During the summer season, it's not uncommon to experience periods of intense heat, sometimes exceeding 33°C (91.4°F) for several days. Heat has both positive and negative effects on the body, and especially on the skin. Discover all these effects on the skin.
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The effects of high temperatures on the skin.
Summary
- Skin dehydration
- The emergence of heat rash
- Dermatitis caused by intense heat
- High temperatures and swelling of the extremities
Published June 18, 2023,
updated on February 21, 2024,
by
Manon, Scientific Editor
—
3 min read
Skin dehydration.
During a heatwave, the temperature tends to remain above 91°F for several consecutive days. This increase in temperature promotes perspiration. As a reminder, this natural phenomenon carried out by the body helps regulate body temperature. It manifests itself through the production of sweat by the sweat glands in order to maintain the body temperature around 97 and 99°F.
When the body produces sweat, it expels a significant amount of water, which can potentially lead to skin dehydration. Additionally, the body loses both water and minerals, substances that are essential for maintaining skin health. To counteract this dehydration during periods of heat, it is necessary to regularly consume water and moisturize the skin with hydrating skincare products.
The emergence of heat rash.
Heat rashes, also known as miliaria crystallina or sudamina, are characterized by the formation of numerous tiny bumps gathered on a part of the body. They can itch and form in the summer during the rise in temperature. They are formed when the sweat naturally produced by the body for regulation accumulates and does not properly evaporate.
When the skin perspires, sweat is produced by the sweat glands and expelled through the pores. Overproduced due to heat, it mixes with sebum and impurities accumulated on the epidermis. As a result, this mixture of sweat and impurities clogs the pores and makes sweat expulsion difficult. These impurities remain trapped under the epidermis and lead to the formation of heat bumps.
Dermatitis caused by intense heat.
Dermatitis is a targeted issue that regularly affects the skin during periods of heat. It presents itself as a skin rash of red patches followed by itching. This heat-induced rash primarily occurs on parts of the body covered by clothing.
The cause is the overproduction of sweat, the accumulation of heat, and friction against clothing. To avoid friction against skin covered in sweat, it is recommended to wear loose clothing made of natural fabrics.
High temperatures and swelling of the extremities.
This type of targeted issue manifests as swelling of the ankles, feet, and hands. It is a swelling of the tissues that typically occurs in individuals not acclimated to heat. Once affected by peripheral edema, the skin easily indents when you press on it. It may take some time before the skin begins to tighten again.
The swelling of soft tissues at the extremities is caused by the dilation of blood vessels due to heat. In fact, water moves beneath the skin, thus causing swelling. This targeted issue is also known as water retention.
The dilation of blood vessels doesn't only bring about negative effects. Indeed, blood circulation becomes more fluid, which soothes muscle pain.
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