Why air conditioning is an ally against the heat, but an enemy to your skin's health

After having experienced the hottest June on record and following a July that leaves no doubt that summer is here and that the season is getting longer and hotter, it's no surprise that air conditioner sales have skyrocketed.

In fact, according to Efe, during the first hot days of the season, sales of this type of appliance increased by 50% compared to the previous year. This data follows the trend of the last five years. This suggests that more and more private homes have air conditioning , and that it's rare for an indoor workplace to lack it.

Without a doubt, the quality of life during these months is appreciated. But spending hours under the pleasant influence of air conditioning also has its disadvantages . And one of them directly affects the skin, as air conditioning causes dryness, sensitivity, and loss of radiance , among other adverse effects.

The main reason for these effects has to do with "the reduction of humidity in the environment, but also with the thermal contrast between inside and outside, resulting in less oxygenation of the environment in closed spaces," says Raquel González, cosmetologist and creator of Byoode .

Oily versus dry skin

In closed, artificially cooled spaces, ambient humidity decreases, which "causes transepidermal water loss in the skin. As a result, we notice tightness, discomfort , redness, and even increased sensitivity," the expert says.

The effects of air conditioning on the skin are due to the reduction of humidity in the environment, and the thermal contrast between interior and exterior.

Although it doesn't affect oily skin in the same way as it does dry skin, as Estefanía Nieto of Medik8 explains: "In oily skin, it can cause a rebound effect: when water is lost, the skin produces more sebum to compensate, and the skin's microbiota becomes unbalanced." Otherwise, "it can also affect the barrier function and the skin itself, resulting in irritation, flaking, and burning."

Adapt treatments

This result also has a cumulative effect. This means it worsens over the days and months. That's why it's important to maintain a good skincare routine and, if possible, try to adapt it to the new situation, taking special care not to neglect hydration and skin protection.

For experts, the ideal approach is to use ingredients that strengthen the skin barrier, such as biomimetic lipids, ceramides, or fatty acids, which help preserve the integrity of the hydrolipidic film. And incorporate moisturizers like hyaluronic acid , which acts like a sponge, attracting water.

Raquel González also reminds us that “free radicals generated by heat stress can accelerate skin aging ” and recommends the use of “ niacinamide, vitamin C, or retinoids , which provide extra protection against this type of aggression.”

The airplane effect

Air travel has similar effects on the complexion. One reason is that cabin air conditioning is often very powerful, which can cause "our skin's hydration balance to be disrupted," according to the Byoode cosmetologist.

"I recommend bringing a hyaluronic acid serum or essence on the plane. Light textures that absorb quickly and provide our skin with the moisture it needs. I also think it's a good idea to exfoliate the morning before flying with a product rich in salicylic acid, for example," the expert concludes.