Can The Winter Solstice Really Impact Your Skin? By
It’s almost that time of year again. With the days becoming shorter, the cold creeping in and the end of the year close by, we’re quickly approaching the winter solstice. There are plenty of stories, traditions and celebrations associated with the winter solstice – but its impact on our skin is something we’ve been mulling over for a while. So, does it impact our skin? And how? Industry experts tell all.
‘Dry skin is incredibly common as there is less humidity in the air, meaning there is less moisture for the skin to retain,’ adds Dr Leah Totton, medical doctor, cosmetic specialist and founder of Dr Leah Cosmetic Skin Clinics. ‘It is not only the cold air that can cause dry skin, but also when the heating is on as the air will become dryer, and hot showers. Our skin can often feel tight, and sometimes even sensitive and itchy. The dry air and colder temperatures may also worsen conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.’
There’s also the lack of sunlight to consider. ‘During this season, reduced sunlight can affect your skin’s natural production of Vitamin D, which plays a key role in maintaining healthy skin,’ highlights Amy Peterson, a Miami-based medical aesthetician and founder of the Skincare by Amy Peterson Clinic. The result? Pale and dull-looking skin that is more prone to irritation.