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?

The skin is the largest organ of the body and serves as a protective barrier. It contains cells that regulate moisture and respond to external stimuli, which can vary greatly with changes in weather. If you live in an area with drastic seasonal changes or a humid climate, you may have observed how your skin reacts as the seasons shift. From feeling dry and exceptionally itchy on a cold winter day to feeling like you could fry an egg on your forehead in summer, here are the most common changes your skin experiences depending on temperature and humidity levels:

  • Effects of hot weather on skin

Hot weather can derail the skincare efforts of even the most dedicated enthusiasts. Elevated temperatures and humidity cause our skin to become oily and sticky, leading to acne breakouts, blocked pores, and uneven texture. According to recent research in dermatology, high humidity can also reduce transepidermal water loss, potentially resulting in healthier skin.

For those with dry skin, hot weather can drain the moisture, leaving a feeling of tightness and discomfort. Often, no amount of coconut oil or hyaluronic acid serum will suffice. Additionally, the heat causes dilated pores, allowing grime and pollution to infiltrate. And let's not forget about sunburns! While enjoying a sunny day is inviting, stronger sun rays during summer and spring extend your exposure to harmful effects like sunburns, which can contribute to premature aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. To combat this, opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid, and ensure consistent application of broad-spectrum SPF, even on cloudy days.

  • Effects of cold weather on skin

Cold weather presents its own set of challenges; dry patches and itchy red spots are common indicators that winter is here! As temperatures drop, the humidity in the air declines, leading to quicker moisture evaporation from your skin, leaving your face feeling tight and uncomfortable. Cranking up the heaters indoors only exacerbates the issue, further drying out the air and creating potential beauty disasters for your skin.

Keep in mind: the colder it gets, the drier your skin becomes, which can worsen any existing skin issues, including eczema, psoriasis, or acne. In these conditions, switch to thicker creams or ointments with ceramides or glycerin to help repair your skin barrier and lock in moisture. Adding a humidifier in your home can also help mitigate the drying effects of indoor heating.

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

With dramatic temperature fluctuations worldwide, it’s normal to question whether the weather truly alters your skin type. You might notice increased oiliness during steamy summer days and a drier complexion when it’s chilly outside.

While these observations may suggest a shift in your skin type, experts highlight that this isn't a fundamental change in skin type. Instead, it reflects your skin's adaptive responses to environmental changes by producing more oil or becoming excessively dry and tight. Consequently, while shifting temperatures can temporarily modify the appearance of oiliness or dryness, they do not have lasting effects on your specific skin type.

It's also worth noting that hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy or as part of aging, can cause slight fluctuations in your skin type.

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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