Can Hot Weather Make Your Skin Look Worse?

Summer often puts us in a better mood, and if you’ve noticed a positive change in your feelings and emotional state during sunnier times, you’re not imagining it. Research shows that our sleep patterns and quality improve during the warmer, brighter weather and longer days—not to mention the fact that exposure to even just a few minutes of sunlight each day boosts our serotonin levels. Nevertheless, there is a particular drawback to higher temperatures: Our complexions often have a tough time adjusting to the heat, humidity, and exposure to the elements associated with this time of the year. That doesn’t mean your summer fun needs to end, however. From fillers to at-home skincare regiments to injections of BOTOX^®, New Jersey’s South Jersey Skin Care & Laser Center recommends a range of strategies for enjoying healthy, clear skin as the warm weather continues. 

Acne 

All of the excess sweat, oil, and heat associated with summertime create the perfect storm for your skin—which can unfortunately lead to some of the most painful acne breakouts. Oil glands in your skin are stimulated by the heat to become more active, and the temperature can also cause the pores to open, making it easier for dirt, dead skin, and toxins to be trapped inside. Making a few simple changes to your skincare routine can be the best way of keeping acne under control. Use a foaming cleanser to wash away some of the excess oil, but don’t wash your face too often as subjecting it to excessively frequent scrubbings can harm the skin’s barrier, leading to even worse breakouts. Be gentle with your face, and apply a lighter moisturizer that won’t clog your pores.

Discoloration

When your skin is frequently uncovered and unprotected in the sunlight, the exposure triggers increased production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Overexposure to sunlight can disrupt the natural melanin production process that’s used to protect the skin from UV rays, leading to spots of uneven skin pigmentation called hyperpigmentation. Once blemishes—such as age spots or sunspots and others caused by skin inflammation or injuries such as melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation—have occurred, further sun exposure may cause them to become even more pronounced. The best way of avoiding hyperpigmentation is to take sun protection seriously, even on cloudy or overcast days. Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen, limit the amount of time you spend outside, and wear protective clothing to shield your skin. 

Wrinkles 

Wrinkles are another common skin complaint after exposure to sunny skies. Other than normal aging, sun exposure is thought to be the major cause of wrinkles and sagging. This is because UV rays weaken the skin and cause it to lose elasticity. Do what you can to protect your skin against sun damage. Remember to pay special attention to the skin around your eyes, as it is particularly fragile and prone to developing crow’s feet if you’re constantly squinting or straining your eyes in bright sunlight. 

Dry Skin 

The Korean term “choc-choc” is used to describe the kind of skin that’s well-hydrated, supple, and glowing. Your skin needs water to function properly while maintaining elasticity and a soft texture, but when the weather heats up, it often switches between being greasy at one moment and dehydrated the next. The harsh summer sun may steal the moisture from your skin, damaging its moisture barrier, which can lead to irritation and redness. Pollution, air conditioning, stress, and unhealthy lifestyle habits could also be having a dehydrating effect on the skin. Consider trying a good antioxidant serum to restore some of the moisture that has been lost, and reduce damage by free radicals. You can also use hydrating masks and spritz your skin with a cooling mist to keep it calm. 

Want more tips for revitalizing sun-damaged skin? For more facts about minimally invasive treatments for signs of aging at South Jersey Skin Care & Laser Center, call (856) 810-9888 or submit a contact form if you’d like to request a consultation.