Skincare Tips for Seasonal Transitions: Recommendations for Eczema, Seborrheic Dermatitis, and Skin Peeling

Skin Care During Seasonal Transitions

Seasonal transitions, just as they affect our psychology and lifestyle habits, also reflect on the health of our skin. As we move from the hot and humid summer days to the cold and dry autumn-winter months, our skin is put to the test. This can lead to weakening of the skin barrier, increased dryness, and flare-ups of chronic skin conditions such as eczema and seborrheic dermatitis. So, what should we do to cope with complaints like peeling skin, facial flaking, and palm peeling? Let's delve into the ways to protect and repair your skin during this period.

Why does skin peeling occur?

Skin peeling

Skin peeling is a natural process that occurs during the renewal of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. Millions of dead skin cells are shed every day and replaced by new ones. However, this process can accelerate or become imbalanced during seasonal transitions. Dry and cold weather disrupts the skin's moisture balance, making peeling more noticeable.

Main causes of skin peeling

Environmental factors: Wind, cold weather, low humidity, and sunburn damage the skin barrier, triggering peeling.

Incorrect care products: Harsh, alcohol-containing cleansers and soaps strip the skin of its natural oils, paving the way for dryness and peeling.

Internal factors: Insufficient hydration of the body (dehydration), and deficiencies of certain vitamins and minerals (especially A, D, iron, zinc, B3, and B7) can also increase skin dryness.

Diseases: Eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, or allergic reactions are underlying skin problems that can also cause severe skin peeling.

Eczema and seborrheic dermatitis

When the skin barrier weakens, a difficult period begins for eczema and seborrheic dermatitis patients.

Eczema (Atopic dermatitis)

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis by its medical name, is a long-term skin problem seen in individuals with a genetic predisposition. It is characterized by dry and itchy red lesions. In winter, the dryness of the air and heaters used in homes can reduce skin moisture and trigger eczema flare-ups. In addition, the irritating effect of woolen clothing is another factor that exacerbates this condition. The basic approach to eczema treatment is to maintain skin moisture and control itching. For detailed information about eczema, you can find our article here.

Seborrheic dermatitis

It usually appears in oily areas (scalp, sides of the nose, eyebrows) with flaking, redness, and itching. Stress, hormonal changes, and low temperatures are important trigger factors in the exacerbation of seborrheic dermatitis symptoms. Antifungal shampoos and moisturizers specially formulated for seborrheic dermatitis are very important. For detailed information about seborrheic dermatitis, you can find it here.

Palm and hand skin peeling

Our hands are the organs most exposed to external factors during the day. Therefore, palm peeling and dryness of the hand skin are common complaints.

Frequent hand washing and disinfectants: Especially the increased use of disinfectants during the pandemic period can damage the natural protective layer of the hands, leading to dryness and peeling.

Chemical exposure: Harsh chemicals, detergents, and soaps used in home cleaning irritate the skin barrier.

Diseases: Conditions such as contact eczema (allergic or irritant), fungal infections, exfoliative keratolysis (palm peeling) can also cause this problem. If the peeling, redness, or itching is severe, it is important to consult a dermatologist to understand if there is an underlying disease.

Comprehensive skin care guide for seasonal transitions

Skin care during seasonal transitions

To protect your skin from the negative effects of seasonal transitions, you can develop a regular care routine with the right product choices.

1. Cleansing

Cleansing is the first and most important step in skin care. But this means cleansing without drying out your skin.

Soap-free cleansers: To prevent skin drying, use gentle cleansers or oil-based products that do not harm the skin, instead of soap.

Lukewarm water: Avoid washing your face and body with hot water. Lukewarm water prevents the dissolution of the skin's natural oils.

Gentle movements: Instead of using harsh brushes or loofahs when washing your skin, use your fingertips to make circular motions.

2. Moisturizing:

The fortress of the skin barrier, moisturizing, is the fundamental pillar of skin health. During seasonal transitions, you should increase the potency of your moisturizer.

Rich formulas: Choose creams that contain ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter, which lock moisture into the skin. Waterproof formulas or reparative ointments containing petrolatum are ideal for eczema and very dry skin.

Timing: For best results, apply moisturizer after showering or washing your face, when your skin is slightly damp. This allows the skin to absorb moisture better.

Frequent application: Make it a habit to apply moisturizer at least twice a day, or whenever you feel dryness.

3. Sun protection:

Even on cloudy days, UVA rays cause skin aging and sensitivity. Regardless of the season, using an SPF product is critical for your skin health. To reduce skin sensitivity and irritation, you can prefer mineral filter (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) sunscreens. To review our sun guide and get detailed information about SPF, click here.

4. Internal support:

You should support your skin internally as well as externally.

Hydration: Consuming sufficient water throughout the day helps maintain skin moisture.

Essential fatty acids: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (fish oil, flaxseed) strengthen the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.

Vitamins: Vitamins A, C, and E support the skin's renewal process, while B vitamins (especially niacin and biotin) ensure the integrity of the skin barrier. In necessary cases, you can consider multivitamin supplements with expert advice.

Supplement recommendations for seasonal transitions:

COllAGEN UP Pro Series offers holistic care by combining collagen support with next-generation probiotics, targeting not only skin but also hair, nail, and digestive health. All products are developed with DNA-approved plant extracts, encapsulated probiotic combinations, and highly bioavailable ingredients. They are Kosher and Halal certified, and locally produced.

COllAGEN UP Pro Keratin: Internally strengthens against hair loss, dullness, and brittle nails with 3000 mg collagen, 250 mg keratin, and a hair-nail nourishing vitamin-mineral complex.

COllAGEN UP Pro Intense: Supports skin elasticity, radiance, and youth against signs of aging with 5000 mg collagen, elastin, powerful antioxidants, and probiotics.

COllAGEN UP Pro Detox: For those with slow digestion, edema, and bloating; provides a purifying, revitalizing, and skin-radiant effect with pineapple extract, glutathione, and the freshness of green apple.

All unite for one purpose: inner beauty, vitality, and balance.

Click on the product title to examine the products in detail.

5. Stress management and lifestyle changes

Stress is one of the biggest triggers for diseases like eczema and seborrheic dermatitis.

Sleep pattern: Sufficient and quality sleep allows the skin to repair itself.

Stress-reducing activities: Relaxing activities such as yoga, meditation, and walking reduce stress and positively contribute to skin health.

Clothing choices: Synthetic fabrics and woolen garments can cause skin irritation. Opt for cotton and soft-textured clothing.

Why does skin feel bumpy? Why do cosmetic products peel off?

Sometimes it's not your skin, but the products you use that start to flake off in layers. This is usually due to:

Excessive product use: Applying too much cream or serum can clump up instead of being absorbed by the skin.

Incorrect order: Applying oil-based products before water-based ones prevents the absorption of water-based products and causes peeling.

Silicone content: Silicone found in some makeup primers and moisturizers forms a film layer on the skin's surface, preventing other products from adhering.

Choosing the right product

Experiencing skin problems during seasonal transitions is quite common. However, it is possible to overcome these problems with the right products, regular care, and healthy lifestyle choices.

Click on the product title to examine the products in detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to use sunscreen during seasonal transitions?

Yes. UVA rays harm the skin even on cloudy days. Therefore, it is important to use SPF-containing sunscreen every season.

Which clothes are more suitable for the skin during seasonal transitions?

Cotton, breathable, and soft-textured fabrics reduce skin irritation. Woolen and synthetic fabrics can cause problems, especially for sensitive skin.

Is skin peeling normal during seasonal transitions?

Yes. Skin peeling is usually caused by an acceleration of the epidermis renewal process. However, if there is excessive peeling, itching, or redness, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist.

Remember, your skin is also an organ, and when you give it the care it needs, it will reciprocate with a healthy and radiant appearance.

If your complaints persist despite the methods you apply, it is best to consult a dermatologist for the diagnosis of an underlying medical condition and the initiation of appropriate treatment.

This article was written by Pharmacist Arzum Çetin from the Primum Pharma team.