Our skin carries innate knowledge. Intuitively protecting us from the impacts of the external environment, our largest organ is always working. While the body intuitively knows how to shift behaviour when the weather changes, there’s no harm in being proactive and ensuring that regardless of how seasons impact your skin barrier, you’re offering support through your products and practices.
As a reminder, the skin barrier is composed of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, which protects from environmental stressors, such as temperature changes, pollution, and moisture loss. During the transition from one season to another, skin may become dry, flaky, and prone to irritation due to changes in temperature, humidity, and UV exposure.
Summer
Key Concerns — increased sweat production encourages higher levels of oil production, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. The T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) is especially sensitive to oiliness. Excessive UV exposure can cause skin damage and lead to sunburn, premature aging, and increased skin cancer risk.
Reach For — products with intense hydration, exfoliation, and sun protection. This looks like the Hemp Seed Oil Barrier Repair Facial Oil, your SPF of choice, a water bottle, and a large brimmed hat.
Fall
Key concerns — as the weather becomes cooler and drier, humidity decreases
resulting in dry and dehydrated skin. Strong winds strip natural oils from
the skin encouraging dryness and irritation[2].
Reach For — moisture and hydration wherever possible. In addition to humectant-rich products, we love introducing humidifiers to create a moist environment.
Winter
Key Concerns — low humidity and harsh winds can cause dry and flakey skin as well as the loss of natural oils. Indoor heating can dry out the skin and further weaken the skin barrier.
Reach For— moisture, moisture, moisture. Avoid harsh products and use hot water for showers sparingly as they strip skin of its natural moisture. Exfoliate often to remove dead skin cells and ensure that moisturizing products are being used to their full benefit.
Spring
Key concerns: as skin adjusts to warmer temperatures, it may be sensitive and prone to irritation. Shifts in humidity encourages the skin to produce more oil, resulting in breakouts and clogged pores. As UV rays become stronger, skin that hasn’t been exposed to sun is especially vulnerable. Spring also brings allergens (dust+pollen) which can cause itching and redness.
Reach For — gentle products that ease your skin into a new season. As always, hydration is key along with exfoliation. The Hydro Glow Face Mask and Hemp Seed Oil Calming Cream are great allies for welcoming springtime.
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[1] Kim et. al, Influence of exposure to summer environments on skin properties, Journal of European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15745
[2] Maxwell Green, Nadia Kashetsky, Aileen Feschuk, Howard I. Maibach, Transepidermal water loss (TEWL): Environment and pollution—A systematic review, Skin Health and Disease, 10.1002/ski2.104, 2, 2, (2022).