How Weather Affects Your Skin (and What to Do About It)

Your skin changes with the seasons and weather . Hot, cold, dry, or humid air can each have unique effects, so adjusting your routine is key. In general, sunny heat and humidity tend to increase oil and acne, while cold and wind strip moisture and trigger dryness, itchiness or sensitivity. Understanding these patterns helps you protect your skin year-round. Hot and Humid Weather (Summer) Sweating and Breakouts. Heat and high humidity make your skin produce more oil and sweat, which can clog pores. AAD dermatologists note that sweaty summer skin often becomes oilier , leading to pimples or blackheads. Action: wash face twice a day with a gentle cleanser to clear excess oil, and remove sweat promptly (showering after workouts). Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer (gel lotions are great) so you stay hydrated without adding extra grease. Also, never sleep in sweaty gym clothes or face coverings – bacteria thrive in damp environments. Sun Damage and UV Exposure. Summer sun can both burn and dehydrate skin. Sunburn not only hurts, but research shows it breaks down collagen and weakens the skin’s hydration. Daily broad- spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen is non-negotiable in any heat or sun. Reapply every 2 hours, especially if swimming or sweating. Look for matte or tinted sunscreens (with iron oxides) if you dislike greasy feel . Sun protection also stops discoloration (dark spots and premature aging). Tip: Wear wide- brim hats and sunglasses for extra protection, and seek shade during peak UV (10am–4pm). Hydration from Within. In summer you might drink more beverages and sweat a lot. Keep internal hydration up with water; dehydration can make even oily skin look dull or flaky. A cold-water facial mist (with soothing ingredients like aloe or glycerin) can refresh skin midday. Cold and Dry Weather (Winter) Barrier Breakdown. Cold air (especially at high altitude) holds less moisture. Indoor heaters dry the air further . This “winter itch” pruritus hiemalis is common: as humidity drops, the skin barrier is compromised, leading to dry, red, itchy or even cracked skin. Action: swap to a richer moisturizer (cream or ointment) in winter. Look for ingredients like glycerin, urea, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid that draw in moisture and repair the barrier. Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) on elbows, knees, and heels can seal in moisture overnight. Warm Showers and Cleansing. Long hot showers feel good in winter , but hot water strips natural oils. Use lukewarm water and fragrance-free cleansers. Pat yourself dry (don’t rub) and apply moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp. Avoid drying soaps or heavy alcohol toners on face. Humidifiers and Fabrics. Consider a humidifier in your bedroom or living areas to add moisture back into the air (especially if heating is on). Wear soft cotton or silk under wool sweaters to prevent skin irritation. And continue using sunscreen even in cold weather – UV rays reflect off snow and can burn. Moisturizers with SPF can kill two birds with one stone. Wind, Rain, and Seasonal Transitions Wind Burn. Cold wind literally blows moisture off your skin. After being outside in a stiff breeze, your face might feel taut, red, or chapped. Wearing a scarf or windproof coat helps. Slather on a rich barrier cream before heading out in wind (think thick ointment). Rain/Humidity Effects. In very humid or rainy climates, skin can sometimes feel greasy (even without heat) because pores may expand. Keep exfoliating a bit (gentle chemical exfoliant) to prevent milia or fungal issues. However , watch out for mold exposure in damp seasons if you have eczema – clean pillowcases and shower soon after getting caught in the rain. Transition Seasons (Spring/Autumn). As temperature and humidity swing rapidly (like spring warms up quickly or fall cools down), your skin can get confused. This is when allergies from pollen or mold are high, which can cause hives or eczema flares. Keep a gentle eczema-friendly routine if you have known triggers. In autumn, repeat the “winterize” step: start heavier creams as soon as nights become cool. Customize Your Routine by Season Your core daily routine (cleanse, treat, moisturize, SPF) stays the same, but the products can switch. Some

tips

• Summer Routine: Use a water-based or gel cleanser; lightweight, oil-free moisturizer; gel mask or

hydrating serum if needed; and matte sunscreen. You might skip heavy oils or waxes entirely.

• Winter Routine: Switch to a creamy or balm cleanser; richer moisturizer or oil (e.g. squalane or shea

butter formulas); incorporate occlusives (vaseline, beeswax) on very dry spots; and continue SPF.

• Middle Seasons: In spring/fall, you may use medium-weight products, gauging how your skin reacts. Keep

exfoliation gentle (1–2 times/week) to remove buildup without burning away moisture. By tuning your routine to the weather – drinking water and using hydration-first ingredients in winter , controlling shine and sweating in summer – your skin can stay balanced year-round. Remember that even on a sunny winter day, the UV damage adds up, so SPF is always the final step.

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