We know that weather and the climate affect a lot of things: your wardrobe, your plans, your mood (hello, seasonal affective disorder). And now, research in the British Journal of Dermatology has also shown that it can affect your skin.
The temperature and the humidity level (that’s the amount of moisture or water droplets in the air) can all play a crucial role in how the skin looks and feels, especially if there’s a sudden change in climate brought on by a change of seasons, a move, or even short-term travel. Your skin has to acclimate to the new temp and humidity levels—and you need to tweak your skincare routine to help that process along. Here’s how to do it to protect skin from harsh weather elements.
How weather and humidity can change your skin
We hear a lot about skin when it gets in a cold, low-humidity climate: it gets dry and easily irritated. But what happens in a marine environment, where the temps are cool, but the humidity is relatively high (think someplace moist and chilly or a region with a distinct rainy season – um, hello Seattle!)? This type of climate can be a bit confusing for your skin. Your complexion may be oily on the surface due to the extra moisture in the air, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts, but the lower temperatures and dry indoor heat can dehydrate skin in the lower layers. A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed that those with acne said it was more prevalent in the summer and rainy season. Meanwhile, many studies have shown that low temperatures contribute to dryness and poor barrier function (skin’s outermost layer that helps keep moisture in skin, and irritants and allergens out) and exacerbate inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea, marked by redness and stinging. In a marine climate, your skin is stuck in the middle of both of these potential scenarios.
So, how can you help your skin acclimate to a high humidity, low-temperature climate?
Enter Pour Moi’s Moisture-Burst Masks. They speed up the acclimation process, so your skin stays radiant despite sudden weather changes. Each of the Climate-Smart Moisture-Burst Masks contains our patented Geo-hydraDynamic Complex, a moisturization technology that serves dual functions: It hydrates skin by climate and it serves as a reservoir within skin for the actives to ensure proper efficacy in the climate you’re in. Because each climate is so different, our Geo-hydraDynamic Complex™ is customized for each one to uniquely boost the hydrating potential and the efficiency of the actives for an optimal release in each mask. In a marine climate, this complex helps to keep skin optimally hydrated, balanced and calm so skin looks and feels healthy and glowing. This first-of-its-kind treatment mask combines cream and mineral clay, so you get the soothing, hydrating benefits for dryness and the pore-clearing powers of clay. The Marine Moisture-Burst Mask includes a blend of hyaluronic acid and White Truffle that gives skin the exact amount of moisture it requires in a chilly but moist environment. The star ingredient is the marine-derived Kobu Active. It helps skin transition into a high humidity, low temp climate by preventing acne flare-ups and sensitivities. In addition, the humectant glycerin helps deliver hydration without feeling greasy on the surface, while squalane provides skin with an invisible-feeling barrier. The mask also contains an oat extract with anti-inflammatory properties, proven in studies to reduce irritation and redness. One study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology showed that oat-based skincare contributed to improvements in skin barrier function (to recap, that means your skin can better retain its moisture levels and not be as vulnerable to outside irritants). And to help prevent those breakouts, the Marine Moisture-Burst Mask contains Charcoal Powder, an ingredient known for its ability to draw out impurities, toxins, and other debris that may be congesting your skin. How do you use it? First, apply an even layer of the creamy-clay mask to clean skin, being careful to avoid your lips, eyes and eyebrows. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, and then gently wipe it off with a warm, wet towel. Use once a week, or as needed. Next, layer with the Marine Day Cream, formulated for cool and humid weather conditions. It’s loaded with vitamins A, C, E, white truffle extract plus 3 types of hyaluronic acid, peptides and plant-derived bio-atives. Together (mask + day cream) you’ve got your protective skin “rain-gear” on for the day.
