We all know that prolonged heat exposure can have serious effects on your overall health, including mental health, but it can also negatively affect your skin. TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss) is accelerated from prolonged heat exposure due to the skin’s moisture-barrier protective function becoming damaged. You will experience increased water loss within deeper and surface layers of skin, resulting in a state of dehydration. Common effects are dryness, pronounced fine lines, dullness and potentially irritated skin. Skin is also much more prone to wrinkling due to collagen breakdown. MMPs (metalloproteinases) can be activated from prolonged heat exposure. These enzymes break down collagen and elastin, leaving you with saggy, lax skin. Areas most prone to major damage are the under-eye and neck.
Chronic heat can lead to vasodilation and persistent redness, especially in sensitive skin types, those prone to flushing and people with. Inflammation ensures, which can also promote heat-induced erythema (redness) to the point of creating telangiectasia; commonly known as “broken capillaries” and “spider veins.” Telangiectasia can become more pronounced over time.
Hyper oiliness (accelerated sebum production) is also common, as the body fights to restore moisture balance to protect itself. Quite often this will lead to congestion and breakouts.
Melasma is a deeper, chronic form of dyschromia or hyperpigmentation that is hormonally driven and triggered by both sun and heat exposure. The higher the heat, the more heat-shock proteins and inflammatory cytokines activate, making melasma and other forms of discoloration darker and even more widespread.
When it comes to mental health, high temps are linked to reduced concentration, irritability, and mood swings. This is due to the brain diverting resources to regulate body temperature, limiting cognitive efficiency. Heat also impairs melatonin production and REM sleep, so if you wonder why you’re fatigued and cannot concentrate, it’s not just due to crankiness. Lack of sleep, especially quality REM has shown to negatively impact skin regeneration cycles and immune repair. Anxiety can rise and studies show this cycle can fuel aggression or depression to the point of suicidal thoughts.
Then of course there is the real threat of heat stroke. Damage to the blood-brain barrier can cause lack of focus, confusion, fainting and organ failure. The immune system becomes suppressed, which includes weakening your skin’s immune defenses. This can lead to delayed wound healing, fungal overgrowth and infections.
Prolonged heat exposure can do a number on our skin and overall well-being, so it’s important to stay ahead of it. Think hydration both inside and out. Drink electrolytes, not just plain water and not sports drinks. Affordable electrolytes can be purchased on Amazon and in the health section of many stores – only a few drops daily in a 16 oz glass of water are necessary. Use topical skincare products with advanced peptides in serums and moisturizers, such as the IT Intelligent Treatment line. Chemical-free physical sunscreen (zinc or titanium-based) is a must; our line provides both naturally tinted and un-tinted in both creamy and super convenient stick form. We love to keep the cream at home and carry the stick EVERYWHERE so we can re-apply every two hours.
When it comes to discoloration, heat, not just sun, can trigger melasma, redness, and inflammation. Rosacea can also flare up from heat and humidity. Adding a UPF hat and clothing along with reapplying your sunscreen every two hours is your best bet. Do not linger in direct sunlight; opt for shade even when waiting to cross the street.
Cold foot baths, adaptogens like ashwagandha or holy basil, and simple breathwork can work wonders to regulate your stress response. Deep breaths are detoxifying, calming and energizing. Do try to limit alcohol and all refined sugar when it’s hot and load up on cooling foods like cucumber, mint, and watermelon. Professional skin treatments such as SomaCell lift and tighten without using heat like laser, ultrasound or radio frequency, so you can repair, rejuvenate and prevent further visual damage without any downtime, pain or lifestyle changes. Lightweight clothing should always be worn. Linen tops, bottoms and dresses can be found in most stores at all different price points so we can all enjoy while looking chic. Lastly, a favorite trick of mine is to drink teas, water and electrolyte-infused water at room temperature. Room temperature water hydrates more efficiently and is gentler on your system, helping your body absorb fluids without the shock or vasoconstriction caused by ice-cold drinks. It also supports digestion and circulation, making it ideal during prolonged heat exposure.