Environmental Factors that Impact the Skin

The environment plays a major role in regards to the appearance of our skin. The weather can leave your skin feeling dehydrated or contribute to the excess oil found on the pores. It’s important to understand how the weather may impact the skin to avoid acne or reoccurring breakouts on the face. Here are a few ways that environmental factors contribute to aging. 

Hot Weather 

When the weather is hot outside, it makes it easier to get dehydrated. Dehydration may lead to dullness on the skin and may lead to itchiness, redness, discoloration, blemishes, and more. Also, when the skin lacks water, it becomes harder for the body to flush away toxins, which makes the skin vulnerable to eczema and psoriasis. Skin serves as a protective barrier, so when dehydrated, it becomes easier for the pores to become inflamed from dirt and debris, which may cause breakouts on the face. 

Equally important, hot weather contributes to premature aging. Research has shown that heat increases inflammation on the skin, which breaks down collagen. Collagen is needed in the body to promote elasticity, so when the levels decrease, it becomes harder for the skin to snapback. Reduced elasticity ultimately leads to wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. 

Cool Weather 

On the other hand, cold weather makes it easy for the skin to lose moisture. When the skin lacks moisture, this makes it easier to get inflamed, which contributes to acne, breakouts, and aging on the face. Since the skin lacks moisture, wrinkles may start to become more visible and the skin may have patches and itchiness due to the dryness. 

UV Rays 

In both cold and hot weather, sun damage is always possible. It is essential to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing to avoid harmful 

UV rays. UV ray’s breakdown the collagen and elastin fibers in the body, which causes wrinkles and fine lines on the face; this can speed up the aging process and also increase a person’s risk for skin cancer over time. Avoid the sun by limiting outdoor activities during the time that UV rays are at peak or always wear UV resistant eyewear alongside with sun cream to reduce its penetration on the skin. 

Regardless of what season it may be, it’s important to cater to your skin according to the weather. Your Fall skincare routine shouldn’t be the same as your Summer skincare routine and vice versa. Dedicate time this Spring to determine what products work best for your skin to maximize your appearance and achieve healthy youthful skin!