If there’s one constant thing about summer in the UAE besides the scorching heat and sweating is: air conditioning. Whatever your temperature settings are, we can all agree that living without an AC during the months from June through September is nearly impossible.
Air conditioning operates on the principles of thermodynamics and refrigeration. It basically consists of three main components: the compressor, condenser, and evaporator. They work in a sequential manner to basically lower the temperature of the air in your environment.
Of course, during UAE summers, the AC is almost always own. Your body “loves to see it.” But there’s one organ that might struggle to cope a little bit, and that’s your skin.
Getting exposed to the cold air emanating for your AC’s vents can have a drying effect on your skin, and that of the rest of your family. Here’s how spending too much time in the AC can affect your skin:
- Dryness: Air conditioners remove moisture from the air in order to bring down indoor humidity. This dry atmosphere can cause skin dryness and dehydration, especially for people with sensitive skin, pre-exising skin conditions, like eczema, or those who already have dry skin.
- Irritation: If you directly expose your skin to cold air for extended periods, again as we’ve mentioned above, it may result in irritation and worsen such pre-existing conditions as eczema or psoriasis.
- Heat sensitivity: When we spend many hours within an air-conditioned environment, our skins lose their natural ability to adapt to outdoor temperature variations; hence feeling like anything outside of an air-conditioned environment is hot, thus increasing the time we spend indoor and the vicious cycle continues.
- Oil Production: Conversely, for some individuals, an AC might induce increased oil production on the skin as a response to the air-condition-induced dryness which could then lead to acne or blockage of pores.
Why Does AC Dries Up The Skin Though?
Air conditioning can be a lifesaver on scorching days, but did you know it can also leave your skin feeling like a Dubai desert? Here’s the scoop: AC works by pulling warm, humid air into its system, cooling it down, and then pumping it back out into your living space. Sounds heavenly on a sweaty day, right? The catch is that as the AC chills the air, it also sucks out moisture like a thirsty sponge. This drop in humidity levels indoors can leave your skin feeling dry and parched, especially if you’re exposed to it for long stretches.
Think of it like this: when the AC runs, it’s not just cooling the air but also dehumidifying it. This means less moisture in the atmosphere around you, and unfortunately, that includes the moisture your skin needs to stay supple and happy. So, while you might be enjoying that cool breeze on your face, your skin might be silently begging for a little TLC. It’s why some folks notice their skin feeling tighter or itchier after spending alot of time in air-conditioned spaces.
How Do I Protect My Skin From The AC Damaging Effects
Now, we don’t want you to get worried and immediately turn off the AC, we know how hard, if not impossible, it is to live without this vital machine, especially in the unforgiving, desert-like environment of the UAE. So, here are a few tips on how to keep your skin as healthy, dewy and radiant as possible:
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water – which can be hard if you spend too much time, as you won’t feel as thirsty as someone living without an. C
- Moisturize: Use a good quality, thick moisturizer regularly, especially when you go to bed, to keep lock that moisture in and keep your skin as plumb and dewy as possible.
- Humidifiers: Using this machine can put some of the moisture taken out by the AC back into the air, particularly in bedrooms or offices, which can listen the drying effect if prolonged AC exposure.
- Temperature Control: You might feel tempted to lower the thermostat setting on your unit all the way down to 18 degrees, but we highly recommend against doing so as it can be bad for both your wallet and your skin. Opt for moderate AC settings rather than extremely low temperatures to reduce the severity of dryness.
- Skincare Routine: Adjust your skincare routine to include products that help maintain skin moisture balance, like an intense moisturizer for those with naturally dry skin as it will help replenish some of the lost moisture.
- Visit the Outdoors: Take breaks outdoors to allow your skin to adjust to natural humidity levels and sunlight.
So to wrap up, It’s great to have air conditioning because it makes us feel comfortable and improves our productivity especially when the weather is hot. Nevertheless, we should also be aware that it can have some unwanted consequences on our skin if we’re exposed to it for prolonged periods, leading to reduced skin plumpness and elasticity. By understanding how this wonder machine works, and by making the lifestyle changes we recommended above, we can only hope that you will be able keep your skin looking its best while enjoying the heavenly breeze of your unit.
If you feel your skin is especially irritated following exposure to the AC we recommend booking an appointment with your General Practitioner in Dubai. & also checkout our best home health care in AL Ain service offerings.
