Does Low Humidity Cause Dry Skin?

Estimated Read Time: 3.5 minutes

Summary: In this blog we detail and explore the different ways the seasons can affect your skin. We'll learn what the sun, humidity and cold weather can do to your skin and how to combat the seasons changes potentially challenging affects...

With seasons coming and going, we don't just need a change in wardrobe, but a change in skincare routine too! You’ve probably noticed that different weather and climates affect the look and feel of your skin, so it can be difficult to know how to look after it... Until now.

Extreme weather changes can be a catalyst for skin conditions to flare up. Australia is such a vast country, with different climates, temperatures, and altitudes stretching its planes – so it can be difficult to know what to do for your skin when the weather takes a turn!

We want all of you, our beautiful customers, to know how climates can affect your skin so you can best prepare your pores. Whether you live in the sun, or you enjoy snowy vacations, you need to know how each area may affect your complexion, wherever you go! No climate is perfect for everyone, because everyone has different types of skin. So, before you book your next vacation, you should know how the climate can impact your skincare routine.

SUN AND SKINCARE

Some of us dream of hot days in the sun, while others like to hide away in the shade. But whatever you do, the heat is still going to affect you. This is because sun and skincare go hand in hand, and always have! Heat causes the body to sweat, in order to keep you cool. But when you sweat a lot, you need to replenish your body with water, so it doesn’t become dehydrated.

Dehydration causes you to feel thirsty, and your skin to look lifeless, dull and grey. Dehydrated skin can become dry, and that makes it more prone to flakiness and redness, and wrinkles may be more apparent over a long period of time.

Other threats to the skin in dry climates include heat rash, which happens when sweat ducts are blocked off, and it can also exacerbate existing skin conditions, such as eczema and dermatitis. Skin conditions like these can be made to feel itchier in hot weather and appear more red and inflamed.

But the main concern when it comes to hot weather should be exposure to the sun! The sun is the leading villain in skin ageing! UV rays can penetrate even through the cloudiest of days, so when you’re in direct contact with sun rays, your skin is getting damaged by the second!

The sun dehydrates the skin, so it becomes dry, and you may develop sunburn or sunspots, especially on the face and hands where the skin is thinner and more vulnerable. Invest in a good hand cream to keep skin moisturised.

But it's not just the body of the hand... Did you know, our nails and cuticles are prone to infection and colouring when they're not looked after well. That's why you should give our easy-to-use Nail Formula a try. It's full of antioxidants that hydrate the cuticle and smooth the nail.

When thinner skin gets damaged by the sun, wrinkles become more visible due to the loss of collagen from dehydration. Collagen is essential to keeping the skin looking plump and firm, which is what makes us look young. Wearing sun protection and wearing hats will defend you from the rays!

HUMIDITY AND SKINCARE

Humidity and skincare is a relationship some often ignore or overlook, however it can spark breakouts for some, especially those with already oily skin. All heat increases the activity of your sebaceous glands. These glands produce something called sebum, which is a natural oil that makes skin feel oily when there’s an excess of it.

But, humidity is thought to be beneficial to most people. In fact, dermatologists encourage people to place humidifiers in their homes. Most buildings these days are blessed with air conditioning or heating, especially during the months of more extreme temperatures! But the dramatic change from outside heat and walking into a cold room, or vice versa, causes the skin to dry out.

Humidity helps the skin to retain moisture, protecting it from becoming dry. Dry skin, as mentioned before, often looks and feels rough and red, and causes dry skin conditions to flare up. Humidity can reduce the uncomfortable symptoms of dry skin, while also preventing loss of hydration and collagen.

COLD WEATHER AND SKINCARE

With cold weather, comes scarves, gloves, and hats, and not to mention the array of wonderful coats. But a wardrobe change sometimes triggers a skincare change, too.

You see, cold weather and skin have a complicated synergy, with the cold itself causing a rough, red, cracked and tightened complexion. But in the colder weather, the body’s sebaceous glands are less active than they are in hot weather, which can worsen the redness and cracks! The cracks that form in the skin also allow space for moisture to escape, adding to the dryness. These breaks in the skin appear because of a lack of humidity in the air, much as you see in rocks in the desert.

If it’s windy, the wind strips moisture away, and when the skin is already damaged, strong winds can actually be painful! Making sure you stay hydrated and keep the skin moisturised is vital to having healthy looking and pain-free skin.

Unfortunately, one simple pleasure can make skin feel even drier. After a day out in the cold, all you want is to have a hot, steamy shower to warm you up. The heat from the shower is damaging the skin further, so having warm showers is far better for you. Avoid the steamier showers when you’re craving the heat for the sake of your skin!

HIGH ALTITUDE

Being high up in the mountains can give you beautiful scenery, and make you feel literally on top of the world! But for your skin, it’s a different story!

Temperatures drop when you get to higher altitudes, which as we know, can dry out the skin. This leads to cracked skin and can cause redness and cracking. Already the skin is more vulnerable to infections from damage from the cold.

There’s more to it though. When you’re higher in the air, there is less oxygen, and therefore your skin is getting less oxygen to the cells. The skin’s tissue needs oxygen in order to heal itself, so without it, your skin is in danger of further damage.

Often when you’re in the mountains, you’re walking around in the snow and the direct sunlight. As pretty as it is, the sun is actually reflecting off the white powder and onto your skin. If you’ve ever been skiing, you may have noticed a burn or tan in the shape of ski goggles? It may look goofy, but it’s proof that the snow can be damaging your skin indirectly.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Your skin is vulnerable to changes in the environment, and different climates can do different things to your skin. Some you may have expected, and some you may never have thought of! Now you do know, you can adjust your skincare routine so that you experience the least damage possible when you go on that vacation!

And remember, your hands are just as vulnerable as your face when it comes to skin damage. It's actually one of the first places you notice ageing. Look after your nails and cuticles with our trusty Nail Formula and have naturally beautiful hands all year round!