Does your skin need help to smoothly handle the change of season? Mine sure does. Scorching hot, smoky summers leading into freezing, dry winter days can wreak havoc on skin. The combination of a change to cooler weather outside, along with turning on the heat in your car, home and office can take a toll on our skin.
The skin, like the rest of the body, likes consistency. It's not uncommon to have increased skin inflammation as it adjusts. As we shift from summer to fall, or when environmental factors change, your body and your skin need to adapt to maintain homeostasis. The more pronounced the fluctuations, the more of a shock it is to the system.
It is the skin’s job to retain water in our bodies, but it can be hard to meet the challenge. Your skin’s ability to adapt can be stressed by taking hot showers as a response to cold windy weather, or when humidity in your internal and external environment change frequently or dramatically. Often, a weakened barrier function can mean that skin and the body in general loses too much water.
This can take your skin from tight to cracked as it has to work harder to maintain its barrier function. Your skin can feel dry or tight or develop rough or bumpy patches as it fails to respond to all the different autumnal cues. Unless we support the skin’s barrier functions and change our habits, we notice in a more pronounced fashion the loss of moisture that is not usually so easily seen.
Your skin’s outer layer can become irritated and inflamed. However, improving the barrier function of skin can prevent discomfort, water loss, irritation, roughness, dryness and inflammation, along with the development of wrinkles and laxity. Improving the skin’s barrier means strengthening its ability to protect from excessive water loss and protect from irritants.
Your skin doesn't have to suffer the consequences of climate change. Your choices are controllable external factors, so switch up your routine when humidity is lower and as the seasons change:
Avoid being in the direct line of forced air heat. Use clothes to stay warm indoors to avoid overusing central heating and cooling and prevent drying out your skin. Take warm, not hot water, showers. While in there, limit the time to no more than 5 minutes. Use only gentle body washes with ingredients such as shea or coconut to retain moisture. Use a lotion on your skin within 60 seconds of exiting the shower.
Studies have proven that adults with dry, itchy or inflamed skin can improve symptoms naturally by ingesting GLA. GLA is a skin-friendly fatty acid that can improve skin barrier function, dry skin conditions and mild atopic dermatitis. The quality and source of GLA matters. Clinically proven Efamol® has been shown to minimize fine lines, wrinkles and dull skin and help improve barrier function and overall skin health.
Efamol Beautiful-Skin Evening Primrose Oil is extensively tested & clinically proven. This brand uses patented Rigel evening primrose oil which is much higher in GLA than other brands. It is grown in the Netherlands and New Zealand by the same farmers Efamol® has used for the last 40 years. Then, their unique low temperature oil extraction process ensures that the oil retains its natural properties.
Cushion the blow of those cold winds with Efamol®’s special seeds and high GLA content.
Use code Efamol15 for 15% off Efamol at floraheatlh.com now through 10.11.2021.
About the Author: Dana Remedios
Holistic Nutritionist Dana Green Remedios, RHN, RNCP has a passion for helping others break through their blocks to greater health, wealth, and happiness, working with transformational mind-body tools. The Vancouver-based educator and coach answers your questions in English, French, and Spanish as a Specialist working in the Product Information Department at Flora, and is a regular contributor to the FloraHealthy blog.
