Living in North Carolina means experiencing a unique blend of weather conditions that can take a significant toll on your skin throughout the year. North Carolina has a humid climate with very warm summers and moderately cold winters. Its climate exhibits substantial regional variation due to its diverse geographic elements, including the Appalachian Mountains in the west, the Piedmont plateau in the central region, and the Coastal Plain to the east. Whether you’re in Raleigh, Charlotte, or anywhere in between, understanding how these weather patterns affect your skin—and how Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments can help—is essential for maintaining a healthy, radiant complexion year-round.
Understanding North Carolina’s Four Distinct Seasons
Climate and weather in North Carolina are as varied as that of any state, with four distinct seasons and a wide variety of conditions. Because the state’s geography ranges from Atlantic coastline in the east to western mountains reaching several thousand feet in height, temperature extremes in North Carolina vary greatly from place to place and from season to season.
Average annual temperatures range from 66°F in the eastern region to 60°F in the central region and 55°F in the mountains. This variation means your skin faces different challenges depending on where you live and what time of year it is.
The North Carolina State Climate Office provides valuable resources for understanding local weather patterns, which can help you plan your skincare routine accordingly.
How Seasonal Changes Impact Your Skin
Summer Skin Challenges
The Bermuda High, a semipermanent high-pressure system off the Atlantic coast, plays an important role in the summer climate of the state. Typically, the Bermuda High draws moisture northward from the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, causing warm and moist summers with frequent thunderstorms.
This humidity presents unique challenges for skin health. High humidity levels can make your skin feel sticky and greasy. When the air is saturated with moisture, it’s harder for sweat to evaporate from your skin. This can lead to clogged pores and increased acne breakouts.
Hot environments cause the production of more sweat, increasing hydration levels, sebum secretion, TEWL (transepidermal water loss), and greasiness while reducing skin pH.
Winter Skin Concerns
It’s no exaggeration to say that our winters are milder now than they used to be. However, winter still brings significant skin challenges. Low humidity and low temperatures lead to a general decrease in skin barrier function and increased susceptibility towards mechanical stress.
Cold weather can cause your skin to become dry and irritated. The cold air and wind strip moisture from your skin, leading to a dull, flaky appearance. Indoor heating systems can also contribute to dry skin by reducing indoor humidity levels.
For more information about how environmental factors affect your health, the National Institutes of Health offers extensive research resources.
What Is PRP Treatment?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are gaining popularity for a variety of conditions, from sports injuries to hair loss. The treatment uses a patient’s own blood cells to accelerate healing in a specific area.
At its simplicity, PRP is autologous blood with concentrations of platelets above baseline values. The idea behind using PRP is that the plasma-platelet mixture is rich in the growth factors and cytokines which could provide a biological boost to the body’s own healing processes.
Because the treatments use a patient’s own tissues, PRP injections are safe and can be administered alone or used in conjunction with other procedures.
For regulatory information about biological treatments, the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research provides oversight guidance.
How PRP Helps Address Seasonal Skin Damage
Rejuvenating Winter-Damaged Skin
After months of cold, dry air affecting your skin barrier, PRP treatments can help restore your skin’s vitality. The idea is to increase the concentration of specific bioproteins or hormones, called growth factors, in a specific area to accelerate the healing process. Studies show that the increased concentration of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma may stimulate or speed up the healing process.
Preparing for Summer
Spring is an ideal time for PRP treatments. As you prepare your skin for increased sun exposure and humidity, PRP can strengthen your skin’s foundation, helping it better withstand summer’s harsh conditions.
Post-Summer Repair
High altitudes leave skin more susceptible to UV radiation and even brief exposures cause surface changes. Pollution can result in external skin aging and may be a risk factor for exacerbation of dermatoses. After summer, PRP can help repair damage caused by UV exposure and environmental stressors.
Fall Preparation
Fall is the perfect season to invest in regenerative treatments like PRP, setting the stage for healthy skin before winter arrives.
Why Seasonal PRP Treatments Make Sense in North Carolina
Humidity, along with other climatic factors such as temperature and ultraviolet radiation, can have an important impact on the skin. Limited data suggest that external humidity influences the water content of the stratum corneum.
Given North Carolina’s dramatic seasonal swings, scheduling PRP treatments strategically throughout the year can help your skin maintain optimal health. The results of PRP treatment are most noticeable after several weeks for joint injections and six months for scalp injections, and are not permanent; patients may require additional injections at the direction of their doctor.
Complementing PRP with Seasonal Skincare
To maximize the benefits of your PRP treatments at PRP in Raleigh, consider these seasonal adjustments:
Summer:
- Use lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily
- Stay hydrated
Winter:
- Switch to richer, barrier-repairing moisturizers
- Consider using a humidifier indoors
- Avoid extremely hot showers
Year-Round: Regardless of temperature, UV protection is crucial. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even on cloudy days or when staying indoors, as UV rays can penetrate windows.
Conclusion
North Carolina’s unique climate demands a thoughtful approach to skincare. PRP treatments offer a powerful, natural solution for rejuvenating and maintaining healthy skin throughout the year’s changing seasons. By understanding how your environment affects your skin and timing your treatments strategically, you can achieve lasting results that keep you looking and feeling your best.
Ready to explore how PRP treatments can transform your seasonal skincare routine? Contact PRP in Raleigh today to schedule your consultation and discover the benefits of this innovative regenerative treatment tailored to your unique needs and North Carolina’s distinctive climate.