JOURNAL 24: The skin
Now that the weather has well and truly warmed up and summer is fast approaching, it is not uncommon for us to notice or complain of changes in our skin or skin condition/s. Perhaps a pre-existing skin condition has flared up or a completely new skin condition has presented, leaving you feeling frustrated and self-conscious.
For us in Australian, summer tends to mean heat, humidity, sweat and oil, which can wreak havoc with our skin, particularly if we have sensitive or temperamental skin types. The majority of skin conditions are inflammatory based or driven. When combined with the above factors that characterise the Australian summer, it is no wonder we see exacerbations in certain skin types and conditions during the warmer months.
Below is information on some of the specific skin conditions that are typically worsened during summer.
Dermatitis/eczema
Dermatitis is simply ‘inflammation of the skin’. It most typically presents as red, dry, cracked, inflamed skin, which can be itchy and irritating. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) falls under this category. Dermatitis can affect any area of the body but is most commonly seen at the flexures of the neck, elbows, wrists, knees and ankles, on the limbs or on the face, specifically the cheeks, eyebrows and hairline.
Dermatitis sufferers typically find their condition flares up during the summer months. During summer, the heat/hot weather, humidity and exposure to air conditioning increases water loss and causes dehydration, leading to dry, dehydrated skin. This causes dry, cracked skin conditions such as dermatitis to become worse.
Additionally, direct exposure of the skin to heat and sunlight triggers the release of histamine from mast cells, which causes swelling, redness and itching of the skin. Again, this causes red, inflamed, itchy skin conditions such as dermatitis to become worse.
To help prevent flare ups of dermatitis during the summer months, you should:
avoid direct exposure to heat and sunlight, particularly midday sunlight exposure
avoid sitting directly in front of air conditioning and ensuring the air conditioner is set at a moderate temperature
keep well-hydrated (aim for 2.5L of water per day minimum during summer months)
keep the skin well-moisturised. Ideally, use a moisturising cream that is hydrating, rich in essential fatty acids and targeted at repairing the skin’s barrier function.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition which primarily affects the nose, cheeks and chin. Dilation of the blood vessels causes flushing and visible capillaries. Papules and pustules are often seen within the affected areas, which is why rosacea can sometimes be mistaken for acne.
For rosacea sufferers, exposure to extreme heat and/or hot temperatures experienced during the summer months is one of the biggest triggers for their condition. Sunlight, heat and humidity exacerbate the skin condition by increasing blood flow to the skin and further dilating the blood vessels, worsening the appearance of the redness and flushing that characterises rosacea.
To help prevent flare ups of rosacea during the summer months, you should:
avoid direct exposure to heat and sunlight, particularly midday sunlight exposure
avoid overheating – utilise cold compresses, spray bottles and ice to keep cool
avoid exercise or physical exertion during the middle or hotter parts of the day.
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Acne
Acne is classified as a blockage (with inflammation) of the pilosebaceous (hair) follicles. Pilosebaceous follicles become blocked as a result of either a surface blockage (from a topical product, dirt etc.), improper desquamation (skin shedding) or poor quality, thick, sluggish oil production.
Although higher vitamin D levels associated with greater sunlight exposure during the summer months has been implicated in the treatment of acne, acne sufferers often find that their skin condition worsens during the summer months, particularly those with oily skin types. Heat/hot weather and humidity naturally causes the body to increase both its sweat and oil production. Sweat traps things like dirt and bacteria on the skin, which leads to surface blockages (breakouts), while greater oil production also blocks the pilosebaceous follicles, leading to breakouts.
To help prevent flare ups of acne during the summer months, you should:
avoid overheating and excessive sweating – utilise cold compresses, spray bottles and ice to keep cool
avoid exercise or physical exertion during the middle or hotter parts of the day
shower and change your clothes if you have sweated
choose clothing materials that absorb sweat and oil, such as cotton – avoid wearing any clothing that is occlusive.
Pigmentation
Pigmentation is the darkening of the skin in localised patches caused by the over-production of melanin (natural skin pigment) from melanocytes (the skin cells that make skin pigment) within that patch of the skin. There are many factors that cause pigmentation including trauma to the skin, hormonal fluctuations, certain medications and topical products, however, sun exposure, heat and UV exposure through the retina are the biggest driving forces behind this skin condition.
Even incidental, every day sun and UV exposure is enough to cause melanocytes to go into overdrive, producing melanin at a rapid rate. It is therefore no surprise that this skin condition presents or flares up during the summer months.
To help prevent flare ups of pigmentation during the summer months, you should:
avoid direct exposure to heat and sunlight, particularly midday sunlight exposure
limit sun exposure as much as possible
use complete and proper sun protection (sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeve clothing) AT ALL TIMES
wear polarised UV-rated sunglasses AT ALL TIMES to prevent sunlight entering through the retina.
Our long, hot Australian summers have a number of varied impacts on our skin and particular skin conditions, often making them worse. If you suffer from one or more of the above skin conditions, it is imperative that you take preventative measures during the summer months to help minimise the impact of extreme heat, humidity and sun exposure on your skin condition.
If you would like to know more about your skin condition and your individual skin needs, get in touch with one of our naturopaths. Bookings available here.
Written by Perri Baldwin BHSc
Naturopath
