As the days get shorter and the weather finally becomes colder, you may begin to experience some not-so-fun changes in your skin. They might be similar to the symptoms that can arise when winter turns to spring, and when summer is changing to fall. For instance, your skin may appear drier or feel tighter than usual. Or, maybe your pimples are more inflamed than ever, if you’re acne-prone. According to dermatologists, these unwelcome changes in your skin can more than likely be a result of the transition between seasons.
While you can do anything about seasonal shifts (unless you move somewhere with a kinder climate), that doesn’t mean your skin has to suffer at the hands of Mother Nature. In a magazine interview several dermatologists revealed why skin tends to react during these seasonal shifts, as well as what measures you can take to help your skin stay in a healthy state. To remain ahead of the perils of weather, follow their advice and you’ll be one step closer to having happy skin — no matter what season it is.
Why (and how) does your skin change from season to season?
From warm to cold weather: A simple explanation of what happens when the temperature drops from warm to cold weather should help. The skin likes consistent surroundings, so when things, like weather, change quickly, it’s like a shock to the system. “Rapid fluctuations in weather can take its toll on our skin as it adjusts to the new environment,” explains New York City-based dermatologist Joshua Zeichner. “For example, as we shift from summer to fall, temperature and humidity will drop quickly, so the skin will have to work harder to maintain adequate hydration as cold weather and wind start to kick in.”
Zeichner went on to say, these dramatic changes can lead to cracks in the outer skin layer, loss of hydration, and inflammation — all of which can seriously impact the overall state of your skin health.
Dermatologist and founder of SmarterSkin Dermatology, Sejal Shah, continued with, these symptoms happen because the skin barrier becomes disrupted during weather changes, making it more susceptible to inflammation and irritation.
It’s not just the temperature that causes these skin woes, either. Shari Marchbein, a dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine, says it’s the sudden switch in weather combined with lifestyle changes we make as it gets cooler. Things like, taking hot showers and using central heat in homes contribute to skin dryness and inflammation associated with this transitional period.
From cold to warm weather: In reverse, as the weather gets warmer and humidity increases, the skin has to adapt again: “As skin starts to adjust to warm or hot weather and humid air, this often means feeling greasy and heavy as more oil gets trapped on the surface of the skin,” says Zeichner. “It’s essentially the exact opposite of what occurs from summer to fall or fall to winter.”
If the changes of seasons impact your skin causing any of the situations previously mentioned, take extra care to ensure your skin remains hydrated, which will help it ease through the transitional times of the year. Using clean products and drinking plenty of water is a good place to start.
How can you take care of your skin during these seasonal transitions?
There are a few things you can do. For starters, during the evolution from summer to fall, and fall to winter, limiting showers to no more than five minutes and avoiding hot water at all costs as the extended time, especially in hot water will begin to remove moisture from within the layers of skin. Using a gentle, nourishing body wash and following up with a thicker cream than you would use during the summer months will help to rehydrate and add a protective layer. A good moisturizer that contains no harmful ingredients applied within 60 seconds of coming out of the shower is best as your pores are open and can easily absorb the hydration help it needs.
The same type of changes should be considered when adjusting your facial care during the change of seasons. Implementing a hydrating serum into your daily routine should combat the perils of weather. Look for serums which contain soothing ingredients like Tiger Grass Blend and Agastache, or Bakuchiol with stabilized Vitamin C that support collagen through moisturization. Never skip out on moisturizer, and it is important to use a creamy cleanser during the cooler months. Moisturizers containing combinations of Shea butter, avocado oil and coconut oil with either hyaluronic Acid or a Squalene will replenish the skin’s moisture barrier.
In the hot and humid months, switch to a cleanser to help control excess oil that often occurs in the summer. It is also vital to protect your skin with sunscreen, a non-clogging one with safe ingredients is best.
In short, while the weather is not something you can control, taking care of your skin and its health is. Take notice of the state of your skin and switch up your routine when the seasons change.
These are just some suggestions to help you feel fantastic as we go through the never ending changes of season and weather.