How Humidity Affects Our Skin
As we say goodbye to September, we find ourselves, once again, all-too familiar with the hot and humid days that make up so much of our calendar year. Located in the heart of one of the most humid regions of the United States, Georgia experiences more humidity each year than most other states. This means hot, sticky, sweaty, and thick weather that so often leaves us feeling defeated. But humidity doesn’t only affect our hair and our sweat glands; it also has profound effects on our skin’s health. And understanding this can make us Georgian’s much better about taking the proper precautions to ensure that our skin remains youthful, beautiful, and full of vitality.
As a rule, skin prefers a balance of humid and arid climates. Too much or too little humidity are equally as damaging to our skin, but in different ways. For instance, people living in places such as Arizona and New Mexico, where humidity levels are nearly nonexistent, are much more susceptible to water loss. This leads to skin feeling dry, itching, scaly, and undernourished. Too little humidity and our skin literally dries up. Too much humidity however, and our skin becomes more likely to host harmful bacteria that can cause acne and infections, as well as raising our risk for rashes and other skin irritation.
For patients who naturally have combination, oily, or acne-prone skin, additional humidity can be an absolute detriment to their overall skin health. However, taking the proper steps to safeguard your skin from the harmful effects of high humidity can make all the difference.
What Steps Should I Take to Avoid Issues Caused by High Humidity?
Whenever starting a skin care routine, it is essential to first understand your skin type. If you are a person who suffers from excess sweating or naturally oily and acne-prone skin, it is vital that you seek out the procedures and the products that are specifically catered to your skin type.
Products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, for example, are extremely effective in minimizing acne breakouts. Cleansers that use hydroxy acids and exfoliating agents are also terrific for reducing excess oil and skin debris that can lead to issues such as acne, skin irritation, and infection.
Likewise, procedures aimed at exfoliating the skin and removing excess oils can have immense effects on lowering risks associated with oilier skin types. Microdermabrasion, enzyme facial treatments, and dermaplaning are essential for exfoliating the skin, promoting new skin growth, and preventing adverse effects caused by high humidity.
Contact Dermatology Consultants to schedule your complimentary skin analysis and find out how our team of dermatologists and aestheticians can make your skin brighter, clearer, and healthier.