Those who struggle with skin conditions such as eczema, TSW, psoriasis, and acne, often find that their symptoms flare when the seasons change — especially during the transitional seasons of fall and spring. If this happens to you, don’t panic! It’s perfectly normal.
Everyone Experiences Skin Changes
The primary function of skin is to serve as a barrier that protects you from external change. The healthier your skin is, the more resilient it will be through the changing seasons.
Yet even if you have perfectly healthy skin, changes in what your skin needs or how your skin looks in different seasons is normal. For example, you may need to moisturize more in the fall or take more effort to stay hydrated to fend off dryness. In spring, you may need to cleanse your skin more often to handle an increase in perspiration or oiliness.
Skin Conditions Also Change with the Seasons
Unfortunately, dysfunctional skin has more of a struggle in coping with both internal and external changes. That’s why seasonal change can trigger flare-ups — making products or fabrics that previously provoked no reaction, irritating now.
Another thing to note is that patients who are on a successful treatment regimen for their skin condition might see a slowing down of their recovery or even backtrack in their progress during a seasonal change. Don’t let this discourage you. If you’re experiencing a flare-up during a change in the seasons, it’s not necessarily time to abandon your current treatment program. Chances are, as your body acclimates to the new season or moves into the next, your recovery will get back on track!
Seasonal Changes that Challenge Your Skin
Changes in Temperature – Both outdoor and indoor changes in temperature can affect skin. The amount and types of clothing we wear, and the fabrics we choose, also vary according to seasonal temperature.
Changes in Humidity – Fall and winter are accompanied by drier air. Heating or air conditioning in any season can also make indoor air very dry. Conversely, excess humidity can also challenge skin.
Changes in Habits – We spend more time indoors or outdoors in different seasons as our exercise and activities change. We may also attend more parties, drink more alcohol, or stay up later during the holidays, or we may exercise more in the spring.
Changes in Health – When you’re hit with a cold or flu (which are both more frequent in colder weather) your skin can suffer too. A virus can challenge your immune system, throw off your skin-care routine, and divert your body’s resources to battling your infection vs. healing your skin.
Changes in Diet – Different seasons prompt us to choose different foods. Many people eat warming, heavier foods in the fall and winter, and lighter, cooler fare in spring and summer. We may be eating more sugar, fat, or drinking more alcohol over the holidays.
Changes in Allergens – Seasonal allergens like pollen in spring, or ragweed in the fall, may put increased demands on our immune system. When the climate has more humidity, mold spores can proliferate. Or perhaps the vents of your HVAC system have not been cleaned for a while and is now kicking around dust.
Changes in Stress Levels – For many, seasonal holidays can be stressful or lonely. Depending on your career, different seasons can bring changes in work demands. Family commitments can also change with the seasons, i.e. summer vacations or at the start of the school year.
Getting to Know Your Skin
Perhaps you already know how your skin reacts to the changes each season brings. If not, take some time and reflect: “Have I had this symptom happen around the same time every year?” You might be surprised once you think about it.
Noticing that your flare-ups happen right around the holidays, or as soon as the furnace kicks on in the fall, gives you important clues. You can take extra steps to protect your skin during those times of the year – like getting extra sleep so your whole body can adapt better to the changes, or cutting back on alcohol or sugary foods at holiday parties if these are triggering for you. You can up your fluid intake or use a humidifier to help your skin stay hydrated when you’re stuck in the dry indoor heat.
Be Patient with Your Skin
Seasonal changes that your skin experiences aren’t a sign of failure. They’re a sign that your skin is working hard to balance itself and protect you, and just may need a little help.
If your skin is experiencing a reaction, no matter what season it is, you shouldn’t self-diagnose or overlook a problem. Reaching out to a skin professional, like your TCM dermatologist, will help you determine whether it’s a normal reaction or whether you might need a change in your treatment plan.
With a bit of wisdom, patience, and help, you can bring out the best in your skin the whole year through.
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About the Author
Olivia Hsu Friedman, LAc, Dipl.OM, DACM, Cert. TCMDerm, is the owner of Amethyst Holistic Skin Solutions and treats Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, and TSW. Olivia treats patients via video conferencing using only herbal medicine. Olivia is Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Society of Acupuncturists, serves on the Advisory Board of LearnSkin, and is a faculty member of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Group sponsored by the National Eczema Association.