Why Fall Weather Can Irritate Your Skin
It may seem counterintuitive as we head into cool, rainy weather in the autumn to prepare for dry skin and all the flaking and itching that condition brings. But, our skin does tend to dry out in the fall and winter for several reasons.
For one thing, the air itself can be drier than in warmer weather. This is because the water lying about does not evaporate as quickly at cooler temperatures, and the water in the air condenses out more rapidly than in warmer temperatures.
All the rain and dew used to be vapor in the air, so although it seems lovely and moist all around, the air itself is much drier.
Also, our skin takes time to adapt its processes to changes in the weather.
Other Causes of Seasonal Skin Irritation and What You Can Do About It
Wind
Another possible cause of irritation is wind. There is some debate in the medical community on whether or not windburn is a separate condition from sunburn. However, what has been shown in studies is that UV damage to the skin increases when wind exposure is added to the mix.
This extra damage seems to be because the wind strips lipids from your outer layer of skin, leaving it dry and more easily damaged. The increased number of damaged cells makes it more difficult for your body to repair all the cells before changes leading to cancer occur.
Protect your skin from the sun just as you would in warmer weather; UV damage is not dependent on heat. Cover and protect your skin from the wind as well with hats, scarves, and long sleeves.
Use a heavier moisturizer than you would in the summer. Use it more often too, up to four times a day, according to some dermatologists. Now is a great time to try out that creamy body butter you've been eyeing. One that contains emollient cocoa butter, like Sweet Earth Organic CBD Salve, can heal and prevent dry skin. Along with the protective and nourishing properties of cocoa butter, our salve contains CBD and tamanu oil, both of which are known to be antioxidant and encourage the growth of new skin cells.
Heated Indoors
Heated buildings, especially those using forced-air systems, can be drying to your skin.
Using a humidifier indoors can help, as can drinking plenty of water.
What you eat and drink affects your skin as much as what you put on top of it. So consider adding essential fatty acids, such as a bit of hemp- or flax-seed oil, to your daily diet.
Hot Showers and Baths
While there are plenty of benefits to a hot shower or bath (clearing nasal passages, opening pores, relaxing muscles), there are some downsides too. Hot showers can cause irritation by drying out your skin.
If it's hot enough, the water can damage keratin cells on the outermost layer of your skin. The damaged cells allow moisture to escape and disrupt other essential functions.
Cool your showers down a bit if hot showers are a problem for you. You certainly don't have to take cold showers but ease the temperature closer to lukewarm than hot.
Gentler cleansing products can help as well. Remember, your skin already has fewer oils and lipids because of the drier conditions indoors and out. Avoiding detergents and alkaline cleansers and using a wash with added moisturizers can be helpful.
Moisturize your skin within a minute or two of getting out of the bath or shower, this way you’ll retain more of the moisture from bathing as well, keeping your skin more hydrated and supple.
Sweet Earth Can Help
Our CBD Hydrating Lavender, Oat and & Honey Facial Cleanser is gentle enough to soothe delicate autumn skin and leave it moisturized and soft.
And check out our Organic CBD Hydration Cream with rich shea butter, hemp seed oil, and beeswax to moisturize and protect your skin.
Shop the complete Sweet Earth collection of CBD and Hemp infused skincare products here.
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