Our skin, particularly the delicate skin on our face, is constantly exposed to the environment, making it highly susceptible to weather changes. Understanding how different weather conditions affect the skin, how the body reacts, and what skin diseases can arise is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. Additionally, knowing how to protect your skin from these changes and adjust your skincare routine accordingly can help you maintain a radiant and healthy complexion year-round.
How does a change in weather affect the skin?
Hot and humid weather:
During hot and humid weather, increased temperatures and humidity levels cause the skin to produce more oil. This can lead to clogged pores, resulting in acne breakouts. Excessive sweating also contributes to skin irritation and can exacerbate conditions like eczema.
Cold and dry weather:
Wintry weather, combined with low humidity, can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness and flakiness. The skin's barrier function is compromised, making it more susceptible to irritants and allergens. This often results in conditions like dermatitis and a worsening of chronic skin issues.
Windy weather:
Windy conditions can have a harsh, abrasive effect on the skin. The constant friction and exposure can strip away the skin's natural oils, leading to dryness, redness, and irritation. It can also make the skin more sensitive and prone to cracking.
Transitional seasons:
During transitional seasons like spring and autumn, the fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels can confuse the skin, causing it to react unpredictably. This can lead to an imbalance in oil production, increased sensitivity, and breakouts.
How does the body react to a change in weather?
The body has various mechanisms to adapt to changing weather conditions, but these can sometimes impact the skin negatively:
- Thermoregulation is a process where the body tries to regulate its temperature. This causes an increase in sweating in hot weather, which can lead to dehydration of the skin.
- Blood flow to the skin is reduced in wintry weather as blood vessels constrict, resulting in a pale, dull complexion. Conversely hot weather increases blood flow, which can cause redness and swelling.
- Sebum production varies with temperature changes. Higher temperatures increase sebum production, leading to oily skin, while lower temperatures decrease sebum production, resulting in dryness.
- The immune response in the skin can be weakened by extreme weather conditions, making it more prone to infections and inflammatory reactions.
Which skin diseases are caused by weather?
Certain skin diseases are intricately linked to weather conditions:
- Acne: Hot and humid weather increases oil production and sweat, leading to clogged pores and acne.
- Rosacea: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can trigger rosacea flare-ups, causing redness and visible blood vessels on the face.
- Eczema: Cold, dry weather can exacerbate eczema, causing dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.
- Psoriasis: Cold weather can worsen psoriasis symptoms due to reduced exposure to sunlight and drying conditions.
- Heat Rash: Hot and humid conditions can cause heat rash, characterised by small, itchy red bumps.
How to adjust your skincare routine based on the climate
Adapting your skincare routine to the changing weather is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Here are tips on how to adjust your skincare routine based on the climate:
Hot and humid weather:
- Use a gentle liquid cleanser to remove excess oil and sweat without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.
- Opt for a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (maximum SPF 30) to protect your skin from UV damage.
- Exfoliate regularly to prevent clogged pores and breakouts. Use a gentle exfoliant to avoid irritation.
- Try a lightweight hydrating product like GF2 Skin Rejuvenation to maintain hydration without adding oil.
Cold and dry weather:
- Change to a rich, hydrating moisturiser to lock in moisture and protect the skin from dryness.
- Do not skip sunscreen, as UV rays can still harm your skin in winter.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and prevent your skin from drying out.
- Incorporate a product like GF2 Skin Rejuvenation to soothe and hydrate your skin.
Windy weather:
- Use a gentle, low-pH cleanser to avoid stripping the skin’s natural oils.
- Apply a barrier-repairing moisturiser to protect your skin from wind-induced dryness and irritation.
- Wear a scarf or hat to shield your face from the wind.
- Use GF2 Skin Rejuvenation to help soothe your skin and protect it from environmental stressors.
Transitional seasons:
- Use a medium-weight moisturiser that provides hydration without feeling too heavy or too light. Or opt for a serum instead.
- Adjust your exfoliation frequency based on your skin’s needs to avoid over-or under-exfoliating.
- Maintain skin balance with GF2, which helps calm the skin during changing conditions.
General tips for protecting your skin from climate change
Hydration:
Keeping the skin well-hydrated is crucial, especially in extreme weather conditions. Use a hydrating serum to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
Sunscreen:
Sunscreen is important all year round. UV rays can damage the skin even on cloudy or chilly days. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (of no more than SPF 30) if prolonged periods of sun exposure are expected. Short periods (less than 20 minutes per day) of sun exposure do not need SPF protection.
Gentle cleansing:
Use a gentle liquid cleanser with a low pH to remove dirt, oil, and sweat without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
Humidifiers:
Using a humidifier in your home can help maintain optimal humidity levels, preventing your skin from drying out in cold, dry weather.
Layering by day:
Layering skincare products can help protect your skin from the elements. Start with GF2 then follow with a serum that contains hyaluronic acid.
Skin cycling by night:
Skin cycling encourages you to use your actives on different days with rest days in between so that your products complement each other. This can help prevent irritation and inflammation. Start with a cleanse and apply your GF2 (as always). Then cycle through the following routine. If your skin is more tolerant, you can shorten the number of rest days.
- Night 1 – exfoliate (with a chemical exfoliator like glycolic acid).
- Night 2 – use retinol.
- Night 3 and 4 – have a rest from actives, opt for a hydrating serum.
Skin cycling can be particularly beneficial in adapting to weather changes. For instance, during colder months, you might focus on hydration and barrier repair by using nourishing serums and moisturisers on certain days, while incorporating gentle exfoliation and retinoids sparingly to prevent dryness. In warmer months, you could emphasize oil control and protection against UV damage, rotating in products with salicylic acid or antioxidants like vitamin C.
Diet and hydration:
Staying hydrated by drinking water is vital for healthy skin. A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids can help strengthen the skin's barrier and improve its resilience to weather changes.
Protective clothing:
Wearing protective clothing, such as hats and scarves, can shield your skin from harsh weather conditions. In wintry weather, opt for materials that do not irritate the skin, like cotton or silk.
Avoid hot showers:
Hot showers can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Use lukewarm water instead and limit your shower time to protect your skin.
Regular exfoliation:
Exfoliating the skin (body and face) helps to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. However, be gentle and adjust the frequency based on the weather—less frequent exfoliation in dry weather and more in humid conditions.
Specialised treatments:
Consider using specialised treatments to help your skin better cope with changing weather conditions. GF2 Skin Rejuvenation is designed to rejuvenate and repair the skin, helping to mitigate the effects of environmental stressors all year round.
Conclusion
Weather changes can have a significant impact on the health and condition of your skin, especially the face. Adjust your skincare routine as the weather changes. Incorporate protective products, and make lifestyle adjustments to maintain healthy, glowing skin throughout the year. For those looking for advanced skin care solutions, GF2 offers a powerful option to keep your skin looking its best no matter the weather.
