Seasonal Changes

The good news is that during warmer weather, our skin is naturally more hydrated, firmer and elastic than during the colder months. It also produces more sebum at this time of year, so those suffering from dry, flakey, irritable skin should experience some relief. 

The bad news is that for those prone to acne, higher sebum production can increase the risk of breakouts. And for those with combination and normal skin, the increased production of sebum could trigger episodes of acne that were rare or absent during winter.

During spring and summer, the increased exposure of skin to UV light enhances our levels of vitamin D, which has important benefits for our overall health (read more here). However, overexposure to UV light will trigger the production of free radicals that can speed skin ageing and increase the risk of developing cancers.

During sunny weather, the melanin content of pigmented skin also increases, which can make areas of hyperpigmentation more noticeable (1).

While potent formulas such as retinol, AHAs, and BHAs should always be approached with caution by those with sensitive skin, this is especially true during the warmer, sunnier months.  During this time, the skin has more exposure to UV light, heat, and environmental allergens, meaning effects like inflammation, dryness, or redness can be amplified, leaving the skin more vulnerable to irritation, peeling, and patchy pigmentation.

In Australia, spring and summer are also classic times for seasonal allergies, which are most commonly caused by exposure to pollens.

Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a normally harmless substance and mounts an immune response to it, producing antibodies and inflammatory molecules like histamine. Skin symptoms commonly include swollen eyes, patchy skin redness and skin irritation. Read more on hayfever and your skin, here.

The Golden Rules

1. Keep it cool and calm

Avoid hot showers, over-exfoliating, and exposure to pollen. Soothe the skin barrier with gentle formulations. As always with sensitive skin, we recommend detergent-free, synthetic-free, perfume-free skin care. We have designed a routine to calm, protect and increase resilience of your skin - without synthetic preservatives or fillers. Find it, here. 

2. Stay hydrated: 

Sebum production increases with warm weather but that doesn't mean you should skip moisturiser. Support your skin's balance by transitioning to lighter hydration options like nutrient-rich serums or the Skin Saviour Cream.

3. Protect from UV and heat 

Slip, slop, slap and put on a hat. Avoid midday sun exposure when possible, and steer clear of sun-sensitising formulas such as retinol and strong exfoliating acids during this time. Instead, look for sun-friendly alternatives like bakuchiol, a plant-derived retinol alternative that promotes collagen production and reduces hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and relieves symptoms of acne. You’ll find this gentle yet effective ingredient in our Bakuchiol Revival Serum.

If you’re not sure which products are right for you, please get in touch with us using our Skin Consult service for advice on which products will suit your particular needs. We always recommend starting out with sample or Mini sizes to make sure there are no individual sensitivities to our products.

RESOURCES

(1) Qiu, H. et al (2011) Influence of season on some skin properties. International Journal of Cosmetic Science 33: 377-383