Why Weather Changes Skincare: How The Seasons Affect Your Skin

AcneLauren Petrullo
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Ah, the “joys” of changing weather. Just when you’ve mastered your skincare routine for summer and have the dewy, glowing skin to show for it, autumn rolls in with those cool mornings and shorter days. Suddenly your skin is dry, cracked, and breaking out again. Well, it's not just the hot summer days or the chilly winter nights that wreak havoc on your skin; it turns out even a slight shift in temperature can put your complexion at risk! 

As you know *or not*, there's no such thing as a "one size fits all" approach when it comes to caring for your skin, especially depending on the current season. That’s right, your beloved skincare products may not always be what your skin needs at any given time of year! So, read on as we explore why weather changes skincare and how to adjust accordingly for healthy-looking skin no matter what season comes along.

How does the weather affect your skin?

If you live in a place with drastic seasonal changes or with a very humid climate, you may have noticed that your skin changes as new seasons come. From feeling dry and reeeaaally itchy on a cold winter day to feeling like you could cook an egg on your forehead in the summer, here are the most common changes on your skin depending on the temperature and humidity levels: 

  • Effects of hot weather on skin

Hot weather can be a beauty killer for all skincare aficionados. The temperature and humidity levels cause our skin to become oily and sticky, which can lead to acne breakouts, blocked pores, and uneven texture. 

On dry skin, this type of weather can sap the moisture from even the most hydrated skin, leaving behind tightness, dryness, and deep crevices that no coconut oil or hyaluronic acid serum will ever fix. 

On top of that, hot weather causes dilated pores, which means that more grime and pollution enter them and stay there. And let’s not forget about sunburns! Yes, we all love a beautiful day outside, but, during summer and spring, the sun’s rays are stronger and the days are longer, meaning that you’re more exposed to the damaging effects of the sun, like sunburns, which can cause premature aging and even skin cancer. 

  • Effects of cold weather on skin

Cold weather can be a pickle for your skin; from dry patches to itchy red spots, there's usually something that lets you know winter is here! When the temperatures drop, there's less humidity in the air, which means moisture evaporates off your skin faster, leaving your face feeling tight and uncomfortable. Lower temperatures also mean you're likely to crank up the heaters at home, which can further dry out the air and create a beauty disaster for your skin. 

Bear this in mind: the colder the weather, the drier your skin which can aggravate any existing skin problems, including eczema, psoriasis, or acne. 

Sudden change in skin type due to the weather: Is it possible?

With the drastic changes in temperature around the world, it's normal to wonder if the weather can really affect your skin type. Chances are, you'll notice more oiliness during steamy summer days and drier complexions when it gets cold outside. 

While these results may make it appear like our complexion is changing along with the seasons, experts say that this isn't actually a true transformation of your skin type. In reality, it's more about our skins reacting and adjusting to environmental conditions by producing more oil or being extra dry and tight. Therefore, although shifting temperatures can temporarily alter how oily or dry your skin appears, it won't have any permanent effects on your specific skin type. 

In fact, your skin type can have small shifts due to hormonal changes, which is more common when someone gets pregnant, or as you age. 

Seasonal skin care: Tweaks for every skin type

At the start of each new season, it's essential to give your skin care routine a revamp. Whether you live in an area with extreme temperature fluctuations or more uniform climates, seasonal changes affect how our skin looks and feels. Here are our fave little tweaks you can do to your skincare routine to keep your skin glowing throughout the year: 

Dry skin

From the scorching heat of summer to the blustery cold of winter, dry skin can be an uncomfortable reminder of changing seasons and climate. Here are our tips for you: 

  • During the hotter months
      • Use a moisturizer with SPF so your skin can get the protection it needs while also feeling soft
      • Ensure that the water you use in your showers isn't too hot, this can further dry out your skin
      • Avoid skincare products with harsh chemicals and ingredients, they can strip the skin of its natural oils while taking away any moisture it may have left
      • Be sure to exfoliate regularly to eliminate dirt and dead skin cells; this will help unclog your pores and let them better absorb lotions and creams
      • Choose products that contain hyaluronic acid as this will help your skin retain moisture and repair flaky patches
      • If creamy moisturizers are too heavy for you, opt for gel moisturizers
  • Artless Glow Base SPF 50+ PA+++ - Moisturizing sunscreen for glowy skin

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  • During cold weather
      • Make sure you moisturize right after bathing to cover any exposed skin and lock in moisture
      • Use a humidifier at home or in the office as it will help replenish moisture while heating dries out air indoors
      • Try adding a nourishing oil-based cleanser that won’t strip the natural oils from your face. 
      • Cream it up! Make sure you’ve got plenty of heavy creams and balms to keep your outer layer looking healthy and radiant
      • Exfoliate once a week to get rid of patches of dry and cracked skin

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Sensitive skin

If you’re suffering from itchy, red, inflamed, irritated skin, here’s what you should be doing as the seasons change. 

  • During the hotter months
      • Use sun protection with soothing ingredients like green tea, Centella Asiatica, and aloe vera. This will protect your skin barrier while also helping you with irritation
      • Cold showers help reduce inflammation while keeping the temperature moderate
      • Prefer clean products as products with harsh alcohol and fragrances can further irritate your skin. 
      • If you’re spending too much time outdoors, carry with you an essence so you can splash it on your face whenever you feel it’s too hot.  
      • Apply a refreshing and hydrating face mask 2-3 times a week. Go for those with aloe vera, tea tree, cucumber, green tea, and Centella Asiatica

  • During cold weather
      • Avoid super hot showers at all costs, they will increase your skin irritation and dry out your skin
      • Exfoliate your skin, but don’t overdo it. Exfoliating twice a month is okay.
      • Use non-irritating cleansing oils, like sunflower oil, to cleanse your skin without leaving your skin dry or tight
      • Protect your skin. A scarf will help trap heat, keeping your face warm and protected from the cold air that could irritate your skin
      • Don’t skip your daily dose of sunscreen

Oily and combination skin

Combination and oily skin can be a hard beast to tame when it comes to the weather and the seasons. Here’s what you can do to get glowy skin: 

  • During the hotter months
      • Try switching to lightweight lotions and oil-free moisturizers that won't clog pores
      • Reduce the amount of oil-based makeup you put on
      • Don't skip exfoliants, they help balance sebum production and clear your pores to make them less obvious
      • Use blotting papers throughout the day to absorb excess oil without disturbing your makeup
      • Try using products with clay or charcoal to absorb sebum excess and unclog pores
      • Use gel-type sunscreens to protect your skin without being too heavy

  • During cold weather
      • Warm showers provide enough cleansing action but won't dry out your skin as much as hotter ones would
      • Switch to heavier moisturizers with non-comedogenic oils, like calendula and sunflower. 
      • Use a gentle, acid-based exfoliator twice a week so your skin looks more refreshed.

FAQs about how seasonal changes affects your skin

Do you still have some questions about how your skin reacts to weather changes? Here are the most common questions about this topic: 

  • Is it possible to develop a skin allergy due to weather change?
    •

    While it may seem off the wall, many people do develop skin allergies due to the change of weather. From hot and humid regions to cold and dry climates, extreme weather can cause reactions like eczema, dermatitis, hives, and urticaria. If this happens to you, visit a dermatologist to take care of your skin’s health. 

    • Why does my acne get worse in the winter?

     In the winter, dry, cold air outside sucks moisture away from your skin making it feel dry and tight. Once you come inside, hot indoor heating further exacerbates the problem of warming up the air inside which can cause the skin to become dehydrated. Combine that with any stress or hormonal imbalance we may be feeling at a certain time, and you have a perfect recipe for acne flare-ups! Additionally, during this season, your skin may start overproducing sebum due to the dry weather. The excess sebum can clog your pores and cause you to break out. 

    To avoid this, include products with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide in your winter skincare routine. 

  • Is it possible to have a sudden change in skin texture?
    •

    Yes! Just like your skin tone changes during summer and winter, your skin texture can change over time. This may look like little bumps, rougher skin, or even a dull or lackluster complexion. The change may be due to aging, genetics, and even the weather. So, to avoid it, don’t forget to exfoliate your skin weekly. 

  • Can hot climate cause acne? 
    •

    Yes, while the heat itself won't directly cause an outbreak, there is definitely a connection between warm weather and acne. Sweating, increased oil production and even sun exposure can all aggravate existing acne, leading to worsened breakouts in hot climates. 

    To avoid this, make sure that your summer skincare routine includes washing your face twice a day, using non-comedogenic products, and hydrating your skin with gels instead of creams 

    Where to find seasonal skin care products?

    As the seasons start to change, you may want to start switching your skincare routine a little to avoid the bad effects the seasons can have on your skin. So, if you’re looking for some goodies to include in your beauty squad, you’ve come to the right place!

    In Asian Beauty Essentials you’ll find everything you need to transform your routine as the seasons pass. From dry and oily, to sensitive, combination, and normal skin, we have what your complexion is craving to look glowy all year long! 

    So, visit our website and let the seasonal shopping spree begin!

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