As humans we are not blessed with a super power with which we could change the situation in our environment. So, the only choice we got is to adjust with that environment. That too comes at a cost, we face so many challenges when adjusting to our respective environment. One challenge we face in adjusting is our skin. The kind of environment we live in can cause many challenges to our skin. As a responsible and cautious person, we should try every way and means to protect our skin from environmental damages.
We all live in different geographical locations and obviously the environment is not the same for all. Based on the type of environment we live in; we will observe different problematic skin conditions. Therefore, you need to first be aware of your environment and weather. Let’s take a look at some weather conditions and the problems it could cause to your skin.
If you live in hot weather conditions.
Assuming that the weather in your place is hot today. Maybe it is summer time in your place. During summer we face a lot of skin problems such as Sunburn, rashes, tanning, skin congestion, hyperpigmentation and many others. Through the sun we receive radiation in our skin. The popular radiation of the sun which damages the skin severely is UltraViolet Radiation. According to Mayo clinic the radiation causes the cells in the skin to die. When ultraviolet rays reach the skin, it can induce the mutation of skin cell DNA. To heal the damaged cells or induce new cells the immune system reacts quickly by increasing the blood flow to that infected area. This causes inflammation which is the sun burning.
Everyone likes the perfect skin texture. No one will feel comfortable with irregular skin texture, right? However, in summer we face skin tanning which alters the color of our skin. This condition is caused when the UV radiation from sun hits our skin, the outer layer of our skin known as epidermis produces melatonin to protect our skin from sun. As more and more melatonin is produced, this makes our skin tan.
Another skin problem we face in hot weather is skin rash. This cause when the sweat gets blocked beneath your skin. Sweat alone can’t cause rashes, but it contributes towards it. Sweat can cause bacterial inflammation, which leads to irritation, itchiness and rashes.
Measures and essential for skin protection from hot weather
- Apply sunscreen
Depending on the sun screen type whether chemical or physical. The sunscreen either absorbs or reflects UV rays respectively. The strength of sunscreen is determined by the SPF factor. More the SPF better the absorption. As per American Academy of Dermatology SPF 15 is the minimum, but if you plan to stay long in hot sun then SPF 30 or more is recommended.
- Avoid the sun.
You should take every step which will make you avoid the sun.
- Hydrate well yourself
You must drink lot of water. Drinking water can keep our skin hydrated and can be prone to less evaporation, which will keep it away from skin problems.
If you live in a dusty and polluted city.
If you are staying in the city, it may be for work purpose. Then everyday you will be dealing with air pollution. There will be traffic, construction sites on the way and others. Due to the air pollution your skin is also at risk of facing problems like premature aging, eczema, acne, dark spots and others.
In the polluted air there is presence of particles known as Particulate Matter. When this particle comes in contact with the skin. Oxidative stress; a condition in the body is induced. Oxidative stress is the imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Oxidative stress can cause extrinsic skin aging in humans.
Air pollution consists of microscopic levels of pollutants. When this pollutant gets clogged up in the pores of your face this leads to acne. According to a study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, Chronic exposure leads to dark spots. In order to heal the acne our cells will overdrive in producing melanin which will cause dark spots.
Measures and essential for skin protection against air pollution
- Cleanse your skin well
By scrubbing your face daily can remove dirt and dead skin cells from the pores. Thus, making the pores clean and allowing skin to absorb moisturizer better.
- Stream your face
By streaming your face, softens your skin and removes the dirt and sebum from your pores. By this the acne also gets reduced.
- Apply moisturizer
Use moisturizer which has vitamin E and antioxidants components. Moisturizer keeps skin hydrated and shields particles from pollution.
If you stay in a cold place.
Staying in cold places can also cause harm to the skin, but you have to stay in cold places since you work there or were born there. You don’t have the option to leave the place, right? The only thing now you can do to protect your skin from weather is implement some measure to protect your skin.
The skin you might mainly suffer in cold weather conditions are; cracked skin, Rosacea, chafing, dermatitis. In cold seasons we get dry skin. Is due to the low temperature, low humidity. The dry air in the atmosphere sucks out the moisture and the oils from our hands. Thus, we suffer from skin problems.
Some measures and essentials from skin problems in cold temperature.
- Use gentle and clean soaps
Using clean soaps helps in keeping moisture in our skin intact. Winter soaps contain nutrients like essential oils, vitamin D and vitamin E which is helpful for keeping the moisture and repairing the skin.
- Daily moisturize your skin
Moisturizing is important for prevention of cracked skin and the dryness. In winter our skin losses moisture, so applying moisturizer is important.
- Avoid long hot shower.
Taking long hot showers in winter can further add to the woes of dry skin by stripping of its natural oils and causing dryness . You must need to use moisturizer right after the shower to replace the natural oils worn off by shower.