By Nina Simons
Photo courtesy of Pexels
The skin, unlike most human organs and systems, experiences both the negative impact of external factors and the influence of internal troubles in the body. For many people, it turns out that the skin is surrounded by enemies. Outside - aggressive improper care, and weather condition, from the inside, blood with poisons and toxins overcomes, the abundance of which is promoted by poor nutrition, polluted intestines and liver. And the skin has to fight on its own with external and internal negative factors.
Many skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, and melasma can worsen with the seasons, so it is important to consider whether changes when planning treatment and skincare.
Skin changes due to seasons
Recent studies show that skin barrier function differs between summer and winter. The study found that depending on the season, the number of natural moisturizing factors that act on exposed skin areas, the texture of corneocytes, as well as the breakdown of the filaggrin protein, which supports the skin's barrier function, changed.
How the skin condition changes during the warm season
We all know about the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, but there is also a good side of it - the synthesis of vitamin D.
Vitamin D is synthesised in the body from cholesterol when the skin is directly exposed to ultraviolet radiation.
During the cold months, we are not exposed to enough UV light, so our bodies are not able to synthesise this important prohormone. So, in order to activate the synthesis of vitamin D, we recommend you to spend some time outside and feel sunlight on your skin (without using SPF products) between 11 am and 3 pm.
Vitamin D also plays a vital role in the immune functions of the skin.
In addition, vitamin D deficiency is linked to a host of skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne, and even skin cancer.
Many women believe that creams should not be used on hot summer days, as the skin is already sweating and shiny. This opinion is wrong. The epidermis, and in particular its stratum corneum, devoid of sebum, become less resistant to the influence of the external environment (sunlight, cold, wind, etc.). Degreased skin on hot days evaporates more sweat, which leads to even more dryness.
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Skin diseases that don't like the sun:
- During the summer months, melasma worsens as ultraviolet radiation and heat stimulate melanocytes.
- In patients with acne, the skin condition may worsen as a result of increased sebum production.
- Excessive heat and humidity can aggravate fungal infections such as impetigo, athlete's foot.
- Rosacea also tends to flare up in summer due to the fact that UV radiation is an important trigger of the disease.
- The skin condition of eczema and psoriasis worsens in summer too.
If you have any of this condition, don’t neglect help from experts. Professional dermatologist in Sydney can help you out during long and hot Australian seasons.
Recommendations for skincare during the warm season
It is best to avoid aggressive regimens in the summer for those who have not used potent retinol before, unless they are dedicated to their craft and comply with the conditions of sun exposure and the finicky use of SPF.
In summer, it is best to use a good cleanser to control sebum, as well as antioxidant foods that scavenge free radicals generated by UV exposure. It is also very important to use quality products with a high SPF.
If you have oily skin, acne-prone skin, we recommend you exfoliators and salicylic acid products.
In summer, it is best to avoid aggressive peels and laser treatments. A popular peel during the warmer months is the mandelic acid peel, which is less aggressive. It is especially beneficial for rosacea sufferers as it is less irritating to the skin than other alpha hydroxy acids, and it also has antimicrobial properties.
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Cold season: how to protect your skin
In winter, a rapid change in temperature, from a warm room to cold outside, can affect the capillaries, causing them to rapidly expand and narrow, leading to redness and telangiectasia.
Cold air increases transepidermal moisture loss, while wind reduces the number of lipids on the skin needed to maintain the skin's barrier function.
The colder months are a time of increased skin hydration and the use of products that regulate the skin's natural hydration, supporting the epidermis and restoring barrier functions. Products containing ceramides and hyaluronic acid are great for increasing hydration.
Winter is a great time to reverse the damage done in summer. Lower temperatures and less intense UV light reduce the risk of complications from the procedures. Therefore, this is the perfect time for more aggressive approaches in cosmetology.
It is also important not to forget about the sun's exposure to the skin in winter and to use sunscreen.
Conclusion
Temperature, humidity and ultraviolet radiation vary with the seasons. And as the largest organ, the skin is affected by these changes. However, by understanding the physiology of the skin, we can prepare for the variability of the weather and minimise the damage that each change of season causes.
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