As seasons change, our skin adapts to different environmental conditions. Whether it’s the warm temperatures of summer or the cold air of winter, understanding how these seasonal shifts affect your skin is important for maintaining its health and vitality.
Why (and how) does your skin change from season to season?
The skin craves consistency, and weather changes can be a shock to our system. Liesl Hansen notes that, ”Rapid fluctuations in weather can take a toll on our skin as it adjusts to the new environment. “As we transition from summer to autumn, the drop in temperature and humidity requires the skin to work harder to maintain adequate hydration.
Remember, while the weather is uncontrollable, our skin’s health is not. Pay attention to your skin’s signals and adjust your routine as the seasons change.
From Warm to Cold Weather: Combatting Dry Skin
Seasonal shifts, especially from summer to autumn, often bring dry, cold air that can strip the skin of its natural moisture. Liesl Hansen explains that this can cause unpleasant looking skin, discomfort, and itching and can have a negative impact on quality of life.
Eczema-prone skin is also often influenced by seasonal changes, which can result in a flare-up during colder months.
Here are five essential tips to relieve dry and/or eczema-prone skin:
- Keep showers warm. It is especially hard in the winter, but you always need to use lukewarm water in the shower or bath. Hot water can trigger symptoms, especially if you’re changing temperatures quickly.
- Moisturise! You should already be doing it daily — ideally right after you bathe — year-round. But it is especially important when the weather is cold. Make sure you apply your moisturising lotion to your entire body, face, feet, and hands. Think of cream as an extra barrier you need to help lock in moisture and protect your skin.
- Guard against itchy clothes. Your cosy wool sweater can be can be a trigger for eczema-prone skin. If you do wear wool, use a cotton shirt underneath to cover your skin.
- Don’t overheat. When you’re bundled up in a heavy coat, it’s easy to break out in an itchy sweat. Wear layers, take them off, and put them on as needed to stay comfortable.
- Watch out for indoor allergens. If you’re cooped up inside in winter weather, you may be surrounded by indoor allergens — like pet dander, dust mites, and more. If allergies are a trigger for your eczema-prone skin, take steps to control them. Keep pets out of your bedroom, put dust mite-proof covers on your mattress and pillows, remove carpeting, and wash sheets and blankets regularly.
Liesl Hansen adds, ‘’In addition to these tips, key ingredients like oat flour, oat extract, oat oil, and ceramides work together to combat signs of eczema-prone skin and protect the skin barrier. Adding oat-based moisturising lotions to your daily skin-care routine will support in combatting seasonal dry skin by naturally drawing moisture into the skin.
Liesl Hansen concludes by emphasising the importance of our skin as a reflection of nature’s delicate balance throughout the seasons. ‘’Let our skin embody the principles of nourishment, protection, and care so that no matter the season, we remain comfortable in our own skin.’’
