How your environment affects skin conditions

The condition of your skin is based on multiple factors including genetics, hormones, diet, and where you live and work, according to California-based dermatologist Dr David Lortscher. So how can you prevent your environment (whether that's your office or the weather) wreaking havoc on your body's largest organ?

The winter itch

Eczema, for example, causes dry skin, and can be related to changes in weather - especially when it gets colder outside.

"As the temperature drops, the humidity levels tend to drop as well, drying out one's skin, and with the use of heat in the house, this reduces humidity and dries skin out even further," explains dermatologist Dr Alan Parks from Ohio.

Eczema can also be triggered by pollen, pollution, and occupational exposure to certain chemicals.

Skin is prone to dehydration when exposed to dry, windy, wintery weather outdoors, which may be aggravated further by central heating inside.

"Very dry skin can progress to inflamed skin that may itch," explains Lortscher. "And in a dermatology office, we often see this 'winter itch' in our patients in the colder months."

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Dry air

"If the environment that you are living or working in is very dry and cold, your skin will mimic this," says Dr. Jill Waibel, a dermatologist from Florida.

She explains that since we are 90% water, in dry or cold weather the water evaporates into the air (this is called transepidermal water loss), which is a very common problem for patients who have eczema, psoriasis, or atopic dermatitis.

Overheating

But skin issues are not just unique to the drier and colder months; the hot and humid weather can wreak havoc on skin as well.

Waibel says: "Skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea can be triggered and flare up when exposed to hot and humid weather. This type of weather can also cause your pores to be clogged causing unwanted acne."

If you have oily skin and live in a region with higher humidity levels, you may feel a greater need to blot away excess oil production. Lortscher says that eczema can worsen with excess sweating, as can a type of acne called pityrosporum folliculitis.

"Heat rash or prickly heat (also called miliaria) is thought to arise from plugging of sweat ducts, which give rise to tiny water bumps. Heat rash occurs especially after repeated episodes of sweating in a hot, humid environment," Lortscher says.

Occupational hazard

Where you work may also affect your skin. If you work in an environment where chemicals are present, pay special attention to how you come into contact with them.

Occupational or work-related dermatitis is common in several jobs such as beauticians, hairdressers/barbers, medical and dental professions, metal working machine operators, florists, cooks, and people who work with rubber, glass or ceramic materials. Make sure you protect your skin with equipment such as gloves, aprons and eye protection.

According to a report online from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, there are two types of work-related dermatitis:

Irritierende Kontaktdermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis can develop after a single exposure or repeated, prolonged exposure to hazardous substances which causes irritation. Irritants can be chemical, biological, mechanical or physical. Prolonged and repeated contact with water, soaps, shampoos, solvents, metalworking fluid, oils, and greases at work can also cause irritant dermatitis.

Allergische Kontaktdermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis can occur when an individual develops an allergy to a substance. Common causes of allergic dermatitis include: adhesives, wet cement, some plants, some foods, and UV-cured printing inks.

How to protect your skin

If you find yourself dealing with skin conditions that are exacerbated by the environment, there are preventative measures you can take to lessen the irritation.

Hydrate

Lortscher suggest you consider using a heavier petroleum-based moisturiser to help cope with air as it gets drier. He also recommends incorporating a hydrating serum or oil into your routine: a few drops of oil, such as rosehip oil can be added to your moisturiser. Just be sure to avoid coconut oil if you are acne-prone.

In addition, the use of a hydrating mask and cleanser can be helpful. But avoid turning to aggressive exfoliation to get rid of dry skin. Lortscher says a gentle way to physically exfoliate your skin is with a konjac sponge, made from the fibres of the root of the Asian konjac (Konnyaku) plant.

Short showers

If you are dealing with eczema or psoriasis make sure you are not overdoing showers or baths. Long, hot showers tend to trigger skin irritation. So try to keep showering or baths to five minutes or less. And when you get out of the shower, make sure to apply a moisturiser to damp skin, which can help seal moisture into your skin.

Keep it gentle

Parks often tells patients to have a humidifier in the room where most of your time is spent (usually the bedroom). And Waibel recommends washing your face twice a day with gentle soaps to remove the excess bacteria and free radicals that we come into contact with every day. She also says it's important to apply Retin-A® at night along with a gentle moisturiser, which will help with the prevention of skin cancer, (specifically basal cell carcinoma), slow down the oil production, and stimulate the collagen in your skin.

Don't forget the sunscreen

Many conditions are also caused by sun damage such as premature ageing of the skin, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. Appropriate use of at least SPF 15 sunscreen and sun avoidance can help keep these issues to a minimum.

If you are still experiencing discomfort in your skin due to the environment, it is highly recommended to follow up with your GP who will be able to help, or to refer you to a dermatologist to discuss a customised skin care plan. Even taking small steps can make a permanent difference in the health of your skin.