Why Climate Changes Affect the Skin
Our skin acts as a shield against the world, but climate changes like rising temperatures, shifting humidity, stronger UV rays, and more pollution are putting extra stress on it. These shifts make skin drier, more irritated, or prone to infections and early aging.
Higher temperatures and changing humidity mess with the skin’s natural balance. Hot weather boosts sweat and oil, clogging pores and sparking breakouts or acne. In contrast, sudden drops in humidity from heatwaves or dry spells pull moisture from the skin’s outer layer, causing dryness, flaking, and itchiness. This weakens the skin barrier, letting irritants in and leading to redness or eczema flare-ups.[1][2][4]
UV radiation ramps up with climate shifts, hitting skin harder year-round. Sunlight damages skin cells, breaks down collagen, and speeds up wrinkles and spots. It also thins the protective layer, making skin crack or chap easily, which invites infections or worsens conditions like dermatitis.[3][7]
Pollution worsens as warmer air traps more particles, smoke, and chemicals. Tiny bits from traffic or industry stick to skin, causing oxidative stress that inflames it and triggers acne, pigmentation changes, or hives. Ozone and other gases zap antioxidants, aging skin faster.[1][2][7]
Climate changes spread diseases too. Warmer conditions help bugs like those carrying leishmaniasis thrive in new places, leading to skin sores. Floods and droughts shift fungi and bacteria, raising infection risks, especially in hot, humid spots.[1][2]
Heat and cold extremes add direct harm. Freezing winds or indoor heaters strip moisture, tightening skin and highlighting fine lines. Summer heat mixes sweat with dirt, breeding bacteria for rashes.[4][5][6]
These effects hit vulnerable groups hardest, like those in polluted cities or tropical areas, where skin issues now tie closely to weather patterns.[2]
Sources
https://www.hilarispublisher.com/proceedings/environmental-dermatology-skin-health-impacts-of-climate-change-and-pollution-37568.html
https://academic.oup.com/inthealth/advance-article/doi/10.1093/inthealth/ihaf147/8383046
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1206851109
https://www.saffronsageliving.com/blog/preparing-your-skin-for-winter-energy-shifts-and-the-holiday-rush-san-diego
https://www.tataneu.com/pages/fashion/beauty-skincare/is-your-skin-better-in-summer-or-winter-find-out-now
https://aptinjectiontraining.com/blog/how-morpheus8-supports-skin-health-during-seasonal-transitions-in-oakville/
https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/beauty/skincare/how-pollution-affects-skin
