Climate Change’s Effect on Skincare
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The skin is the largest and most exposed organ to the environment; because of this, it only makes sense that skin damage or cutaneous diseases are inclined to have a high sensitivity to the ever-growing issue of climate change. If you have been struggling with abnormally dry skin or overly oily skin, you could be suffering from the effects of climate change. There have been noticeable changes in people’s skincare routines depending on where in the world they live. In places such as the Southern United States, individuals need to include more cleansers and toners, whereas those living in colder climates tend to rely more on gentle cleansers and daily moisturizers. Read more about our advice on skincare for dry climate, humid skincare tips, along with the skin concerns that could result from climate change.
Skin Issues Worsened by Climate Change
In addition to skincare routine modifications, a variety of skin diseases appear to be worsened by climate change. Most of these skin issues stem from inflammatory disorders such as eczema (atopic dermatitis) and pemphigus, an autoimmune blistering disorder. UV exposure, humidity and extreme temperature change along with elevated air pollution levels, are known to cause eczema flares. To help prevent these, include a lotion for dry climates into your routine.
Infectious diseases that affect the skin are also on the rise due to global warming. Specifically, an increase in Lyme disease, which is related to warmer environments that are more favorable to tick survival, as well as a greater availability of hosts like deer and mice.
Climate Change Can Cause the Following:
- Contact dermatitis is more common and more severe when temperatures are higher.
- Asteatotic eczema (severe dryness, cracked and itchy skin) is less common in hot, humid climates compared to dry, cool climates.
- The prevalence of atopic dermatitis may be affected by changes in airborne allergens such as the dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus).
- Higher temperatures cause more intertrigo (rash between folds of skin), especially when associated with obesity and diabetes.
- Hyperhidrosis leads to miliaria and transient acantholytic dermatosis (Grover disease).
- A hot environment may also cause flares of rosacea, increasing redness, irritation, and breakout.
Changes to Skincare Routine Based on Your Climate
If you move to a different climate or simply notice a change in the effectiveness of your current skincare routine over time, it might be time to change up your products. Most skincare for dry climates revolves around retaining moisture, so switching your powerful facial cleansers and toners for more gentle cleansers can help prevent over-drying your skin. Another vital step is to include a daily moisturizer to help retain moisture. Our lotions for dry climates rely on providing lasting probiotic moisture, rather than simply replenishing what was lost after washing your face.
In warmer, more humid climates, it is essential that you continue to wash your face every day. Leaving your skin alone after it collects moisture throughout the day will potentially lead to clogged pores and an increased chance of acne developments. In addition to washing your face daily, it is helpful to add a simple toner to help your T-zone from collecting additional moisture throughout the night. These humid skincare tips will help your skin tone remain even and can help reduce acne from humidity.
How to Combat Climate Change Skincare Concerns
A healthy skin microbiome protects against infection in much the same way a good gut microbiome does: by crowding out the overgrowth of pathogenic organisms. The skin microbiome prefers a relatively acidic environment (pH is around 5.0), which also inhibits inflammatory reaction and related skin disorders.
The microbiome also aids in wound healing, limiting exposure to allergens and UV radiation, factors that can be triggered by climatic changes, thus minimizes skin irritations.
Topical prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics can balance the symptoms from inflammatory induced skin conditions and help to balance the microbiome. These supplements are known mostly for helping with gut health when ingesting prebiotic or probiotic-rich foods or supplements but topically they mimic a wound-healing response without being overly aggressive to the skin or causing inflammation. They also stimulate the action of live microorganisms, balancing the skin’s good and bad bacteria, thus resulting in healthy and balanced skin.
How Can I Prevent Skin Damage from Climate Change?
While the skin concerns mentioned above can happen due to climate change, if you simply follow a regimented skincare routine, you can help keep your skin healthy! If you want to learn more about the products you should have in your arsenal for the climate you live in, read more about the benefits and differences between prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics on our blog page. If you need a lotion for dry climates, humid skincare products, or simply skincare for dry climates, check out our product selection. To find your perfect, skin healthy and microbiome balancing skincare regimen, take our GLOWBIOTICS skin quiz.