Eczema, rosacea, rashes, and skin sensitivity or discoloration may worsen when temperatures rise.

Global average temperatures have soared in 2024, surpassing records set just last year. Extreme heat poses numerous health risks, some of which are visible on our skin. Understanding how heat affects your skin can help you take measures to prevent or ease heat rash, eczema, rosacea, the discoloration of melasma, and many other skin conditions sparked or worsened by high temperatures.

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How does heat affect your skin?

Heat rash (miliaria) happens when sweat ducts in the skin get blocked. These ducts help the body cool down by releasing water onto the skin. On hot days, too much sweat can clog these glands, causing red, itchy bumps to appear.

Grover’s disease, which shows up as small, red, itchy bumps on the chest and back, can also be triggered or worsened by excessive heat and sweating. It often clears up after a few weeks or months, but in some cases, symptoms can persist for years, especially during summer.

Eczema, a chronic condition that leads to dry, itchy patches of skin, can be aggravated by heat waves. Excessive sweating causes skin irritation and inflammation, while dehydration from sweating can make eczema flare-ups more likely.

Rosacea, which causes redness, visible blood vessels, and acne-like bumps on the face, is highly sensitive to heat. In hot weather, blood vessels expand as the body tries to cool down, leading to redness and flushing. High temperatures, particularly with sun exposure, can lead to flare-ups.

Melasma, a condition that causes dark patches on the skin, also worsens with heat. UV exposure from the sun is a common trigger, but heat can also increase the activity of pigment-producing cells, making these patches more noticeable. Additionally, heat combined with UV exposure can speed up skin aging by breaking down collagen and elastin.

The risk of skin cancer increases with greater UV radiation exposure. With heat waves starting earlier, ending later, and lasting longer, people, especially outdoor workers, are exposed to more UV rays. There’s also emerging research that suggests long-term exposure to high temperatures may further elevate skin cancer risks, particularly for those like firefighters, who are regularly exposed to extreme heat.

Heat waves, air pollution, and skin

During heat waves, levels of environmental pollutants like ozone and particulate matter can rise. And reactions between these pollutants, heat, and UV radiation spawn secondary pollutants such as peroxyacetyl nitrates (PANs). Pollutants like these can irritate the skin and contribute to inflammation through oxidative stress and DNA damage, so inflammatory conditions such as eczema and rosacea may worsen.

Can heat affect medications?

High temperatures compromise the effectiveness of certain medications. For instance, EpiPens, which are crucial for managing life-threatening allergic reactions, can lose their potency when exposed to high temperatures. Check the instructions on all of your medicines to see which ones should be stored in a cool, dry place or refrigerated. If you're not sure which medicines might be affected by heat, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

Retinoids in skin care products, antibiotics taken for acne, and immunomodulators for autoimmune diseases can make skin more susceptible to sun damage. This can lead to severe sunburns or rashes known as photodermatoses. If you experience this, contact your healthcare team for advice.

Protect your skin when temperatures climb

Keep Your Skin Cool

• Dress smartly: Stick to light, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. They help keep you cool and avoid sweat-related skin problems. Steer clear of synthetic materials that trap heat and moisture.
• Opt for cool showers or baths: Use cool or lukewarm water when bathing, and skip the hot showers—they can dry out your skin by stripping away its natural oils.
• Find cool places: If your home isn’t air-conditioned, head to cooler spots or figure out ways to cool down during those hot days.

Keep Your Skin Hydrated

• Drink plenty of water and eat hydrating foods: Snack on water-rich fruits like watermelon and cucumbers to stay hydrated.
• Moisturize regularly: After bathing, use a light, non-pore-clogging (non-comedogenic) moisturizer. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which are great for keeping your skin hydrated.

Protect Your Skin from Sun and Pollution

• Wear protective clothing: Wide-brimmed hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts are great for shielding your skin from harmful UV rays.
• Don’t skip sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or iron oxide to protect your skin from UV rays and pollutants.
• Use antioxidants in your skincare: Products with vitamin C in the morning can help protect your skin from oxidative stress caused by pollution.
• Wash off the day: At the end of the day, cleanse your face and body to remove pollutants and sunscreen residue.