Many people experience seasonal sensitivity/allergy with their skin when seasons change. Seasonal sensitivity can be frustrating if you don't know the cause of your skin problems; it can create additional stress that may aggravate the existing condition. What can an affected person do?
First of all, try to determine whether you have seasonal sensitivity:
Do you have the following symptoms?
1. Rough skin
2. Dull skin tone
3. Skin turns slightly red compared to usual
4. Rash or itchiness
5. Eczema
6. Recurring dryness and flakiness despite using moisturizers
7. Oiliness and breakouts
8. Deep cleansing facial masks and scrubs did not improve condition but made it worse.
The Reasons
If you have 3 or more of the above symptoms, your skin may be prone to seasonal allergies that occur typically around autumn, when humidity in the air decreases. The air is drier than in the summer, and can cause irritations for sensitive skin. The bad news is, sensitivity tends to reoccur with season changes. The good news is, you can also do something about it!
Cleansing
Skin tends to become drier in autumn. As in all seasons, choose a mild cleanser that will thoroughly remove makeup (double cleansing) but will not strip away skin’s essential moisture. And as a rule, don't overdo it! Cleansing twice a day is generally enough.
Toning
For toners, choose a product that is non-drying, hydrating and can strengthen the moisture barrier of your skin.
Moisturizing
As the air gets dry, the level of moisture your skin is exposed to will decrease. Dehydration can cause your sebum glands to secrete excessive oil, which can clog pores and lead to acne. Choosing a hydrosol-based toner and moisturizer that will keep skin hydrated for a long time is essential in maintaining healthy looking, blemish-free skin. For moisturizers, pick a product that is hydrosol-based and non-greasy (mineral oil and Vaseline) to balance against excessive sebum secretion, replenishing your skin with moisture. If you have very dry or dehydrated skin, using a moisturizing mask 2 to 3 times a day can also fortify the moisture barrier of your skin. Essence sheet masks are also an ideal way of infusing your skin with moisture as they are easily absorbed and penetrate deeper into your skin's layers.
Keep irritants at bay
Desperate people do desperate things. At the first sign of acne, many people will resort to using the harshest cleansers and masks to help unclog pores, unaware of the cause of the breakout in the first place. Products that are acidic can cause irritations to skin that is prone to seasonal allergies and sensitivity. Many deep cleansing/pore refining scrubs, clay masks, and treatment products contain harsh alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acids which can aggravate the condition, making your skin worse than before. If your skin is prone to seasonal sensitivity and allergies, switch to a product line that is mild and non-irritating when seasons change to lower your sensitivity. Stay away from products containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids until your condition improves and your skin returns to normal.
Although hot water does not contain irritants, it can become an irritant when used on sensitive skin. Avoid hot baths and using hot water to wash your face since hot water can dilate your pores and irritate your skin. Also, cleanse any hair products thoroughly and avoid leaving residue on your face when showering.
A filtering shower head will help eliminate chlorine and other harmful water contents that can be drying to skin. Using a toner after washing will remove water components that are also detrimental to skin if allowed to remain and penetrate.
Update your skin's wardrobe
Just like clothes, different seasons call for different needs. If you are prone to seasonal allergies/sensitivity, you may want to update your skin's wardrobe when the climate becomes drier. Most beauty-savvy women will have 2 sets of skin care: one for spring/summer, and another for autumn/winter. For Spring/Summer, choose a refreshing line of products since the humidity in the air is higher; and for Autumn/Winter, choose a more moisturizing line to keep skin hydrated. No matter what you choose, make sure that the product line you choose is right for your age and skin type!
The Solutions
Seasonal changes can cause serious damage to your skin. Follow these helpful hints to keep your skin healthy and beautiful all winter long, and be sure to schedule regular appointments with your skin care specialist.
• Proper moisture balance—As the air gets colder and drier, your skin begins to lose moisture. This can cause flaking, chaffing, peeling and redness. There¬fore, it is very important to keep skin moisturized all winter long, regardless of your skin type. Give your skin a boost with a deep-penetrating nourishing mask to help maintain your skin’s hydration. Misting several times a day, just one or two spritzes, with a hydrosol will deeply hydrate tissues. A whole house humidifier, or even a room one, will add needed moisture back into the dry winter air.
• Avoiding breakouts—Many skin types react to the cold weather by over-producing oil in an effort to compensate for moisture loss. This overproduction can lead to an increase in acne as pores clog with sebum. This is why it is vital to listen to your skin care special¬ist, and follow the skin care routine she prescribes. Keep in mind that without proper exfoliation, dead skin cells and sebum will clog pores, increasing acne flare ups, redness and the possibility of infection.
• Perk up dull skin—The colder weather can leave your skin looking dull and worn. Proper cleansing, toning, exfoliation and treatment will help rejuvenate tired looking skin. Nourish your skin with nutrient-rich moisturizers for a soft, dewy look.
• Wear an SPF—Although it may not seem necessary to wear an SPF during the winter months, it is necessary. Harmful UV rays penetrate your skin year-round, and protection is the key to maintaining healthy skin and helping to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, age spots and even cancer. Use an SPF of 15 or higher.
From A Dermalogical Study: Seasonal variability in the biophysical properties of the stratum corneum from different anatomical sites. Three different anatomical sites (calf, inner forearm and crow's foot wrinkle area of the face) were assessed in February, April, July and December of the same year. The assessments made were skin surface hydration using an electrical capacitance technique, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by evaporimetry, number of corneocytes released using a turbine stimulation method, and skin surface topography using optical profilometry.
The results showed significant anatomical differences: with the crow's foot site > forearm > calf, for skin surface hydration and corneocyte numbers; and the crow's foot site > forearm and calf, with no difference between the latter two sites, for TEWL measurements. With these techniques, seasonal differences were observed mainly in the calf, to a lesser extent in the forearm, but not in the crow's foot area. These mainly involved increases in these three parameters in July, as opposed to the other time-points. Parameters of skin surface topography however, showed no consistent seasonal pattern, but markedly higher values were observed for the forearm in comparison to the calf and crow's foot sites, which were similar. From meteorological data obtained, the average daily maximum temperature and hours of sunshine increased to peak values in July, as did the absolute humidity derived from relative humidity data.
We conclude that the results are most likely to represent changes in the SC due to climatic factors, with the calf and forearm sites being most affected in comparison to the face (crow's foot wrinkle area), which seems unaffected. The reasons for this latter site remaining unchanged may be due to its greater UV exposure, sebum content, and that the use of facial cosmetics was allowed.
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