Two doctors share the items you need in your skin care routine in the morning to protect against climate change and extreme weather.
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Who doesn’t want great skin? Smooth, firm, glowing, even-toned skin is the cornerstone of any great beauty look. And, with experts like Dr. Hannah Kopelman and Dr. Jason Emer making it their mission to help everyone achieve the skin of their dreams, we can all reach our skin goals whether we’re the type to invest in a 9-step skincare regimen or we’re simply looking for a good cleanser and sunblock. Unfortunately, skin care regimens and having great skin is up against a big competitor- climate change.
Extreme weather conditions, pollution, and a depleted ozone layer can irritate sensitive skin and increase the risk of premature aging and skin cancer. A study published in May 2024 showed climate change factors are influencing skin cancer rates. Another study published in 2021 showed, “Air pollutants, such as small particulate matter, may exacerbate chronic conditions, such as eczema.” And that the warming of bodies of water due to climate change’s impact can foster a bloom of algae and bacteria that can cause dermatitis.
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Like our planet, adverse weather changes threaten to wreak havoc on our skin’s appearance and health. The good news is our skin is meant to repair itself and there are extra steps we can take to further nourish, protect, and repair our skin. Dr. Kopelman and Dr. Emer got skin-deep to share their expertise on how we can build a skin care routine that will filter out climate change and keep our skin smooth and glowing.
How can climate change negatively impact our skin?
Since 1979, the Earth’s ozone layer has decreased between 4% and 12% globally resulting in an increase of UV radiation. According to Dr. Kopelman more harmful UV radiation increases, “the risk of skin cancers, premature aging, and other skin conditions.” Dr. Emer reiterates that sentiment stating, “As the Ozone layer thins, more UV radiation leaks through, which can increase the risk of skin cancer.”
Yet, it isn’t only a weakened ozone layer that can threaten our skin’s health. Dr. Kopelman explains, “Climate change can result in more extreme weather conditions. Increased heat and humidity can exacerbate conditions like acne and rosacea, while colder and drier climates can lead to dry, irritated skin, making conditions like eczema more severe.”
Can skin be exposed to more free radical damage due to the impacts of climate change and pollution?
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can build up inside inside of us and damage and change the cells in your body.” Environmental pollutants like smog, smoke, and particulate matter can penetrate the skin and generate free radicals,” explains Dr. Kopelman. According to Dr. Emer free radicals and pollution can lead to “cellular damage, inflammation, and premature aging of the skin. It may also lead to dehydration, skin barrier damage, premature aging, and even skin cancer.”
“The combination of UV radiation and pollution significantly accelerates the aging process and increases the risk of skin diseases,” explains Dr. Kopelman.
What steps can we take to reduce our exposure and protect our skin?
Having great skin doesn’t have to involve a complicated skin care routine. “It could be as simple as seeking shades and always applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30+ at least 15 minutes before going outside,” explains Dr. Emer.
Dr. Kopelman also suggests other practical steps we can easily adopt in our day-to-day lifestyles to help us reach our skincare goals:
- Incorporate antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and niacinamide into your skincare routine to neutralize free radicals.
- Cleanse your skin thoroughly to remove pollutants and impurities that can cause damage.
- Keep your skin hydrated with moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin to maintain the skin barrier.
- Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses to minimize direct sun exposure.
- Lastly, consume a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support overall skin health.
What skincare ingredients are best for…
According to Dr. Emer, there are general skin care ingredients like hyaluronic acid that are beneficial for all skin types. However, depending on your skin tone or sensitivity, you might be prone to particular skin care issues. For instance, darker skin tones can be prone to hyperpigmentation and uneven textures while lighter skin tones are more sensitive to the sun’s UV rays and the appearance of redness.
To help address these issues Dr. Kopelman offers several suggestions for skin care ingredients to look for:
Darker skin tones
For darker skin tones, ingredients like vitamin C help with hyperpigmentation, niacinamide reduces inflammation and improves skin elasticity, and kojic acid and licorice extract lighten dark spots and even out the complexion.
Lighter skin tones
For lighter skin tones, retinoids promote cell turnover and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hyaluronic acid provides deep hydration and plumps the skin, and vitamin E offers antioxidant protection and aids in skin healing.
Sensitive skin
For sensitive skin, aloe vera soothes and calms irritation, chamomile extract reduces redness and inflammation, ceramides strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture, and fragrance-free products minimize the risk of irritation and allergic reactions.
What products do you recommend adding to a skin care routine to protect from climate change?
Depending on the climate you’re in, your skin will have different needs and this will impact the products that you choose. According to Dr. Emer, you should choose your cleanser depending on the climate you live in. “In a hot and humid climate double cleanse and use a clarifying cleanser that exfoliates gently to remove excess oil and prevent breakouts such. In cold and dry climates use a calming foaming cleanser and richer moisturizers to help your skin retain moisture and strengthen its barrier.” Of course he emphasizes the importance of using a good sunscreen to protect your skin. “Use a mineral sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that contains zinc oxide to protect your skin from UV rays and pollutants.”
In addition to a good cleanser and broad-spectrum sunscreen, Dr. Kopelman recommends adding in a good moisturizer, serum, and mask to further help you reach your skin goals. “To protect your skin from the effects of climate change, I recommend adding several items to your skincare regimen:
- An antioxidant serum with ingredients like vitamin C, E, and ferulic acid helps combat free radicals.
- Moisturizers with hyaluronic acid keep the skin hydrated and maintain the skin barrier. Pollution-blocking creams are designed to create a barrier against environmental pollutants.
- Finally, sheet masks hydrate and soothe the skin, especially after exposure to harsh environmental conditions.
“By following these steps and incorporating these products, we can better protect our skin against the adverse effects of climate change and pollution,” explains Dr. Kopelman.