What Are Seasonal Effects on Skin?

Seasons change and it's not just your habits that accompany this transition — your skin as well. Why? It's because the humidity and dips and peaks of the temperatures are environmental factors affecting how your skin functions, like oil production. What are these seasonal effects on the skin? Learn the impact of the weather cycle on the largest organ of your body and the shifts to make to minimize issues. 

Winter Skin Issues

Skin conditions exacerbate during winter, as the chilly atmosphere causes your outer layer to lose lots of water. Cold and dry air can worsen eczema so don't be surprised if those red, itchy patches and painful cracks suddenly make their appearance. You should prepare your creams to deal with them. People with rosacea, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis must also pay more attention and care for their skin since these can flare up. 

Unfortunately, things you do at home to stay warm exacerbate skin diseases. For instance, turning on your heater removes the moisture in the air while washing your hands with hot water makes them drier.

Winter Skin Solutions

The drying seasonal effects on the skin require your regimen to focus on repair. Thicker creams and lotions with ceramides, cholesterol, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 or panthenol can provide optimum moisturizing benefits during cold months. Switching to these products adds a protective layer. For cracked lips, elbows and heels, opt for petroleum-based supplies that can soften and treat the top layer. 

If there's one benefit for the skin during wintertime, it is the longer snooze. The total time of sleep during winter is longer than in summer by up to  60 minutes, which is beneficial since longer rest equals better skin. 

Plus, the conducive temperature promotes 7-9 hours of shuteye during the cold season. As a result, your skin looks better and well-rested, and your puffy eyes and dark bags are gone. Just remember to moisturize regularly. 

Spring Skin Changes

The temperature begins to drop, but skin problems don't. Spring is the high time for allergies, starting in March with tree pollen and continuing until June with grass pollen. If you have high sensitivity to these allergens, make sure you take precautions when going outside. Otherwise, you'll end up with itchy skin and sore throat throughout the season.  

Manage Skin During Spring

Some conditions like eczema may persist, so continue moisturizing. This time, the seasonal effects on the skin call for a lighter product that provides enough hydration. Drink enough to keep the skin plump. Exfoliate to shed off the lingering layer of winter and wear sunscreen even without the sun. 

If you're prone to allergies, bring a mask and medications when going out. Wear pants and long sleeves to cover your skin. Limit your time outside to reduce the risk of skin allergies.

Summer Skin Woes

The seasonal effects on the skin during the hottest weather demand you pay more attention to what it needs. Why? It's beach season, so sunburn is common. Additionally, ticks and mosquitoes are most active during warm weather. Bug bites can inflame your skin and get those red spots.  

Irritations can also erupt because of heat and sweat. Acne can get worse — so is tinea, a fungal infection that leaves itchy patches on the scalp. Lastly, you may also get prickly heat, which are tiny red bumps formed when sweat clogs the pores. 

Manage Summer Skin Concerns

Remember to limit sun exposure to avoid skin damage. You may go out, but it's better to do it in the morning or whenever the heat is minimal. Wear sunscreen and bring a refill so you can retouch. Less than 30% of women and 15% of men use sunscreen, which leads to sunspots and pigmentation for non-users.

Stay hydrated by drinking more water since the body loses fluids rapidly through sweat. For skincare, use mild cleanser and moisturizer and avoid wearing heavy makeup. Talk to your dermatologist for personalized advice if you have a skin condition. 

Fall Skin Troubles

Fall is when temperatures drop and the air humidity level becomes bearable. However, the seasonal effects on the skin caused by shorter days and chilly air result in dryness and flakiness again, though not as bad as during winter. You may feel itchy and some skin problems may be aggravated. 

Adjust Skin Care During the Fall

First, a humidifier will be useful for returning moisture into the air to minimize dryness. Keep a simple skincare routine during this time or adopt skinimalism, which involves wearing less or no makeup and letting your natural beauty shine through. Use mild and fragrance-free body soap or cleanser and avoid long hot showers, as they can strip the skin with natural oil. Instead, take shorter, cooler ones. 

Moisturize while the skin is still damp to lock in the moisture. For face products, avoid anything with preservatives like parabens. They cause irritation, disrupt normal hormone balance, and increase the risk of breast cancer. Start switching back to thicker, heavier moisturizers. 

Take Care of Your Skin Throughout the Year

Just when you've got the right mix of products and ingredients to give your skin the healthiest glow in the summer — winter ruins it. It's troublesome, but these seasonal effects on the skin call for a change in your routine. Consider the weather cycle when rechoosing your skincare products. You can’t go against these allergens or ebbs and flows of humidity, so it’s best to adopt.

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Beth, the Managing Editor and content manager at Body+Mind, is well-respected in the mental health, nutrition and fitness spaces. In her spare time, Beth enjoys cooking and going for runs with her dog.