How does the environmental change affect our skin?

Different types of environmental factors can have their own effects on the skin. For example, chemicals such as oil and tar can clog your pores and cause acne or folliculitis. Other materials can cause tissue to break down or fluids to build up in the skin.  

The relationship between the environment and our genes is important. Despite genetic predisposition, it is possible to manage one’s skin condition—if one is aware of the various environmental factors that come:  

Hot weather: When temperatures are high, our bodies sweat to cool down. Perspiration may cause a variety of skin issues such as irritation, rash, and acne.  A gentle cleanser to wash away perspiration is often a great idea. Moreover, heat can cause drying of the skin, leading to skin that is rough or flaky in feel and appearance.

Cold weather: Colder climates are generally characterized by cold temperatures and windy conditions. These elements can often strip moisture from the skin, leaving it dry, flaky, and even chapped or cracking. 

Humidity: The amount of humidity in the air can have a huge effect on your skin. Low humidity can pull moisture from the skin and leave it dehydrated, dry, and flaky. In contrast, high humidity prevents evaporation of sweat, leading to clogged pores, oily skin, and in many cases, acne breakouts.

Pollution: The places we live, particularly urban areas, often contain environmental pollution. Exposures to contaminants such as cigarette smoke, smog, and exhaust from automobiles can enhance the creation of skin-damaging free radicals, which may lead to wrinkles and other signs of skin aging.

Climate: Cold, dry climates cause eczema to flare while hot, humid climates aggravate acne—that’s a common belief. It’s not always so. While cases vary, Dr. Manju Keshari from KEMPS Skin Clinic agree that a change in climate will usually bring about a change—good or bad—in one’s chronic skin condition.

Biological: Elements like bacteria, pollens, allergens, and pet dander could also be wreaking havoc on your skin. If you tend to break out in a rash after playing with your pet or you break out in hives after eating a strawberry, you are all too familiar with how biological elements like allergens can affect your skin.

The environment seems to be a big issue lately; companies and communities are constantly looking for ways to “go green” and help promote healthier, happy environments across the world so that the Earth can continue to thrive and nourish people and animals alike. Both natural and man-made environmental factors have been linked to several different skin conditions.