There's no denying that the weather affects your skin. Many factors influence how it impacts you, including your genetic makeup, skin type, and level of sun exposure. Many people's skin is oilier in the summer and drier, flakier in the winter. Dermatologists attribute this to variations in weather conditions such as temperature and humidity levels. Your skin reacts to a sudden change in temperature. As the weather changes, you may need to modify your skincare routine and try new ways to keep your skin healthy.
As the temperatures drop in winter, humidity levels also begin to decline. Because your skin likes to be hydrated, the lack of humidity during this time can quickly result in irritation. Dry, cracked, irritated skin can result from a lack of moisture. Dry skin might also aggravate existing skin conditions. Acne sufferers may notice additional spots, while those suffering from dryness or eczema may experience flare-ups as the weather changes.
When the weather turns cold, your daily routine shifts, which might impact your skin. A hot shower is a perfect way to conclude a long day outside in the cold. Taking hot showers, however, exacerbates skin dryness and further diminishes skin's natural oils. Using a room heater also leads to dryness and irritation.
If you're going somewhere warm for a short vacation during winter, the sudden change in weather will also affect your skin. When exposed to hot, humid weather, your skin may feel greasy as more oils accumulate on the skin's surface. Overall, your skin prefers stability, and you must figure out ways to keep it healthy as the seasons change.
Keep a simple fall skincare routine:
- Use a gentle and light face cleanser. Avoid using strong surfactants in your soap or body wash. A fragrance-free cleanser/body wash is less likely to irritate your skin.
- Take cool or lukewarm showers or baths. Hot water can damage the skin's protective barrier.
- Apply a deeply nourishing moisturiser regularly. You may wish to replace your lightweight summer lotion with a thicker, heavier cream to provide your skin with the extra moisture it requires this time of year.
- Use a daily face moisturiser containing humectants like glycerine, hyaluronic acid and ceramides to moisturise and lock in hydration. Regular application ensures efficient moisturization both throughout the day and at night.
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, all year, to protect your skin from UVA/UVB rays from the sun. Sunlight should be avoided no matter what the temperature is outside.
Bottom Line
Your skin is one of the most sensitive organs, requiring continual care. It is because the texture of your skin, colour and elasticity changes according to the weather. The most important thing that you must do is adapt your skincare routine to existing weather conditions for maintaining your skin's moisture balance.