Summer 2021 has had us confused. One moment it’s blue skies and the next, hello again rain, cue Climate Complexion.
But it’s not just you that likes a reliable forecast, your skin also likes consistency in the climate, so ever-changing weather means that skin needs to work harder to maintain adequate moisture levels.
According to these skin experts, you may be suffering from ‘Climate Complexion’. Here they share their top tips.
Climate Complexion – Dr Lauren Hamilton says that changeable weather can disrupt the skin barrier which may result in breakouts
When the temperature drops or rises quickly, the skin must work harder to hold onto moisture and stay hydrated which can lead to dry skin, breakouts, and inflammation. These fluctuations will ultimately make skin more susceptible to irritation and can result in those symptoms of burning, stinging and tightness, plus signs such as redness, dryness and peeling that you might be experiencing.
Conversely, when the weather is hot, sweat and SPF can cause irritation because hot weather means that we sweat more which in turns means that more oil accumulates on the skin. This then acts to block pores, fuel bacteria, and ultimately result in spots so chose oil-free products over periods of warmer weather.
As the outside temperatures cool off again, you may notice that your skin starts to feel different as colder weather, wind and central heating all lead to increased trans epidermal water loss so you may find that you skin feel dry. To help counteract this, cleanse the skin every morning and evening to prevent build-up of dead skin cells and enhance product penetration which will brighten the skin and apply a hyaluronic acid-based serum as this will help counteract water loss.
Dr Emma Cunningham says that sudden changes to the weather may result in breakouts
Changeable weather, from hot temperatures to mild, grey days can play havoc with the skin especially when it switches quickly from warm to cold. As air loses moisture, the skin can also become dehydrated and left feeling tight and dry with a dulled appearance. The skin will often try and counteract this by over producing sebum to prevent moisture evaporation. Add this to the mix of a build-up of dead skin cells and you have an increased risk of acne.
Try using Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) as these are great exfoliants and will help to remove any dead cells in the outermost layer of the skin. This will improve and brighten a dull appearance plus it will allow other ingredients that you apply to penetrate the layers of skin. As well as AHAs, try to use a product that contains ceramides as these will help to repair your skin’s barrier by locking in moisture.
Dr Lauren Hamilton is a cosmetic and wellness doctor, and founder of Shoreditch based skin clinic, Victor and Garth. www.victorandgarth.co.uk
Dr Emma Cunningham is a highly qualified dentist and doctor with years of experience and training in both fields. She has clinics in Dublin, Glasgow, Newry and Slieve Donard. www.dr-emma.co.uk