Air-conditioning can be a ‘life saver’, and would’ve been especially welcome during the heat wave we’ve just experienced. But have you ever wondered how AC affects your skin?
Dries Skin Out
There is less moisture in air-conditioned spaces which means your skin is more exposed to water evaporation and moisture loss. If you have air-conditioning in your house you may want to increase the humidity level to between 35-55%. As you may not be able to adjust the air-conditioning at work, you may want to consider getting a desktop humidifier, and as an added bonus, you can even put a few drops of essential oils in it! Yummy!
A few keys to reducing skin dryness and minimising the effects of air-conditioning are to drink plenty of water and to use a good hydrating face cream.
Worsens Skin Conditions
Low air humidity can also worsen conditions like eczema, rosacea or psoriasis. If this is you, it’s important to use barrier creams that contain things like beeswax and/or oils. When buying oils, it’s important to pick oils like Joboba, Argan and Kukui Nut Butter as they help soothe irritated skin and replenish the oil in your body.
Increases Skin Oil Production
Lack of moisture in the skin can increase sebum production. If your face is oily, it’s far better to blot excess oil off the face than to use face powder, as this can worsen the problem. Blotting reduces unwanted shine and won’t dry out the skin. Many companies offer blotting sheets for this purpose, but more environmentally sound are our re-usable Make Up Remover Pads.
All the above factors can speed up the skin’s ageing process! Remember that your nightly skincare regime is as important as your daytime one. For nights, choose creams and oils that contain plenty of antioxidants, vitamin C, and E and are suitable for sensitive skin to prevent any irritation (for example our Apricot Kernal Oil and Honey Balm for sensitive skin and our everyday oil-based moisturizers which also contain Apricot Kernal Oil)