Humidity and our skin!
Humidity and our skin!
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Summertime can be a time for beach going, Barbeques and just all kinds of outdoor fun! However, summer brings more than just fun outdoor activities. It also brings humidity. While most people know how high humidity affects our hair, did you know that high humidity can also negatively affect our skin? How does it affect our skin and just what can you do when summer brings humidity to town? Let us get into it, shall we?
Before I get in too deep talking about high humidity, I want to mention that low humidity can also cause its own problems for our skin. But that is a conversation for another time. For now, let us just focus on too much humidity. One of the ways that humidity affects our skin is by affecting the way the skin regulates moisture. Studies have found that excess humidity leads to excess moisture in the skin. This excess moisture can mix with sweat and dead skin cells. This mixture can lead to clogged pores which is unpleasant as we all know! Studies have found that this excess moisture can also lead to oily skin and even acne! Even fungal infections can be made worse by high humidity. In those with sensitive skin, high humidity can increase redness, itching, and there may even be a feeling of stickiness/clamminess. (1) High humidity can also change the look of our skin, making it look rough, old, and even dull. (2)
Even certain chronic skin conditions can be worse when there is high humidity. For example, eczema, rosacea, dermatitis, folliculitis and even heat rash are all affected by humidity. (1, 2)
Another side effect of high humidity is how much you sweat. If you have thought that you sweat more when there is a high humidity day you would be correct! Not only do you sweat more, but the sweat also tends to stay on your skin longer. This can leave your skin feeling irritated, clammy, and even prone to infections caused by both bacteria and fungi. (3)
What are some of the signs you can look out for to determine if high humidity is a problem for you? Well to start with, have you noticed any skin changes? Have you noticed that these skin changes are worse when the weather reports indicate that there is a higher humidity day? As I stated earlier, you may notice redness, itchiness, acne, an increase in infections caused by bacteria/fungus as well as a worsening of any pre-existing skin disorders. While studies on humidity and skin health seem to be focused on eczema and even heat rash in my clinical experience, all skin conditions can be more severe when there is a high humidity day.
So, what can you do to help your skin heal?
- Good hygiene! It is important to keep our skin clean and to remove any sweat and excess moisture. Aka keep your skin clean and dry! Like good hygiene, remember to avoid touching your face. Remember there are bacteria and other irritants everywhere and when you touch a surface and then touch your face, those irritants are transferred to your skin where they can cause irritation.
- Try to avoid using any skin irritants such as harsh products.
- As we always say, diet is key! Eating a well-balanced diet can help keep our skin healthy even in the harshest weather! (4) For help with Fruit and Vegetable intake please see Invite’s Greens Hx, Organic Greens as well as our Reds Hx! Do not forget Purples and Oranges for a bit of variety. For a summer treat feel free to make a family favorite – banana and oranges nice cream! I like to take 1 frozen banana and add it to my blender. I added 2 scoops of Oranges and 1 scoop of Vanilla Whey. Before you blend, add 2 or 3 tablespoons of your choice of milk. Now as you blend, add as much liquid as you would like to get to your desired consistency. Some people like a very thick frozen texture. Others prefer a milk shake like dessert. Do what you like! Have fun! They are bananas and oranges. You cannot go wrong lol Personally I try to keep some chunks of frozen banana ready to go all summer so this treat can be made whenever the mood strikes!
- Collagen is a fantastic supplement! When it comes to skin, it has been found to help improve skin health. (5) Please see Invites Collagen Hx, Collagex HA and Beauty collagen gummies (this is from fish!).
- Omega 3s are well-known for being anti-inflammatory. Studies have found that they can improve the health of our skin. (6) Please see Invite’s Fish oil, Krill oil and Bio Mega!
- Turmeric, another well-known anti-inflammatory, has also been found to help improve skin health and reduce the inflammation that is often worsened by humidity. (7) Please see Invite’s Bio curcumin and Turmeric with Ginger!
- Now I am sure of your thinking but what can I use topically? If there is an itch, what can I do? Well studies show that calamine lotion combined with apple cider vinegar can be helpful. Before you go to bed, you can mix an apple cider vinegar capsule into calamine lotion. Now it may have an interesting smell but as I said it can help relieve some discomfort! (8)
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