There is much noise alongside some genuine information on the internet about how to take care of one’s skin. Information on the internet comes from people all over the world and may often not be applicable to Nepal. Given its climate, altitude, and specific problems such as urban pollution, people’s needs will differ and require tailored solutions.

Dr Shreya Bastakoti is a consultant dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Lavana Skin and Hair Clinic in Kathmandu, Nepal. She obtained her MD in dermatology from Kathmandu University and received aesthetic training in Bangkok and Mumbai.

Bastakoti, who provides aesthetic services to patients with diverse dermatological concerns, discusses common skincare problems in Nepal and how people can adapt their routines to the country’s varied climate, altitude, and seasons.

What are the issues that people living specifically in Nepal face in terms of skincare?

Skin concerns in Nepal vary significantly depending on geography, altitude, climate, and lifestyle.

In the mountainous regions, low temperatures, dry air, strong winds, and high UV exposure can lead to dry and sensitive skin, chapped lips, sunburn, pigmentation, premature ageing, and, in severe conditions, frostbite.

In urban areas such as Kathmandu, air pollution is an important concern. Prolonged exposure to pollutants can disrupt the skin barrier and contribute to dryness, irritation, acne, pigmentation, and premature skin ageing.

In the Tarai and warmer, humid regions, heat, sweating, and friction create favourable conditions for fungal infections, intertrigo, folliculitis, acne, and heat rashes.

How does the monsoon season affect these problems compared to the dry season?

The monsoon season, with its high humidity and increased environmental moisture, can significantly influence several skin conditions. The warm, humid climate creates an ideal environment for fungal growth, leading to an increase in fungal infections, pityriasis versicolor, and intertrigo.

Increased sweating and occlusion may also contribute to acne and folliculitis flare-ups. Additionally, people may experience more allergic reactions, including those triggered by pollen, insects, and environmental allergens.

In contrast, the dry season generally has lower humidity, resulting in fewer fungal and moisture-related skin problems, although dryness, irritation, and skin-barrier disruption may become more prominent. Overall, skincare needs to be adapted according to the seasonal climate.

What is the importance of sunscreen in the high altitudes and plains in Nepal?

Sunscreen is an essential part of skincare throughout Nepal, particularly because of the country’s significant variation in altitude and consistently high levels of ultraviolet (UV) exposure.

At high altitudes, UV radiation is stronger because the atmosphere provides less filtration, and exposure is further intensified by reflection from snow and other surfaces. This increases the risk of sunburn, pigmentation, premature skin ageing, and cumulative UV-induced skin damage. Therefore, regular use of a broad-spectrum, high-SPF sunscreen is particularly important for people living at or travelling to higher elevations.

In the plains and lower-altitude regions, although UV intensity may differ, prolonged exposure to strong sunlight remains an important concern. Sunscreen helps prevent tanning, pigmentation, photoaging, and long-term UV-related skin damage.

How can people take good care of their skin in these circumstances?

I always believe that good skincare is about keeping it simple and being consistent, rather than using many products. You do not necessarily need an elaborate 10-step routine to maintain healthy skin. The basics—a gentle face wash, a moisturiser suited to your skin type, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen—are often enough for most people.

The routine should also be adapted to the environment. In cold, dry or high-altitude areas, a richer moisturiser and regular lip balm can help protect the skin barrier. In hot and humid regions, lighter, non-comedogenic products may be more comfortable and help reduce excess oil and sweating. Sunscreen should be used daily, especially when there is significant sun exposure, and reapplied when outdoors for prolonged periods.

Most importantly, avoid constantly changing products or following every skincare trend. Healthy skin comes from the right products, used regularly and appropriately for your individual skin needs