How Seasonal Changes Affect Skin Conditions

There’s a strong link between seasonal changes and skin conditions. The rise and fall of temperatures all year can make your skin dry or oily, depending on how sensitive you are to these changes. Using the right products can increase your skin's resilience against environmental stressors. The trick is to flow with the season and make your skincare routine adaptable. 

IN THIS ARTICLE:

1. The Impact of Weather on the Skin
2. Switching Up Your Skin Care Regimen Accordingly
3. Diet And Lifestyle Changes To Boost Skin Health
4. Frequently Asked Questions

Think of your skin like a wardrobe that must adapt to various seasons. From a freezing winter to a scorching summer, dressing yourself accordingly is the best way to stay comfortable all the time. It's the same with the largest organ in your body. 

The skin is made of three layers — the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fatty layer, forming a natural barrier that protects you from the effects of fluctuating heat and cold caused by the changing weather (Sreenivas, 2023). This protective shield, along with its ability to regenerate, makes the skin naturally resilient. However, it’s not immune to environmental stressors. Excessive temperatures and humidity levels can affect how it retains moisture and keeps you hydrated. 

For example, during winter, the lack of humidity can make your skin drier than usual. If you’re on the sensitive side, you may get itchy and flaky skin. You’ll have to moisturize a lot during the cool season. 

Meanwhile, the intense heat during summer can make your glands produce more oil, leading to breakouts. Acne in humid summers is quite common. You can address this issue by guarding your skin from the sun and using sunscreen that deflects ultraviolet rays.

Skin Issues Across the Seasons

To achieve optimal skin health, you must consider the weather in your self-care equation. Here are some common seasonal problems that may affect you. 

Winter’s Moisture-deprived Air Triggers Conditions 

When the temperature approaches zero, the air is stripped of moisture. This chilliness affects the stratum corneum, which is responsible for retaining water in your skin for natural hydration (Columbia University, 2023). When it’s dehydrated, it turns dry and flaky and becomes vulnerable to itching, blisters, and other symptoms of eczema. Eczema and winter dryness are closely associated. The snow season can trigger lesions and problems that may require tailored eczema treatment services to address.

Summer’s High Humidity Boosts Oil Production

While the beach season is a well-loved period, some people may find it annoying because of conditions caused by extreme humidity. Not only does the excessive heat result in sunburn — which takes days to treat — but it can also increase oiliness and inflammation. The damaging ultraviolet rays, along with other acne causes like sweat buildup, can trap bacteria and dirt on the dermis and promote adult acne.

Spring’s Airborne Allergens Increase Reactions

Spring is when cases of skin allergies uptick. It's an especially challenging time for those allergic to pollen because they get carried by the wind, birds, and insects, making the outdoors a battlefield for sufferers. Dusts and molds also contribute to swelling, itching, and other signs of eczema. When allergens fill the air, going for unscented products minimizes irritation and allergic reactions during this transitional season. 

Autumn's Dry Air Sparks Flare-ups

When autumn sets in, the air turns crisp and chilly. You then crank up your thermostat to heat up your home to feel warm. But doing this also evaporates the moisture in the air. Fall is marked by worsening rosacea and temperature swings that disrupt your natural barrier. Dry air causes the skin to feel rough and tight, which is a precursor for flare-ups. During this time, it’s essential to upgrade your routine to keep your skin protected.

Skincare can be tricky. Add the factor of the changing weather, and it becomes an even more challenging task, especially for those who aren't skincare savvy. But anyone can create an effective routine that works for them. The first step is to know your skin type. 

You can have normal skin that is less affected by the oscillating humidity levels or an oily one that turns acne-prone during summer. Knowing the type of skin you have is important in customizing a self-care regimen and choosing the right products that provide optimum protection (Stuart, 2024).

Just as each person's skin is affected by their lifestyle, genetics, location, and other factors, your day or night routine should be based on what your own skin needs. Here are some tips on what to include or change in your beauty pack to overcome skin problems in winter, summer, spring, and fall.

Winter Skincare Tips

Humid air makes the skin extra dry, which calls for amping your self-care regimen. During winter, use a thicker, cream-based moisturizer. It contains more oil than water, compounding hydration in many ways (Columbia University, 2023). One, it traps water within and stops it from escaping the dermis. Two, it attracts moisture from the environment into your skin. Lastly, it regulates natural oils, keeping your face and body moist for a long time. 

Glycerin- and glycol-based products pack a punch of moisture and are an excellent addition to your beauty bundle. These ingredients are considered humectants, which lock in water into your skin to prevent it from drying up. For lip care, balms work best at preventing chapped lips in winter. Don't forget to apply sunscreen even if there's no sun during the day. It's an all-year staple.

Spring Skincare Tips

From late March to June, the cold eases, and the temperature gets warmer. What does this mean for your routine? It’s time to skip the heavy creams since they leave a greasy feel and promote acne on the surface. When spring hits the calendar, switch to a light moisturizer. You’ll find serums to be the best nourishing alternatives. They provide enough hydration without the excess oil.

Look for products formulated with vitamin C, hyaluronic, and retinol (Health and Style Institute, 2024). Vitamin C brightens the skin, hyaluronic acid moisturizes it, and retinol solves sun damage and wrinkles. The combination of these can enhance your skin’s complexion. Additionally, slip in an exfoliator in your beauty pack to get rid of dead skin cells. Make sure to choose organic products that are good for your type of skin. 

Summer Skincare Tips

During summer, ultraviolet rays directly hit your skin and cause redness, sun spots, and fine lines. Counter these problems by creating an effective summer skincare routine that’s simple and easy to do. It must consist of these three basic items —  a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, and a sunscreen with at least SPF 30. 

A mild cleanser is a must since excessive heat can make your skin overly sensitive. Using something with an active or aggressive ingredient, like salicylic acid, may not be ideal. When it comes to a moisturizer, look for a formula that contains plant-based oils, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin (Florida Academy, 2021). These ingredients provide adequate hydration without introducing extra oil to your skin. Don't forget to wear sunscreen, especially if you're going out. Re-apply every two hours. 

Autumn Skincare Tips

Your skin condition can drastically change from oily to dry when the temperature begins to drop again. The cold air of winter and autumn are known seasonal triggers of psoriasis. If you're prone to it, adjust your beauty kit at the first sign of the incoming cool weather. 

Some people are fortunate to have more resilient skin, allowing them to stick to the same regimen all year long. It's good and economical if it works for your skin. Otherwise, stock up on new skincare supplies during autumn. 

Products with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, glycerine, and plant oils can save your skin from dehydration (Indiana University, 2020). Body lotions with jojoba, shea butter, and squalane oil will moisturize your arms and legs and prevent flakiness. 

Seasons affect the temperature and humidity levels, including exposure to heat or dry winds. Your skin bears the brunt of these rhythms in the environment. The arid air during fall and winter can make your skin extra dry and possibly trigger existing conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Meanwhile, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays during summer and the warming spring can stimulate your glands to produce more oil. 

There are steps you can take to protect your skin against these natural stressors. One tip is to make your routine adaptable by choosing the right products that suit your skin type and condition for every season. Use a cream-based moisturizer when the temperature dips near zero. It's formulated with more oil, giving your skin optimum moisture. When the weather warms, swap the cream with serums and light moisturizers. They hydrate and help control excess sebum. Just as you switch up your wardrobe to fit the outside weather, adjusting your regimen is a must to keep your skin looking at its best. 

Lifestyle changes also play a role in skin health. Eat foods with high water content, like cucumber and watermelon. They help nourish the skin from within. Get adequate sleep. It's a tonic for the skin. Remember to exercise, too. It gives your complexion a natural glow from the increased circulation of oxygen and nutrients to your organs (AAD, 2021). Lastly, consult your dermatologist for expert advice on the best products and formulas to use. 

Don’t let seasonal changes take a toll on your skin. Schedule an appointment with our dermatology experts today to create a personalized care plan tailored to your needs.