Dermatologists explain impact of the cooler, drier weather and our lifestyle choices
Dubai: UAE-based dermatologists have cautioned residents to be more mindful of skin care during winters as neglect can result in premature ageing, pigmentation, aggravated acne triggered by masks, and other issues.
Dr Chantal Sciuto, specialist in dermatology, cosmetics and aesthetic dermatology at the Dermalase Clinic in Jumeirah, Dubai, listed the top five reasons for winter skin breakouts that most commonly affect people.
“During winters, owing to the dryness in weather and people being outdoors, there are five common problems my patients walk in with”, said Dr Sciuto. while listing the skin problems as:
- Sun damage and premature ageing,
- Dryness with exposure to winter air and hot baths results in poor skin tone and early lines around the eyes and mouth,
- Winter acne, which these days is triggered by constant wearing of mask, dehydrated skin as people drink less water
- Pigmentation and patchiness with over production of melanin
- Wrinkling of the tissue due to poor nutrition.
Pigmentation
Dr Sciuto explained that pigmentation of the skin occurs in summers but is noticed in winters. “In the summers, our skin goes into overproduction of melanin, the natural pigment of our skin that is produced more during summers as it has the ability to absorb harmful UV rays of the sun. Sometimes the melanin production is not evenly spread and this results in pigment patches and provides uneven skin colour. During winters, when we spend more time outdoors, these patches become more evident and we notice them.”
Ultraviolet rays
Dr Fatima Zohra Rezgui, specialist dermatologist with American Board certification in cosmetic laser surgery, skin biology and dermatological sciences at the Aesthetica Clinic, Dubai, provided an analysis of the kind of sun damage to facial skin suffered in this region.
She said: “In Middle East and Asia, the sun rays are stronger than in Europe, US and other temperate zone countries. The World Health Organisation [WHO] has established a UV Index [UVI] for various regions depending on the exposure to harmful Ultraviolet rays from the sun in any season. In the UAE, the UVI is six in winters, which is a very high number.”
The UVI is a measure to determine the intensity of UV rays. In temperate zones, the UVI is around four in summers and not more than three in winters. “Here the UVI goes up to nine in summers and in winters too, it is as high as six. Sun exposure causes photo- ageing of the skin. This results in many serious skin issues including skin cancers and damage such as wrinkles, damage to the Collagen and sagging of skin. Therefore, it is important for people to use adequate sunscreen of over 30 Sun Protection Factor [SPF] when stepping out. The use of sun- shades such as umbrellas and hats is also advised even in winters.”
Dryness
During winters, the air is dry and lacks moisture; this results in dryness of the skin. “Besides that, we often step into hot baths and showers to keep us warm. While this is soothing, it further aggravates the dryness,” said Dr Scioto. “This results in itchy skin, circulation issues and results in premature lines especially on areas that are prone to premature ageing such as the neck, the side of the mouths, under and side portion of the eye. “