How does climate change affect your hair and skin?

As the temperature begins to drop and the air becomes cooler, the UK prepares for the winter season. Here at Fortes Clinic, we’re committed to ensuring our valued customers are looking after their hair and skin throughout the winter months just as they would their favourite Christmas jumper. Not only this, but with the ongoing issue of global warming progressively getting worse, it’s never been more important to understand how to protect our hair and skin from the impact of climate change. In some instances, climate change can directly impact skin aging, skin quality and hair loss. Air pollution can break down the collagen in your skin, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin and colour change. And just like our bodies, our hair relies on protein to grow. Pollution directly affects the number of proteins being present, leading to hair loss. So, what can we do to combat the effects on our skin and hair from the planet’s ever-changing, tumultuous climate? ‍

Use quality skincare products

Simple, but effective. It’s common knowledge that our skin dries up in colder temperatures, meaning it’s crucial to protect our skin from the dehydrating effects of winter. A good quality body and face moisturiser is key. At Fortes Clinic, we use medical-grade, science-backed AlumierMD products for all our skin treatments, to ensure radiant and luxurious results for our customers.  

Apply SPF all year round

Although the weather is cooling down, don’t pack away the sun cream just yet. Using SPF daily is crucial to ensure your skin is protected all year round. Even in the winter months, we are still exposed to UV rays every single day, which can lead to ageing skin and even skin cancer. We hate to bring up the ‘c-word’, however as the ozone layer thins, this means less protection for our skin. Studies by Cancer Research UK have shown a 140% increase in melanoma skin cancer incidences since the early 1990s. In short, don’t skip this step in your skincare routine!  

Cleanse your skin

A rise or fall in temperature can directly affect your skin, meaning a deep cleanse is key to keeping your face refreshed. As discussed, colder weather dries out your skin, meaning your skin is more susceptible to excessive oil and ultimately acne. The drier the conditions, the more oil your skin will produce. Similarly, hotter temperatures will also lead to excessive sweat and oil, clogging up your pores and increasing blemishes. At Fortes Clinic, we offer a range of facial treatments, carried out by skin therapist Shailini Karia. Our Deep Cleanse Facial is a multi-step skin treatment, where we exfoliate, cleanse, steam and invigorate your skin, leaving it feeling fresh and vibrant.  

Protect your hair

Similar to your skin, your hair is incredibly vulnerable to sun damage. A high-quality heat protection spray all year round is crucial, and not just for when using heated styling tools. In addition to this, as the air-quality worsens and green house gases increase, this can cause damage to the hair proteins, depriving the scalp of oxygen. Colder weather also directly impacts your hair, your hair dries out as pollutants stay around longer in colder months. This can lead to hair breakage, potentially leading to hair loss throughout the winter. Additionally, your favourite woolly hat may be keeping you warm, but the increase in sweat and oils on your head, can also ultimately lead to hair thinning and loss.  

So how can we help?

At Fortes Clinic, we always recommend a no-obligation consultation with one of our specialists. Here, we ask several relevant questions to get to the root of your skin and hair issues and guide you on what the best option for your personal needs is. Whether it is surgical or non-surgical, find out more about how Fortes Clinic can help you this winter! Book a consultation today!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Ahmad Saaed

Dr Ahmad Saaed is the Founder and Lead Practitioner at Fortes Clinic in London. A qualified hair restoration surgeon and trichologist, Dr Saaed has been a member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery since 2017. With expertise in FUE, FUT, and PRP treatments, he combines surgical precision with artistic hairline design to deliver natural, life-changing results for his patients.

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Oggy Boggy
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I’m incredibly happy with my hair transplant results after just five months. The difference has exceeded my expectations, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Everyone at the clinic was friendly, professional, and made me feel comfortable from the initial consultation right through to the procedure and aftercare. They were always happy to answer any questions and made the whole experience stress-free. I would highly recommend this clinic to anyone considering a hair transplant. Thank you to the whole team!
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Davit Gevorgyan
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Had a transplant done here at the surgery and it’s been a year since and I couldn’t be more happy with the results! Thank you to the team and to Dr Saaed
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Edward Wilson profile picture
Edward Wilson
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Excellent results from my hair transplant. I cannot recommend more highly. Thank you very much to Dr Saaed and the Fortes Clinic team
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Nick Baldwin profile picture
Nick Baldwin
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Amazing experience beginning to end - Dr. Ahmed did such an incredible job with my transplant and I wouldn’t be happier!
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H Amini
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Had my hair transplant done on Thursday — 1,700 grafts for the front corners and crown. The whole experience was genuinely excellent. I even fell asleep for part of it, which says a lot about how comfortable the process was. Dr Ahmad made me feel completely at ease, and the entire team were incredibly caring and attentive throughout the day. Lunch was provided, and having Netflix and music available made the whole experience feel relaxed and stress‑free. Looking forward to sharing an update on my results in around six months. Thanks again, everyone 💙
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Christian Oldroyd
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Incredible natural results and a world class experience!! I had an FUE hair transplant - I cannot recommend Fortis Clinic in London highly enough. I did a lot of research beforehand and even visited Harley Street, but Fortes just had a much better feel. There was no pressure and it didn't feel "salesy" at all; it was clear from the start they just really know what they are doing. One of the best things about them is that they only take one patient per day, so you are the sole focus of the entire team. The communication is excellent; they are so quick to respond to every email and call, which really put me at ease. On the day of the surgery, I was initially quite nervous about the pain, but it was actually very minimal and nothing like I had feared. Dr. Saed is a total expert—so professional and confident that you just know you’re in safe hands. They really look after you throughout the day (the lunch provided was a great touch!) and the aftercare package is spot on. They provide everything from the shampoo to a neck pillow, so you don’t have to worry about a thing once you leave. I’m now two weeks post-op and the results are already better than I ever imagined. The hairline looks incredibly natural, the scabs came off easily, and I had hardly any swelling or lingering pain. They are simply the best. Thank you again to the whole team for everything!
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Ismael Sancho
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I had a hair transplant here in January 2025 and it was amazing. I had about 2800 grafts or so (which is quite little) and it made a monumental difference to my hair. Dr Ahmad Saaed was great throughout , I was reassured by him at my initial consultation, where he was knowledgeable but also didn’t pressure me into any decisions. During the procedure Dr Ahmad and his team were also great, I had a largely painless and pleasant experience watching Netflix ! I almost fell asleep at points ! Afterwards, the team at Fortes were again great , and I am extremely happy with my results. I continue going there to receive PRP, which is a testament to how reliable they are ! I would recommend Fortes to anyone needing their relevant services.
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Colin Dolan
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Absolutely fantastic service. Dr Saeed was extremely professional and results of the treatment were excellent.
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haider shubbar
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I did a hair transplant at this clinic few days ago and just want to share my great experience. From the moment i walked in greeted by Gina's lovely smile to meeting Dr Ahmed for an honest and professional consultation who offered me different options with no pressure. I felt at ease throughout the procedure and a full post care package provided. Thank you once again, i look forward to the results!

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