American beauty: we solve the biggest climate challenges to your skin and hair — so you can look your best no matter where you are in the country

Shape, July, 2004 by Jenna McCarthy

Amy Richardson, 31, has oily skin and wavy hair--at least she thought she did until she moved from Miami to Las Vegas. Suddenly she was buying moisturizer for the first time in her life and forgoing her expensive collection of straightening irons.

"It's amazing how much where you live affects how you look," says Debra Jaliman, M.D., a clinical instructor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. Pollution, altitude, humidity or dry air, and a whole host of other environmental influences all conspire to alter your beauty destiny. Here's how to make the best of what geography gives you.

east coast

CLIMATE: HUMID

Skin While a moist environment is better for your complexion than one that's arid (it helps keep skin supple--and less likely to show early signs of aging, including fine lines), air that's practically dripping with dew, like that found in Florida, New York and other Eastern states, can push normal or combination skin (as well as oily skin) into the acne-prone zone. "Sweat and heat increase bacteria, which aggravates any kind of skin condition," explains Jaliman, who recommends tailoring your skin-care routine to get weather-triggered breakouts under control. Avoid creamy, wipe-off cleansers and go straight for a rinse-off option like Dove Essential Nutrients Self-Foaming Cleanser ($6.49; at drugstores). For a power wash, choose salicylic-acid-based cleansers like DDF Therapeutic Skincare Salicylic Wash 2% ($28; beauty.com), which can help prevent bacteria buildup. A toner also can help clean out pores to get rid of trace oil. (Editor's pick: Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner, $7.50; at drugstores.) Check labels of moisturizers and sunblocks as well to make sure the ones you're using are oil-free and noncomedogenic (meaning they won't clog pores), and choose gel formulas over creams and lotions. Best bets: Clarins Ultra-Matte Day Concentrate Moisturizer ($34; gloss.com) and Eucerin's oil-free Extra Protective Moisture Lotion SPF 30 ($9.69; at drugstores).

Hair Humidity and hair is another story altogether. Damp air can turn otherwise well-behaved locks into one unruly mess. A silicone serum is an effective frizz-fighter, explains Angela Cosmai of Manhattan's John Frieda salon. Try it in John Frieda's Frizz-Ease Hair Serum ($10; at drug-stores). If you've got short hair or natural waves, use a styling gel (like Lancome Hair Sensations Strong Hold Ultra-Pure Fixing Gel, $16; lancome.com) to shape hair, then let it air-dry. Long hair can always be slicked back into a neat ponytail.

Best makeup for humid weather Look for oil-free and sebum-controlling products like Prescriptives Virtual Matte Oil-Control Makeup ($32.50; prescriptives.com), a foundation with SPF 15; Clinique Acne Solutions Concealing Cream ($12.50; clinique.com), a medicated concealer that heals and hides skin imperfections; and J.a.n.e. Oil-Free Bronzing Powder ($4; at drugstores). For eyes, Chanel Automatic Liquid Eyeliner ($30; gloss.com) and Lancome Definicils Waterproof High Definition Mascara in black ($21; lancome.com) stay put in steamy temps.

Hot polish In New York City, Creative Nail Design's top-selling lacquer is Wildfire, a rich red ($6; 800-833-NAILS).

Cool spa treatment The Double Oxygen Facial at Spa Palazzo Boca Raton Resort & Club in Boca Raton, Fla. ($125 for 50 minutes; bocaresort.com), is a high-tech facial that uses oxygen-infused serums to combat dehydration and sun damage and calm stressed-out skin.

plains states

CLIMATE: WET HEAT

Skin Without cooling ocean breezes, the central states can get hotter than a steaming pot of Texas chili. "Heat causes blood vessels to dilate," explains Mary Ann Martinez, M.D., director of Bee Caves Dermatology in Austin, Texas. "Over time, they can become permanently dilated and visible." Translation: blotchy skin that never clears up (rosacea, a skin condition that can manifest acnelike symptoms, is an extreme version of this). While air conditioning keeps you cool, there are other things that can help your skin. "Cut back on anything that causes blood vessels to expand, including caffeinated drinks, spicy foods and alcohol. Also use sun protection and try to keep stress under control," Martinez says. Wash your face and body in warm--never hot--water (hot water can aggravate inflammation), and stay hydrated. "For some people with sensitive skin, rosacea or the dry-skin condition eczema, heat and sweat may aggravate the skin disorder," Martinez explains. That's why you should mist skin with water during and after workouts, stay close to a fan and take a cool shower when you get uncomfortably warm. Best skin bets: DERMAdoctor Calm, Cool & Corrected 2n1 Rosacea Tx ($85; nordstrom.com), with soothing botanicals and antioxidants to reduce inflammation, and Institut' DERMed Licorice Hydrating Cream ($40; 866-433-7633), a moisturizer with licorice extract that helps calm hypersensitive skin.

Hair In Midwestern states like Kansas and Missouri, July temperatures often hit triple digits, so you should use styling products that offer protection from the sun's ultraviolet rays, and wear a hat as often as possible. Avoid shampooing every day (even mild shampoos can increase dryness), and rotate shampoos every week or so to prevent a body- and shine-busting accumulation of any one type of cleanser. A good product for you to try: Pantene Pro-V Radiant Response Mousse ($4; at drugstores), a styler with sun filters that adds body to hair while also helping protect it from environmental damage.