How The Seasons May Affect Your Skin
Seasonal Affective Disorder, appropriately abbreviated to SAD, is the change in mood and motivation that people suffer from in certain seasons. Mostly, this happens to a person in the darker months, but it could be any month of the year.
The reason for this article is that SAD can also affect your skin. As daylight decreases, your body’s internal rhythms shift, influencing hormones, hydration, and even collagen production. Knowing about this link might just help you care for your skin through the winter.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
SAD is a type of depression that occurs mainly in autumn and winter when daylight hours are shorter. It affects around 5% of adults each year and is more common in women. The lack of light alters your body’s circadian rhythm and impacts mood-regulating chemicals such as serotonin and melatonin. Lower vitamin D levels also may play a role, influencing both your mood and your skin’s ability to repair and renew itself.
How SAD Affects Your Skin
Cold air, indoor heating, and reduced sunlight combine to challenge your skin barrier. SAD itself can add to these effects.
- Dryness – Reduced humidity and heating systems pull moisture from your skin. Low vitamin D levels and stress linked to SAD can reduce your skin’s ability to retain water.
- Eczema or Psoriasis Flares – Stress hormones can worsen inflammation, triggering flare-ups of existing conditions.
- Reduced Collagen Production – Vitamin D helps regulate collagen synthesis. Less sunlight means less vitamin D, which can slow repair and lead to dullness or fine lines.
- Acne – Stress and hormonal fluctuations can increase oil production, leading to breakouts.
Supporting Your Skin in Winter
You can take practical steps to maintain your skin health through the darker months.
- Get Daylight Exposure – Spend time outside each day, ideally in the morning. Even 20 minutes of natural light helps regulate your circadian rhythm and supports vitamin D production.
- Light Therapy – A bright light box (5,000–10,000 lux) used in the morning can improve mood and energy. Red light therapy, used in some aesthetic treatments, may help regulate melatonin and reduce stress-related skin changes.
- Moisturise Daily – Use a rich moisturiser with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to restore the skin barrier. Apply it immediately after washing to trap moisture.
- Stay Hydrated – Drink water regularly. Hydration supports skin elasticity and helps your barrier recover from dryness.
- Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods – Include foods high in vitamins A, C, and D, as well as antioxidants found in berries, citrus fruits, and leafy greens. These support collagen and cell repair.
- Manage Stress – Gentle exercise, yoga, or mindfulness techniques reduce cortisol, which can otherwise trigger inflammation and slow healing.
- Use Sunscreen – Even in winter, UV rays affect collagen. Choose a mineral SPF 30 or higher for daily use.
When to Seek Professional Advice
If your skin becomes persistently dry, inflamed, or itchy during winter, or if your mood symptoms feel unmanageable, speak to a doctor. Treatments such as light therapy, vitamin D supplementation, or targeted skincare can help restore balance and, in turn, your comfort.
At The Doctors Laser Clinic, our medical practitioners understand the interaction between seasonal changes and skin health. We offer evidence-based treatments and advice to help maintain your skin’s integrity throughout the year. Feel free to get in touch with us.
