As we move from the warmth of summer into the crispness of fall, your skin begins to experience subtle shifts that may surprise you. Beyond just dryness or the need for heavier moisturizers, there’s a whole science behind how the seasons affect your skin's behavior. From circadian rhythms to the microbiome, here are some fascinating insights to help you understand how to better care for your skin during seasonal transitions.
Just like your body’s sleep-wake cycle, your skin follows a circadian rhythm, which changes with the seasons. Shorter days and longer nights in the fall and winter can slow down nighttime skin cell regeneration. This means your skin might not repair itself as efficiently during colder months. To maximize skin renewal, try adjusting your routine and adding another moisturizing step before bed.
Your skin's microbiome—its invisible army of bacteria, fungi, and viruses—can become imbalanced as humidity levels drop in the cooler months. This can lead to dryness, irritation, or even flare-ups in conditions like eczema. Maintaining the balance of your microbiome is key to resilient skin, so incorporating products with prebiotics and probiotics can help restore and protect your skin's natural defenses.
We often associate SAD with mood changes, but it can also have an impact on your skin. Reduced daylight hours in the fall and winter can lead to lower serotonin levels, increasing stress and inflammation. This can trigger conditions like acne, rosacea, and psoriasis. Combat the effects by using soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients (prickly pear seed oil!).
When sunlight exposure decreases in the colder months, your skin may experience a drop in vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is essential for skin cell repair and overall skin health. A deficiency can leave your skin more sensitive and slow its healing processes. To counter this, consider a supplement to help maintain your skin’s vitality through the winter.
As colder days set in, many of us experience seasonal fatigue, which can affect the body's ability to retain moisture. You might notice your skin feeling more dry or dull as a result. Make sure to drink plenty of water, but also introduce hydrating serums into your routine. Look for formulas rich in hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and keep your skin supple.
During the summer, your skin naturally produces more oil to protect against the sun’s UV rays. However, as fall begins, oil production decreases, which can lead to dryness and flakiness. This is where a facial oil can be so beneficial to strengthen your skin's barrier and keep it nourished throughout the colder months.
In response to colder weather, your skin’s blood vessels constrict to conserve heat, which can reduce the flow of oxygen and nutrients. This results in a tired, dull complexion. To counteract this, try incorporating a gentle exfoliation to revive your skin’s glow during the winter season.
By understanding how the skin’s circadian rhythm, microbiome, and other processes change with the seasons, you can make more informed choices for your skincare routine. Whether it’s nourishing your skin’s barrier, maintaining its microbiome balance, or boosting hydration, adapting to these seasonal shifts can help your skin stay radiant and resilient all year long.
