The impact of climate on your skin.

As we all know, the climate is constantly changing. And while some people may not think that this has a direct impact on them, that's not entirely true. In fact, one of the most visible ways climactic change affects us is through our skin. It’s been found that climactic changes can cause skin problems like dryness, sensitivity, and even premature aging. If you want to keep your skin looking its best, it’s important to be aware of these effects and take steps to protect your skin from them. The humidity in the air, the wind, and even the temperature can all affect how your skin looks and feels.

Your skin is your largest organ. It's important to be in touch with it and understand the changes it's going through. We strive in educating our clients about their skin and to know what to do when it changes - however some things you simply can’t understand. We recommend having treatments every 4-6 weeks - not only is this great to positively influence the production of new skin cells, but it also gives your clinician the opportunity to analyze your skin and see if there have been any changes, why they occur, and prescribe something if need be.

What trends can we see in the change of seasons?

The large change we see out of all seasons is in winter and conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and contact dermatitis. This also is common in spring as there is more pollen and hayfever becomes worse (especially for our Canberrans), it can flare such conditions up. We actually also find a lot of our clients can see the possible damage they have done to their skin through pigmentation and not wearing the correct SPF.

In Summer, we find a lot of our clients can ‘see their pores’ or are having a lot more breakouts than usual. This is typically due to the increased production of oil, with humidity, sun, sweat, and SPF. As important as it is to ensure you are wearing SPF in summer, it’s more important you are wearing the correct SPF for your skin type. The SPF you might be using in Winter might be too much (e.g. hydrating or too lipid base) for the weather in summer. its quite normal to have multiple different sunscreens.

Skincare in Winter VS Summer

We can safely say that 90% of our clients use products in winter that they don’t in summer and vice versa.

It is proven that in dry, cold climates your skin will have less hydration and you will need to substitute what it can’t do itself, this is why you may need to add a hyaluronic acid or oil to your regime. In hot, humid environments, you are sweating and producing more oil than normal, we might recommend a face mask for more regular exfoliation and also remove the oil from your regime.

To seasonally adjust your skincare routine, start by evaluating your current products. If you find that your skin is more dry or oily than usual, it's time to make some changes.

It would be amazing if we could have a quick guide to what everyone needs as the seasons change but unfortunately, it’s not that easy. It would be very simple to say everyone needs hyaluronic acid in winter and a less ‘rich’ moisturizer in summer however everyone has different skin types, and there is a small percentage that isn’t as affected by the weather compared to most. you will always receive the best advice from your clinician who sees your skin and can recommend it accordingly.

Rising Temperatures

As temperatures continue to rise, we’re seeing an increase in skin conditions like heat rash, hives, and even skin cancer. That’s because when the temperature outside rises, our bodies sweat more in an effort to cool down. But when the humidity is high, that sweat doesn’t evaporate as quickly, which can lead to irritation and inflammation.

What’s more, higher temperatures also mean that there’s more ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the atmosphere. And while you may not feel the effects of UV radiation on your skin right away, it can have long-term consequences like wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer. So it’s important to always wear sunscreen when you’re outdoors, even if it’s not sunny out.

Dryer Conditions

As the climate changes, we’re also seeing an increase in dryness—both in the air and in our skin. In fact, research has shown that dryness is one of the most common complaints among people who live in dry climates. And while you may not think that dry air can actually damage your skin, it can actually strip away your skin’s natural oils, leaving it feeling irritated and uncomfortable.

What’s more, if you have preexisting conditions like eczema or psoriasis, you may find that they worsen during dry periods. That’s why it’s so important to keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using products that are specifically designed for sensitive or dry skin.

Traveling

Surprise! it doesn’t only happen in a change of seasons but traveling and also relocating. If you move from Brisbane to Melbourne it is highly likely you will notice some change in your skin. Like most things, your skin will need to get used to you’re environment, even the food you are consuming.

A lot of our lovely clients always ask our advice on what to take with them when traveling to keep to the bare minimum but also to ensure regardless of climate their skin is getting what it needs. We pick from your existing skincare range but always if there’s a necessity we let you know.

Traveling can be a lot for not just your body but your skin. From the recycled airplane journey to new water (yes the water makes a difference, we are very lucky in Australia), different food (that isn’t always fresh) gets communicated through our gut right onto our skin. Add the different weather onto that and call our skin confused! the best thing you can do for your skin in these instances is not pick at it, use your skincare, and just let it do its thing! it is designed to do what it needs to.

Climate change is having a real and tangible impact on our skin. From increased rates of skin cancer to worsening eczema flare-ups, it’s important to be aware of how the changing climate can affect your skin health. By taking simple precautions like wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated, you can help protect your skin from the damaging effects of climate change.

Our Tips for dealing with climactic change in your skin:

• Regular 4-6 weekly treatments in the clinic

• At least once per year, have a skincare redesign and skin analysis

• Pay attention to what it’s telling you - if it’s dry help it! (or send Maggie an email)

• Positively influence your skins cell cycle with at-home treatments when not in the clinic