Beat the heat to care for your skin

It’s official! 2023 was the hottest year on record (and possibly the hottest in the last 100,000 years, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service), which has significant implications for your skin.

While climate change is concerning on many levels, it’s worth considering how higher-than-average temperatures can impact your skin health.

Heat influences various aspects of skin physiology and function, including:

1. Dehydration: Hotter temperatures can lead to higher perspiration rates and fluid loss. When the body loses more water than it takes in, the skin can become dehydrated, which may make it appear dull, feel tight, and show fine lines more prominently.
2. Oil Production: When our sweat glands produce more sweat to keep us cool, sebaceous glands may produce more oil, and excess sweat and oil can clog pores, leading to conditions like acne and exacerbating existing skin issues.
3. Sun damage: Higher temperatures often coincide with increased sun exposure. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage skin, leading to sunburn, premature ageing, and an increased risk of skin cancers.
4. Inflammation: Hot weather can trigger inflammatory responses in the skin. Conditions such as rosacea and eczema may worsen, causing redness, itching, and discomfort.
5. Skin sensitivity: Higher temperatures can make the skin more sensitive, leading to increased reactivity to certain skincare products.
6. Pigmentation: Prolonged sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation, including sunspots and melisma. Darker skin types may be more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation due to increased inflammation.
7. Weakened structures: Excessive heat exposure can compromise the skin’s natural barrier function. This can lead to increased water loss, making the skin more prone to dryness and sensitivity. A weakened skin barrier may also allow irritants and allergens to penetrate more easily, leading to skin issues.
8. Accelerated ageing: Cumulative sun exposure can accelerate the skin ageing process as UV radiation breaks down collagen and elastin fibres, leading to the formation of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.

Adapt your routine

With temperatures set to rise, look to adapt your skincare routine to counter the effects of warmer weather and keep skin healthy and radiant.

Hydrate: Combat the risk of dehydration by increasing your water intake to stay hydrated from the inside out. Additionally, opt for lightweight, water-based moisturisers to maintain skin hydration without feeling heavy. Products containing hyaluronic acid can be a great addition to your routine.

Sunscreen: With higher temperatures, sunscreen isn’t just a summer essential – it’s a year-round necessity. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 and apply it daily, even on cloudy days. Look for lightweight formulations.

Antioxidant protection: Combat environmental stressors by incorporating antioxidants into your routine. Vitamin C serums can help protect your skin from free radicals, pollution, and UV damage.

Gentle Cleansing: Opt for a gentle cleanser to remove sweat, oil, and pollutants without stripping your skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Exfoliate regularly: Sweating more in warmer weather can lead to clogged pores. Incorporate a gentle exfoliant to keep your skin smooth and free of congestion.

Skin health supplements: Specially formulated skincare supplements, like Biogen RE NU Collagen & Skin Caps, can support your skin from within with ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, which can help maintain skin elasticity and hydration, antioxidants to reduce skin cell damage, and collagen, vitamin C, biotin and copper for healthy skin and structure.

If you’re unsure about specific products or need personalised advice, consulting with a dermatologist can provide tailored recommendations.

Embrace the changes in temperature with confidence, and let your radiant skin be the best accessory to your summer adventures! Stay radiant and protected.

Author: Pedro van Gaalen

When he’s not writing about sport or health and fitness, Pedro is probably out training for his next marathon or ultra-marathon. He’s worked as a fitness professional and as a marketing and comms expert. He now combines his passions in his role as managing editor at Fitness magazine.

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