Just a few months after springtime weather swings, summer hits its peak and you’re sweating. You’re stripping off layers. Your thighs are chafing. Oh, and thanks to the heat and humidity, sebum and sweat production can also increase, potentially leading to clogged pores and breakouts, Dr. Shamban notes. And it’s not always on your face—many people experience more body acne and general skin irritation in the summer as sweat gets trapped under clothes. “Sweat itself isn’t always the problem. It’s sweat sitting on already irritated skin, combined with friction, heat, bacteria, and a weakened skin barrier, that often triggers the inflammation,” explains Dr. Kobets, who likes incorporating hypochlorous acid sprays into her skincare routine during the summer to help. “They’re one of the few products that can calm inflammation, reduce acne-causing bacteria, and refresh the skin without aggressively stripping the barrier,” she shares.
People with rosacea can run into challenges during the summer, too, since anything that raises body temperature is a potential trigger for a flare-up. Abrupt temperature swings—like stepping from ice-cold AC into a 90-degree day—can be especially aggravating, as they can cause blood vessels to dilate, which may, in turn, trigger redness, flushing, or swelling in people with this skin condition.
Common skin changes in the cooler months
Sure, the heat has chilled out, literally and figuratively, but cold, dry weather can be just as stressful for your skin. Even if you live in a more temperate climate, cooler temperatures and accompanying factors like dry air and low humidity can trigger eczema, cause psoriasis flares, and just generally irritate the skin, Dr. Shamban says.
Redness and increased sensitivity are other hallmarks of the fall-to-winter shift. If you’ve ever dealt with dry, cracked hands, split skin in the middle of February, or increased redness when the temp dips below zero, you know exactly what we mean. Again, colder temperatures are a possible trigger for rosacea as well, especially if you’re out in the winter wind or warming up with a lot of hot drinks, which can be irritating to rosacea-prone skin.
Skin care tips for seasonal changes
You swap your wardrobe out from summer to fall and winter to spring—should you do the same with your skin care? Definitely! Everyone’s skin is different, of course, but a few strategic shifts can help you handle seasonal changes. “Be proactive and give the skin what it needs when it needs it during this very sensitive time to restore synchronicity, balance, and function,” Dr. Shamban says.
In the hotter months consider swapping heavier creams and moisturizers for lightweight oil-free or gel formulas, especially if your skin is oily or acne-prone, Dr. Engelman suggests. “Additionally, pairing your morning routine with [antioxidants like vitamin C] can help prevent damage from free radicals,” she says. (UVA/UVB rays, which are particularly intense in the warmer months, can trigger free radical production, for example.) If you use retinol, be cautious about the increased sun sensitivity that can come with it; Dr. Engelman recommends either taking a break during the summer months or increasing your sun protection—think: diligent sunscreen use, a higher SPF level, and protective accessories like hats and sunglasses.
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