Sweat is known to cause skin irritation. Sweat can make skin conditions like rosacea and acne flare up during the summer because of sweat triggered by high temperatures. This is also a problem in the winter due to indoor heat and too-warm conditions. It is why you need to wash your skin, gently, thoroughly, and regularly.
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With the arrival of autumn, people with skin conditions like rosacea and acne breathe a sigh of relief. The end of summer means the end of high temperatures and sweat, both of which can trigger skin problems. “Unfortunately, the arrival of cooler temperatures also means turning on indoor heat and sweating under heavier clothes,” says Dr Austin. The result: cool weather skin complaints. Here's what to do about them …
Don’t Let These Skin Problems Ruin the Season
There is so much to love about the autumn. What your skin doesn’t love are the lower outdoor temperatures and lower humidity levels. The cold and dry work together to exacerbate:
- Rosacea: Characterised by flushing, redness, and sometimes even pustules, rosacea flares are often triggered by heat. Additionally, sweat can irritate sensitive rosacea-prone skin and exacerbate symptoms.
- Acne: Sweat and oil mix, creating a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria. Clogged pores become inflamed, resulting in breakouts. The increased oil production triggered by heat further fuels the fire, leading to a frustrating cycle of clogged pores and pimples.
While rosacea and acne flares are common due to excess heat, other skin conditions can also be affected by heat and the sweat your body produces in response to that heat:
- Eczema: Heat can worsen the itching and dryness associated with eczema.
- Hives: Heat can trigger histamine release, leading to itchy welts in individuals with heat urticaria.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: This inflammatory skin condition often worsens in hot, humid environments.
3 Reasons Heat and Sweat Are Hurting Your Skin
“Human skin is remarkably adaptable, constantly adjusting to maintain a healthy balance throughout the body,” Dr Austin reminds patients. “When temperatures climb, our bodies kick into cooling mode, producing sweat to regulate internal temperature.” The process is great for keeping cool, but it can wreak havoc on skin.
Here are three reasons why:
- Increased blood flow: Heat dilates blood vessels, leading to flushing and redness, a primary symptom of rosacea.
- Sweat is an irritant: Sweat itself isn't harmful, but it can trap dirt, bacteria, and oil, clogging pores and exacerbating acne. “This trapped gunk also feeds inflammatory microbes that contribute to rosacea flare-ups,” explains Dr Austin.
- Dehydration paradox: It sounds like a paradox that excessive sweating can dehydrate the skin. Sweat rises to the skin’s surface where it evaporates. This dehydration disrupts the skin barrier, making it more vulnerable to irritants and further inflammation.
8 Strategies for Skin in Any Heat
There is no reason to allow heat in any season to disrupt your glowing skin! Here are eight simple strategies that help keep skin cool and calm, with minimal skin barrier disruption:
- Be Cool: Seek shade, use fans, and wear loose, breathable clothing.
- Drink Up: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and support your skin's natural barrier.
- Stay Clean: Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser to remove sweat, dirt, and oil. If your body has been sweating heavily during the day, consider an evening shower. “And be certain to shower off after exercise,” says Dr Austin.
- Choose Non-Comedogenic Products: Opt for oil-free, non-comedogenic skincare products that won't clog pores.
- Don’t Forget Your Sunscreen: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days.
- Soothe Skin with a Compress: Soothe irritated skin with cool compresses made with aloe vera or cucumber water.
- Treat Your Skin with Loving Care: Avoid harsh soaps and scrubbing, which can strip the skin of its natural oils and worsen irritation.
- Know Your Ingredients: Look for products containing calming ingredients like aloe vera, niacinamide, and green tea extract.
Don’t Ignore the Signs, Get Help
If your skin concerns persist, we urge you to get professional, personalised advice and treatment options. At Austin Skin, we’re proud to say that we take the guesswork out of skincare. We use our knowledge, training, and experience to provide customers with unparalleled products designed to make skin beautiful and healthy. What do you need?
