's suggestions are AI advice, not a medical diagnosis. If your skin gets sunburnt, itchy or develops a rash that does not improve, see a dermatologist.

Ask Kira which sunscreen suits you

Send Kira a selfie in natural light on WhatsApp and ask which sunscreen suits your skin. Kira replies in 10 to 15 seconds with texture options, the reasons, and what to avoid. See the sunscreen example.