Air conditioning is your true best friend in summer, but this best friend can turn against your skin. Know how excess air conditioning can leave your skin high and dry. And what you need to do to protect yourself.
While air conditioning offers welcome relief on a scorching summer day, it's also known to negatively impact skin health. Dr Karishma Balani, Dermatologist, Synovacare, Bandra, shared her insights with Only My Health on how excessive use of air conditioning can damage the health of your skin.
Dive in to discover the secret reasons behind your skin health issues, explained in detail by an expert.
The Impact of Air Conditioning on Skin Health: A Deeper Dive
Dehydration
The primary consequence of spending extended periods in air-conditioned spaces is skin dehydration. Air conditioning systems work by dehumidifying the air, which, while reducing humidity, also draws moisture away from the skin's outermost layer, the stratum corneum. This vital layer acts as a natural barrier, preventing Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) and maintaining skin suppleness. When this barrier is compromised due to constant moisture depletion, the skin loses its natural resilience, becoming dry, tight, and prone to flaking.
Increased Sensitivity and Irritation
As the skin becomes dehydrated, its protective barrier weakens, making it more vulnerable to external irritants. This increased fragility often manifests as heightened sensitivity, leading to various uncomfortable reactions. Individuals may experience:
- Redness: Inflammation can occur as the skin tries to defend itself against the perceived dryness.
- Itching: The lack of moisture can trigger a sensation of itchiness, prompting scratching that can further exacerbate skin damage.
- Burning sensation: In severe cases, particularly for those with already sensitive skin, a burning sensation might be felt.
Also Read: “I Can’t Sleep Without AC, But It’s Giving Me A Sore Throat?" Here’s Why
Accelerated Skin Ageing and Dullness
The long-term effects of chronic dehydration extend beyond immediate discomfort. A consistently dry and compromised skin barrier can accelerate the visible signs of ageing. When the skin lacks adequate moisture, its ability to repair and regenerate itself is impaired, leading to dullness, fine lines, wrinkles, and reduced firmness.
Worsening of Existing Skin Conditions
Individuals already grappling with chronic skin conditions are particularly susceptible to the negative effects of air conditioning. The dry environment can significantly worsen symptoms for those with:
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Air conditioning can trigger flare-ups, increasing dryness, itching, and inflammation in eczema-prone skin.
- Psoriasis: The lack of humidity can intensify the characteristic scaling and redness associated with psoriasis.
- Rosacea: For individuals with rosacea, the dry, cool air can act as an irritant, leading to increased redness, flushing, and sometimes pustules.
Signs That Your AC Might Be Turning Against Your Skin
Dr Karishma Balani stated how you can spot the signs if your AC is causing you harm.
Your skin might start to feel tight or stretched, especially after cleansing. You may notice that your skin has lost its natural glow or that flaky areas are starting to appear around your nose and cheeks. Sometimes, your regular skincare products might feel uncomfortable, which is a sign that your skin is becoming more sensitive. Fine lines can also become more noticeable when the skin is dehydrated.
Recognising these signs early and using hydrating and barrier-repairing skincare can help bring the skin back to health. A study published by ScienceDirect showcased how exposure to cold airflow from air conditioning can alter the skin pH of children. The result of the study concluded that skin barrier function in children with AD(atopic dermatitis) may be altered by exposure to cold airflow from conventional air conditioning.
Also Read: Hypochlorous Acid: How Does It Benefit Your Skin Health?
Precautions You Need to Take to Protect Your Skin
To avoid skin damage from prolonged air conditioning, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking enough water and using skincare that locks in moisture. According to Dr Balani, ingredients like ceramides and antioxidants help strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and protect it from water loss. Skincare products that combine hydration with antioxidants are especially effective in defending the skin against dryness and environmental stress. It also helps to avoid sitting in air-conditioned spaces for too long without a break and to use a humidifier to keep indoor air from becoming too dry. Adjusting your skincare routine to suit the summer season by focusing on hydration, protection, and calming ingredients can make a big difference.
During the night, the skin goes through its natural repair process. If the air is too dry or too cold, this process can slow down, and you may wake up with skin that looks tired or feels dry. Dr Karishma Balani suggests using a hydrating night cream or serum like Profhilo Haenkenium before bed can help maintain moisture. This antioxidant, derived from the plant Salvia haenkei, can also support hydration and protect the skin from free radical damage and inflammation during sleep, helping the skin stay healthy and refreshed.
Conclusion
Understanding how air conditioning affects your skin is crucial for protection. Simple steps can make a big difference. Maintaining a room temperature between 24-26°C is generally comfortable for your body and safer for your skin. This range keeps the space cool without excessively drying out the air.
Take timely precautions to maintain healthy skin!