CHANGE IN WEATHER AFFECT ON SKIN
The Age Old Question: Does the Change in Weather Really Affect the Skin?
The leaves are starting to change, the days are getting a little shorter, and we can feel the crisp air rolling in at night. There is no doubt fall is upon us. That means cooler temperatures, less humidity, and drier air. Now you might be wondering, does the change in weather really affect the skin? Turns out, the answer is a resounding yes! The changing seasons can do a number on our skin’s health and appearance. In the summer, heat and humidity can lead to breakouts and dehydration, while in the winter, cold temperatures and dry air can leave skin feeling tight, flaky, and lack overall moisture. So just like we have to adjust to the colder temperatures, shorter days, and less sunlight, our skin also has to adapt to the new conditions! In today’s Giddie Skin News, we will discuss how weather affects your skin, and how you can help it to stay healthy and happy no matter what the forecast says.
So What Exactly Happens When The Weather Changes?
It's true that skin likes consistency. The colder weather takes it by surprise, impacting our skin’s routine in unexpected ways. With this bit of inconsistency in the skin's pattern, it struggles to adapt to the new weather. Dry, sensitive, or oily skin is particularly susceptible to changes in weather. These changes occur for multiple reasons. First, when the temperatures drop, your skin moisture drops with them. The air lacks humidity during the cooler months, which sucks the hydration right out of our skin. Second, we increase the use of heating elements and fire indoors in the colder months. Which, you guessed it, strips the air of humidity creating the dry environment. Additionally, we're often exposed to elements like wind, rain or snow, and extreme cold that can further dry out our skin. Finally, we tend to layer our clothing more, leading to friction on the skin. This can damage the lipid barrier of the skin, allowing moisture to escape and contribute to its lack of hydration. All of these things can cause skin to become drier, more sensitive, irritated and red, tight and itchy, and even lead to cracking and inflammation.
How Long Until My Skin Can Adapt To The Weather Changes?
Typically, it takes our skin about two weeks to acclimate to a new season. During that time, we may experience the dryness, cracking, inflammation, redness, itchiness, sensitivity, tightness, and dehydration mentioned above. So if you feel like your skin has ever been impacted by old man winter, hang in there and read on!
Alleviating The Symptoms
If you're wondering how to adjust your skincare routine to accommodate the changing weather conditions, the staff at Giddie Skin has a few tips for you!
One of the most important things you can do for your skin is to switch to more hydrating ingredients. Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides, Squalane, Vitamin C, Peptides, and Niacinamides are all great options for helping skin retain moisture and stay hydrated. You don't need to swap out all of your products, just a few key changes can make a big difference! Use a cream or lotion based cleanser instead of a foam version, add in antioxidants and hydrating serums, layer your serums to work together, and retire your lotion until summer and add a moisturizing cream to your winter routine. Some of our favorite products with these ingredients here at Giddie Skin are Revision Gentle Cleansing Lotion, Revision Hydrating Serum, Revision C Plus Correcting Serum, Vivant Cleansing Milk, Vivant Skin Nourishing Toner, Vivant Rejuv RX, Vivant Pure C & E, Vivant Marine Skin, Obagi Hydrate Luxe, Giddie Peptide Hydrator & Giddie Glow Serum.
It’s also best for some people to cut down on the frequency of harsh exfoliants during the winter months. Exfoliating is important for keeping your skin looking healthy, but if you're already dealing with dryness, using a harsh exfoliant several times a week can make things worse. We recommend sticking to gentler physical or chemical exfoliants and using them less often (1 time per week instead of 2-3 times a week, or daily). Giddie Skin has some great exfoliator options, such as Vivant Buffing Grains and Revision Finishing Touch, and serums such as Vivant Derm-A-Renew and Exfol-A.
Another helpful tip is to avoid taking very hot showers or baths. While it might feel good at the moment, hot water strips away natural oils from your skin, leaving it even more vulnerable to the dry winter air. Try showering for shorter periods of time (5-10 minutes) and at a lower temperature. And be sure to moisturise immediately after showering while your skin is still damp – this will help lock in hydration.
Don’t skip the SPF! Although it's not as sunny during colder seasons, the sun’s UV rays are still present and can damage the skin and its barrier, leading to dryness. Individuals in snowy areas can actually have an increase in UV radiation due to the snow covered ground reflecting the sunlight. Two of our favorites are Revision Clear SPF 50, a daily anti-aging moisturizer with sunscreen or Revision Intellishade Matte SPF 50, a daily anti-aging tinted moisturizer with sunscreen. If you like a little splash of color this is a great option!
Lastly, and one of the most important things you can do is to hydrate from the inside out. Make sure you're drinking plenty of water and eating foods that are rich in healthy fats and oils. This will help to keep your skin's natural moisture barrier intact. Foods such as avocados, fish, cheese, yogurt, nuts and seeds, and coconut oil help to maintain a healthy and functioning skin barrier. It is also a great idea to utilize a humidifier in your home for some added moisture to the air!
High Quality Recommendations
We definitely recommend taking a closer look at your skincare products to make sure they will benefit your skin in the upcoming colder months. Look for key ingredients such as Hyalronic acid, ceramides, peptides, and Niacinamide. Consider switching from a foam cleanser to a cream or lotion cleanser. Put your lotion away until next summer and utilize a rich moisturizer. If you see a void, we've got you covered!
Remember, winter is also a great time to tackle what has been left by the summer sun. Vitamin C and retinol creams can help brighten your skin and combat any pigment that may be left over from summer sun exposure. However, if you have dry or sensitive skin, you may want to reduce the frequency of retinol use, as it can be drying. For dry skin, every 2-3 days may be sufficient. For oily or acne-prone skin, nightly use may be fine. Check out our Giddie C Serum, Vivant Derm A Renew or Vivant Exfol A, these medical grade products can help take your skin to the next level.
A great procedure at Giddie Skin and popular treatment to do during the dry winter months is Hydrafacial. This procedure nourishes with intense moisturizers and saturates the skin’s surface with antioxidants and peptides to maximize your glow.
So, if you feel like your skin is prone to the changing seasons, don't despair! The team at Giddie Skin is here to help you adjust your skincare routine and recommend treatments to help get you through the darker days ahead. By changing a few simple steps, you can help your skin weather the storm - literally! And If you're still noticing that your skin is acting up more during certain times of the year, don't hesitate to reach out to our skincare professionals for recommendations. We can help you find the products and ingredients that will work best for your individual skin type and needs. With a little extra care, your skin will be happy and healthy this fall and winter season!
Emily Giddings, RN
