How Southern California’s Climate Affects Your Skin: Cosmetic Solutions in Irvine, CA
Andrew Smith, MD, FACS, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Most residents and visitors alike often agree that Southern California has the perfect weather. Clear skies and balmy weather make for nearly year-round outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and beach days. While this is great for recreation and avoiding the calamities that can come with extreme weather, how does this great weather fare for your skin?
A combination of sunny weather and being relatively closer to the equator means that Southern California has high UV exposure almost the entire year. Unlike similar areas such as Florida and Hawaii, which have high UV levels and high levels of humidity, SoCal has much lower humidity and can be very dry due to the cooler temperatures of the Pacific Ocean. Another unavoidable component of this region is air pollution. High emissions, along with a tendency toward large wildfires, mean that the air quality can vary greatly. Ocean breezes, desert winds, high-elevation mountains, and a sometimes Mediterranean climate mean there’s a lot to keep track of–but what does it mean for your skin?
One of the most obvious ways that this kind of climate can affect the skin is high levels of UV light. Unprotected sun exposure can cause skin concerns ranging from lines and wrinkles, to sunspots and hyperpigmentation, to potentially cancer in the worst case. A related issue that can pop up is acne flare-ups due to excessive sweating and the buildup of sunscreen. Loss of moisture due to dry weather can cause dehydration and dullness, leading to fine lines, flaking and rough texture. In addition, air pollution and other environmental stressors increase skin sensitivity, inflammation, and irritation.
There are a few crucial things that Southern Californians can do to combat the negative effects of the climate and keep on enjoying the unique benefits of the sunshine. First and foremost, daily high SPF sunscreen–even on cloudy days. Long periods of time outside require reapplication, but if you are mostly indoors, a high-quality facial moisturizer with SPF may do the trick. Speaking of moisturizer, due to the dry climate, even those who don’t necessarily struggle with dry skin typically need at least a light option to keep their skin hydrated. Gentle exfoliation can help eliminate environmental factors affecting the skin, and antioxidant-rich serums can help repair.
In addition to these great daily habits, if your skin needs some extra attention there are multiple professional treatment options that can help prevent and repair.
As a first line treatment, facials can provide a variety of benefits for the skin. Medical grade facials such as the versatile HydraFacial offer deep hydration and nourishment for refreshed skin. Facials can also provide just the right amount of exfoliation for a vibrant complexion.
Chemical peels are a good choice for those who would like to treat some minor hyperpigmentation or sunspots, freckles, or combat acne. These treatments can brighten and exfoliate the skin and infuse antioxidants with minimal downtime.
This treatment has a wide variety of benefits all based in the concept of skin regeneration and collagen stimulation. Very tiny microneedles create micro-injuries in the skin which then heal through the addition of collagen and elastin. This process can improve skin texture and tone as well as soften fine lines and wrinkles.
For a targeted treatment, laser skin resurfacing can treat issues deep beneath the surface or the very top layers. This versatile and completely customizable option reverses sun damage and will precisely address hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, or even scarring.
Fillers and neuromodulators offer a solution for wrinkles and creases as well as volume restoration. Since most dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, they also provide a hydration component and can improve the appearance of the skin’s surface texture.
Southern California is one of the most unique places in the world, but your skin is also one-of-a-kind. That’s why, when it comes to professional skin care, it's important to seek a professional who not only knows how the climate affects your skin but who knows how to provide completely tailored care for each individual patient. At Andrew Smith Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, our team of qualified and knowledgeable medical aesthetic experts, led by Dr. Andrew Smith, MD, offers premier skin care in Irvine with a healthy dose of SoCal know-how.
Contact Andrew Smith, MD FACS Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Irvine, Orange County to schedule your consultation.
