How Environmental Factors Affect Skin Health

Skin is the body’s interface with the outside world, so it responds to whatever the environment brings: sunlight, wind, heat, cold, dry air and airborne particles. Knowing how each factor affects skin helps you adapt your routine to where you live and the time of year.

Sunlight and UV radiation

The World Health Organization identifies ultraviolet radiation as a cause of sunburn, premature skin aging, eye damage and skin cancer. The UV index is a daily forecast of UV strength on a scale that starts at 0. At 3 or above, sun protection is recommended.

Protect yourself

• Check the UV index in your weather forecast.
• Seek shade in the middle of the day.
• Wear covering clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, such as Daily Sunscreen SPF 50.

UV is stronger at high altitude and nearer the equator, and it reflects off snow, sand and water.

Cold weather and low humidity

Cold air carries little moisture, and heating dries indoor air further. Skin loses water more quickly, leading to tightness, flaking, chapped lips and cracked hands.

What helps

• Switch to a richer cream, such as Daily Moisturizing Cream.
• Keep showers short and warm, not hot.
• Wear gloves and a scarf outdoors.
• Use a humidifier indoors.

Heat and humidity

Warm, humid conditions increase sweat and oil. Skin may look shinier, pores can clog and heat rash may appear in skin folds.

What helps

• Cleanse after sweating.
• Choose lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic products.
• Wear loose, breathable clothing.

Wind

Wind strips moisture and can leave skin red and sore, particularly in cold weather. Cover exposed skin and apply moisturizer before going out.

Air pollution

Particles from traffic, smoke and industry settle on the skin along with sweat and oil. Research suggests pollution may contribute to skin irritation and visible aging, although this is still being studied. Cleansing each evening removes the day’s build-up, and a well-moisturized skin barrier is better able to keep irritants out.

Water

Frequent contact with water, especially hot water with soap, removes protective oils. Hard water can leave residue that feels drying. Chlorinated pool water has a similar effect. Rinse after swimming and moisturize after washing.

Indoor environments

Air conditioning and heating both lower humidity. If your skin is drier at work or on flights, keep a hand cream and lip balm nearby and drink fluids regularly.

Tobacco smoke

Smoking is associated with earlier wrinkling and slower wound healing. Stopping benefits skin along with the rest of the body.

Adapting your routine

Think of your routine as seasonal:

• Hot and humid: lighter textures, consistent cleansing, sunscreen.
• Cold and dry: richer moisturizer, gentler cleansing, lip and hand care, sunscreen when the UV index calls for it.
• Traveling: adjust to the climate you are entering, not the one you left.

The bottom line

You cannot control the weather, but you can respond to it: shield skin from UV, replace moisture when the air is dry, and cleanse away sweat and grime. Find seasonal essentials in our skin care department.

Sources

1. World Health Organization. Ultraviolet radiation.
2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. UV Index Scale.
3. American Academy of Dermatology. Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin.
4. American Academy of Dermatology. Sunscreen FAQs.