How Climate Change Is Affecting Your Skin — and What You Can Do in Neath

Hotter summers, unexpected heatwaves, heavier rain and changing seasons don’t just affect the planet — they affect your skin. At The Health Dispensary in Neath, we’re seeing more people with heat-triggered eczema flares, sun sensitivity, bite reactions and post-swim rashes. Here’s what’s changing — and simple steps to protect your skin at home and on holiday.

1) Tropical-type Skin Infections Appearing in New Places

As temperatures rise, insects that carry infection (e.g., mosquitoes, sandflies) spread to new regions. This raises the risk of unfamiliar rashes and infected bites.

Protect your skin:
✔️ Use repellent; cover arms/legs at dusk
✔️ Treat bites promptly; keep nails short to avoid secondary infection
✔️ Avoid standing water where mosquitoes breed

2) More UV Exposure → Higher Skin Cancer Risk

More intense sunshine and outdoor time increase UV damage, which accelerates ageing and raises skin cancer risk.

Protect your skin:
✔️ Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily (reapply 2-hourly, after swimming)
✔️ Wear hats, sunglasses and UPF clothing
✔️ Seek shade 10am–4pm; monitor changing moles and book checks early

3) Eczema, Psoriasis & Rosacea Flaring More Often

Heat, sweat, pollen and pollution can disrupt the skin barrier and trigger inflammation. We see more flares during heatwaves and humid spells.

Protect your skin:
✔️ Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and a rich, barrier-supporting moisturiser
✔️ Take lukewarm (not hot) showers; pat dry; moisturise within 3 minutes
✔️ During flares, follow your action plan — we can advise via
NHS eczema service

4) “Water-Related” Rashes Rising

Warmer lakes, seas and changing rainfall create conditions for parasites and bacteria, increasing swimmer’s itch, fungal issues and some bacterial infections.

Protect your skin:
✔️ Avoid stagnant/contaminated water; check local notices
✔️ Rinse off after open-water swimming; change into dry clothes quickly
✔️ Seek advice if rashes worsen or if there’s fever, swelling or pain
(post-swim ear pain? We can help.)

5) Stress, Heat & Overcrowding → More Fungal/Contact Issues

Extreme weather and packed indoor spaces can increase sweat, friction and stress — all of which aggravate skin.

Protect your skin:
✔️ Keep folds dry (cotton layers; change damp clothes)
✔️ Manage stress (breathwork, gentle walks, good sleep routine)
✔️ Treat athlete’s foot/jock itch early to prevent spread

6) Nutrition Gaps Show Up On Skin

Diet shifts, heat and busy schedules can reduce intake of skin-loving nutrients (A, C, E, zinc, omega-3) — slowing repair and weakening the barrier.

Protect your skin:
✔️ Eat colourful plants, quality protein and healthy fats
✔️ Stay hydrated (water + electrolytes during heatwaves)
✔️ Consider targeted supplements — ask our pharmacists in-store

The Bottom Line

Climate change is already shaping skin health — but small steps make a big difference. Build a simple routine: daily SPF, gentle cleansing, rich moisturising, smart sun/sea habits and timely treatment for bites or rashes. We’re here in Neath to help you keep skin comfortable, protected and confident through every season.

Written by Ali Sparkes BSc (Hons), MSc Econ, FRPharmS, IP
Medical disclaimer: This article is for information only and not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional (like ours) about your own circumstances.