Between the sudden heat and humidity and the thick layer of pollen covering every car you see, springtime in St. Louis always brings a little whiplash from months of freezing temperatures and harsh central heating.
As a dermatologist, I spend my weekdays treating skin of all ages. As a mom, I spend my weekends chasing a toddler through allergen-ridden playgrounds. I know firsthand that when the weather shifts, our skin is the first to react.
Mom to mom – here’s how to keep your crew comfortable.
Eczema and Allergy Flares in Spring
The combination of rising heat and airborne allergens is a recipe for itchy “hot spots.” Eczema commonly flares in the elbows, behind the knees, and on the face in kids.
In eczema-prone kids (and adults), the goal is to protect the skin barrier before it breaks down.
- Barrier Hack: Skin around the nose and eyes is especially vulnerable, especially when kids are rubbing their faces all day. A simple dab of Vaseline or Aquaphor in these areas before heading outside acts as a physical shield.
- Lighten Up: In winter, we love thick ointments. In spring, switch to lighter, cream-based moisturizers or lotions. Heavy products can be occlusive; they trap heat against the skin, which actually makes itching worse.
- Ingredients: Look for moisturizers containing ceramides. Think of them as the mortar between the bricks of your skin cells, locking in hydration and locking irritants out.
- Laundry: Stick to fragrance-free and preservative-free products like Vanicream. Use “Free and Clear” detergents and skip the dryer sheets, which I describe to my patients as sheets of scented detergent that sit against your skin all day!
Pro-Tip: Don’t wait for the itch. Gently cleanse skin with lukewarm water immediately after coming inside. While hot showers feel great for itch, they can actually make you itchier after you dry off.
How Warmer Weather Impacts Acne
Humidity and warmer temperatures stimulate sebum (oil) production. This often leads to a “clogged” T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), made worse by the trio of sweat, sunscreen, and spring sports.
- Sports Factor: I frequently see worsening acne on the forehead from helmets and headbands, and on the back and chest from sweaty jerseys.
- Secret Weapon: Most teens won’t shower immediately after practice. Keep a hypochlorous acid spray in their gym bag and at home. A quick spritz on the face, chest, and back is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, helping to kill acne-causing bacteria on contact.
- Mythbuster: Many teens believe a “base tan” helps acne. While the sun may temporarily dry out a pimple, the skin eventually “rebounds” by producing more oil. UV damage also thickens the skin, trapping oil deeper and leading to cystic breakouts weeks later.
Spring Sunburn Risks (Even on Cool Days)
We’ve all been there: it’s a gorgeous 65-degree day at the Zoo, and because it isn’t “hot,” we forget the SPF. The UV index does not care about the temperature.
- Mineral versus Chemical: For kids, I recommend mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). They work instantly. My toddler isn’t waiting 20 minutes for a chemical sunscreen to absorb before he hits the slide!
- Mess-Free Options: For active teens, wax stick sunscreens won’t run into their eyes when they’re sweating on the soccer field.
- The Cardinal Rule: If you’re heading to Busch Stadium or an afternoon at the park, hats and UPF clothing are your best friends. Exposed skin needs sunscreen reapplication every two hours.
Ticks, Bug Spray, and Skin Safety
In Missouri, the tick check is a mandatory part of the bedtime routine. Focus on behind the ears, the hairline, and around waistbands.
- Picaridin over DEET: For kids, look for products with 20% picaridin. Effective against ticks and mosquitoes, but unlike DEET, it is odorless, non-greasy, and won’t damage plastic gear like sunglasses or watch bands.
- Application Order: Never use “2-in-1” sunscreen/bug spray combos. DEET can reduce sunscreen effectiveness by up to 30%. Apply sunscreen first, wait 20 minutes for it to dry, then apply your repellent. Apply repellent to clothing rather than skin whenever possible.
Spring Skincare FAQs
Why does eczema get worse in spring?
Seasonal allergens, heat, and sweat can all trigger inflammation and weaken the skin barrier.
Does warm weather make acne worse?
Yes. Increased oil production, combined with sweat and buildup on the skin, can lead to more breakouts.
Do you really need sunscreen on cooler days?
Yes! Up to 80% of UV rays pass through clouds. UV exposure is consistent regardless of temperature and can lead to both sunburns and long-term skin damage.
When to See a Dermatologist: Dr. Trisha Scharff, Dr. Emily Goeller, and Dr. Amy Ney
Spring skin issues are common, but they shouldn’t be something you just have to live with.
If you or your child are dealing with persistent acne, eczema that isn’t improving or rashes that won’t go away… it may be time to see a specialist.
At Vista Dermatology, we treat patients of all ages across the St. Louis area and can help create a plan that works for your skin. We offer same-week appointments with our board-certified dermatologists.
Book online at vistamd.com, or call us to schedule at 314-266-0412. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Trisha Scharff
vistamd.com
Dr. Trisha Scharff is a board-certified dermatologist providing medical, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatology services in St. Louis. She practices at Vista Dermatology, a fully physician-owned and physician-led practice in Des Peres. She is a St. Louis native and John Burroughs alum. She earned her medical degree and completed her dermatology residency at Washington University School of Medicine, where she served as Chief Resident. She has presented at both regional and international conferences and has published multiple peer-reviewed articles. She has served as a reviewer for dermatology journals and is a contributing author to two dermatology textbooks. She is most proud of her role as a mom! Outside the clinic, she enjoys baking, photography, and exploring the outdoors with her husband, son, and energetic mini poodle. She is especially proud to serve the St. Louis community she has always called home – where she and her husband first met in high school! Dr. Scharff is passionate about providing multigenerational skin care to the entire family, from effective acne solutions to comprehensive skin cancer screenings.
