How does the change of season influence skin health?

Influenteaza schimbarea anotimpului sanatatea pielii

Every change of season affects skin health. Just as we make sure to change our wardrobe when temperatures drop, it's important to adapt our skincare routine to the weather conditions of the new season.

Skin health is important not only from an aesthetic point of view, but also because it fulfills numerous essential roles for the well-being of the body. Among other things, it protects the body from viruses and bacteria to which we are exposed daily. It also offers protection against ultraviolet rays, which can damage cells and cause premature aging. At the same time, healthy skin helps us react better to certain sensations, such as pain or pressure.

Cold weather can compromise skin health, triggering conditions such as xerosis (extremely dry skin), eczema, and psoriasis, whose symptoms can vary in severity.

Low temperatures and reduced humidity levels are responsible for drying out the air, which acts as a magnet for moisture in the skin. Once the skin loses its moisture, it becomes dry and flaky. Strong wind and indoor heating can cause skin dehydration, leading to cracking and bleeding. Itching also appears, especially on the hands and feet, due to the sudden change in temperature and subsequent vasodilation or vasoconstriction.

Therefore, the transition from summer to autumn can have a strong impact on the skin, especially if we don't use appropriate cosmetic products, don't follow a daily skincare routine, and have an unbalanced lifestyle. The effects of the summer-to-autumn transition can be minimized if we pay increased attention to skin health and take some preventive measures.

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Piele uscata

The transition from summer to autumn: what impact does the change of season have on the skin?

Low temperatures damage the skin's hydrolipidic barrier, and the visible effects are similar to dry skin symptoms, namely rough texture, pruritus (excessive itching), flaking (peeling skin), fissures, deep cracks, and infections.

Autumn is a period when fluid intake is lower than in summer, because the sensation of thirst is reduced. This leads to a decrease in cellular hydration.

Humidity levels decrease in autumn, and dry air draws moisture from the skin. Therefore, with the change of season, the skin care regimen will need to change and be adapted to the new weather conditions. During this period, deeply moisturizing cosmetic products are recommended.

Ivatherm products for skin hydration in the cold season:

On the other hand, indoor heating reduces the humidity level indoors, meaning more water evaporates from the skin and we are dealing with dry skin. Cracking, flaking, and skin irritation are some of the symptoms that appear due to this. To regulate indoor humidity and maintain skin health, it is recommended to use a humidifier to keep indoor humidity at appropriate levels, and to use very moisturizing creams specially designed for dry skin.

Also, the transition from warm to cold (from indoors to outdoors) can cause the small blood vessels on the face to contract, expand rapidly, and burst. We are dealing with signs of couperose and rosacea. Therefore, it is important that temperature changes are not sudden. Cosmetic products that support the skin's protective barrier support skin health and make transitions from warm to cold or cold to warm easier.

Creme pentru hidratarea pielii

Skin problems that can appear with the change of season

Harsh weather can strip away the skin's natural protective barrier, allowing water to escape from the skin (leading to dehydration) and irritants to penetrate (causing skin sensitization).

A dry environment can be responsible for itching sensations, as the inflammatory response also activates and releases histamine (a compound released by cells in response to injury and allergic and inflammatory reactions). Inflammatory and allergic skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne can also be exacerbated due to impaired barrier function. Thus, people suffering from such skin problems may notice a worsening of symptoms in the cold season.

  • Eczema, known medically as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that causes dryness, pruritus (intense itching), erythema (redness), and edema (inflammation).
  • Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by an itchy rash with scaly patches, which appear predominantly on the knees, elbows, torso, and scalp.
  • Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles and accompanying sebaceous glands are blocked or inflamed. Sebum, an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands that prevents skin dryness, dead cells, and bacteria clog the pores, leading to acne breakouts, popularly known as pimples.

The skin on the eyelids, as well as on the lips, which are very thin and sensitive, suffer the most during autumn and then winter. Dry, cracked, and painful lips are a problem that occurs predominantly in the cold season.

Thus, the main problem during the cold season is skin dehydration and dryness. Once this happens, certain dermatological conditions, which manifest as dry skin, can develop, or other pre-existing skin conditions can be aggravated.

Produse Ivatherm pentru hidratarea pielii

Tips for protecting skin during the transition from warm to cold

An excellent time to make changes to your skincare routine is when we swap our summer wardrobe for our autumn one.

With the change of season, the skin strives to remain hydrated. However, the challenge is great, as humidity levels in the air are lower and weather conditions are harsher.

The skin's protective barrier is disturbed by temperature changes, which can clog pores and cause rashes. However, to have healthy and radiant skin, some preventive measures are necessary to keep the skin hydrated and maintain its protective barrier function.

Using moisturizing products

Cold air is dry air. In summer, the air is warm and humid, keeping the skin hydrated without us even realizing it. Also, the sensation of thirst is more acute when temperatures are high, so fluid intake is higher. Once autumn arrives and the air becomes colder, humidity levels drop and the skin loses its natural hydration, becoming dry. Using emollients prevents skin dryness, providing deep hydration, while supporting barrier function and the microbiome.

Following a skincare routine

Regardless of the season, clogged pores prevent cosmetic products from working effectively and are responsible for numerous skin problems, the most common of which is acne. Following a skincare routine that includes the three essential steps – cleansing, washing, and moisturizing – contributes to maintaining skin health. At the same time, the products used must be chosen according to the skin type and its needs.

Using protective clothing

The strong, cold wind in autumn can affect the skin's protective barrier, influencing the production of natural oil (sebum), which prevents it from drying out. Therefore, it is recommended to wear hats and scarves on cold, windy days to protect the skin from the damaging effects of external factors.

Avoiding hot showers

A hot shower can feel great after a cold day, but it has negative effects on the skin. Hot water removes many of the natural oils, promoting dry skin, itching, redness, and irritation. Therefore, washing with lukewarm water is recommended, rather than hot water.

Avoiding clothing made of harsh fabrics

Autumn is the time for sweaters and warm clothing, but it is important to choose those made of soft fabrics that do not cause irritation or itching. For example, wool is among the fabrics that can affect skin health, causing irritation. To avoid skin damage, it is recommended to wear cotton t-shirts or shirts under sweaters made of harsh fabrics.

The change of season can significantly affect skin health, but with the help of a thorough skincare routine and appropriate cosmetic products, the skin can successfully cope with meteorological changes and maintain its hydration, elasticity, resistance, and radiance in every season.

Resources:

https://www.dermatologymohsinstitute.com/blog/is-your-skin-cold-weather-ready

https://www.dermalogica.com/blogs/living-skin/what-you-need-to-know-about-cold-weather-and-skin

https://www.nyp.org/patients-and-visitors/advances-consumers/issues/10-tips-for-protecting-your-skin-in-the-cold-weather

https://forefrontdermatology.com/5-reasons-dry-skin-fall/#:

https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/topics/live-well/2017/02/6-ways-to-protect-your-skin-during-cold-weather/#:

https://cambridgelinic.com/how-your-skin-changes-with-the-seasons/#:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ichthyosis/#:

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