As the temperature rises, our skin often bears the brunt of the heat. Whether you’re basking in the summer sun or enduring a heatwave, those scorching days can do more than just make you sweat—they can impact the quality of your skin in surprising ways. From dehydration and excess oil production to sun damage and premature aging, hot temperatures can take a toll on your complexion. In this article, we’ll explore how heat affects your skin and share tips to keep your skin glowing and healthy, no matter how high the mercury climbs.

Do hot temperatures affect skin quality? Hot weather can significantly impact the quality of your skin. There is a direct correlation between elevated skin temperature and its immediate effect on skin resilience. One of the most common effects of hot temperatures on the skin is an increase in oil production that leads to breakouts. Heat stimulates the sebaceous glands producing an excess of the natural oil your skin requires to keep it moisturized. An increase in temperature makes the glands work overtime, leading to an overabundance of oil on the skin’s surface. Additional oil can clog pores causing breakouts including acne, blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and cysts. 

Hot weather, especially with sun exposure, increases water loss from the body, leaving skin dehydrated. Unlike dry skin that is caused by lack of oil, dehydrated skin is usually caused by factors such as weather changes and inadequate water intake. Symptoms include dull or tired-looking skin, more noticeable fine lines, tightness versus dryness, increased sensitivity, rough or even texture and oiliness. In addition to the rising degrees on the thermometer, heat alone is not the only factor compromising skin, exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays does too. UV rays pose a significant threat to the health and well-being of skin with damage to collagen and elastin, causing premature aging, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and sagging skin, not to mention the increased risk of developing skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, affecting 1 in 5 people. 

Prolonged exposure to hot temperatures in hot and humid conditions can cause sweat to get trapped in the sweat duct, also known as heat rash, that produces red, itchy bumps on the skin. The combination of sweat, heat and friction can also exacerbate already existing skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea. Staying hydrated inside and out, wearing protective clothing, using non-comedogenic makeup and skincare products, reapplying a SPF 30 or greater broad-spectrum sunscreen every 2 hours when outdoors, and keeping your body temperature cool and regulated are ideal solutions for protecting the quality of your skin when affected by hot temperatures. If you suspect sun damage or other changes to your skin due to increased temperatures or exposure to the sun, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or WEBSITE for a skin assessment and treatment solutions.