As the seasons change, so does your skin—and understanding how weather affects it is key to maintaining a healthy, radiant complexion year-round. From Denver’s dry winters to its sun-soaked summers, your skin is constantly adapting to environmental stressors that can influence everything from hydration to inflammation.
🌦️ How Weather Impacts Your Skin
1. Cold, Dry Air (Fall & Winter)
As temperatures drop and humidity levels plummet, your skin loses moisture more quickly. This can lead to:
- Dryness and flaking
- Chapped lips and hands
- Increased sensitivity and redness
- Exacerbation of conditions like eczema and psoriasis
Indoor heating only worsens the issue, stripping the air—and your skin—of essential hydration.
2. Hot, Humid Conditions (Spring & Summer)
Warmer months bring more moisture to the air, which can help with hydration but also trigger:
- Excess oil production
- Sweat-induced breakouts
- Clogged pores and congestion
- Increased risk of fungal infections in damp areas
UV exposure also intensifies, accelerating signs of aging like fine lines, dark spots, and uneven tone.
3. Environmental Extremes
Beyond seasonal shifts, climate change and pollution are emerging threats to skin health. Wildfire smoke, for example, has been linked to spikes in eczema and dermatitis flares—even outside traditional flare seasons. Rising temperatures and ozone depletion also increase UV exposure, raising the risk of skin cancer and premature aging.
🧴 How to Protect Your Skin Year-Round
Hydrate & Humidify:
Use richer moisturizers in colder months and consider a humidifier to combat indoor dryness.
Switch Up Your Products:
Lighter, oil-controlling formulas work better in summer; heavier creams and barrier-repair ingredients shine in winter.
Don’t Skip SPF:
UV rays are present year-round—even on cloudy days. Daily sunscreen is non-negotiable.
Support Your Barrier:
Look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to strengthen your skin’s defenses.
Consider Professional Treatments:
Seasonal facials, chemical peels, and microneedling can help reset your skin and address seasonal concerns. Treatments like Virtue RF and Procell Microchanneling (currently 20% off at Elixir through October!) are especially effective for collagen support and texture refinement.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Your skin is your first line of defense against the elements—and it’s exquisitely sensitive to the world around you. By adjusting your skincare routine with the seasons and staying ahead of environmental stressors, you can keep your glow strong no matter the forecast.
Need help customizing your seasonal skincare plan? Book a consultation at Elixir Aesthetics and let’s build your glow strategy together.
Sources:
Harvard Medicine Magazine
DermNet NZ
ISDIN Skincare Blog