Time in nature is good for your skin!
Surprised?
You probably already know that time in nature is good for you. If you walk through the park, go to the lake or the beach, or have a picnic in the woods, you are likely to feel more relaxed and positive.
But beyond the mental and physical benefits we’ve heard about, spending time in a natural environment can also significantly contribute to healthier skin. Whether you’ve already invested in skin care or are just curious about how to naturally improve your skin health, exploring nature could be the missing element in your routine.
How time in nature benefits the skin: 4 key ways
Nature offers a holistic approach to skin health by addressing both physical and psychological factors that influence the appearance of the skin.
1. Reduces inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. That’s why our patented anti-inflammatory complex Tri-Rescue is the foundation of every product and the cornerstone of our brand.
Spending time in nature, surrounded by greenery and fresh air, can help reduce inflammation levels in the body, which in turn reduces levels in the skin.
a recent research from Cornell University, for example, found a link between increased exposure to nature and reduced levels of three key inflammatory markers in the bloodstream. The researchers examined data from more than 1,200 adults with an average age of 54.5 years. More than half of the participants (57 percent) were women.
Engagement with nature was measured by how often in the past month participants had appreciated nature, breathed clean air and seen beautiful landscapes.
The results showed that those who had more positive interactions with nature had lower levels of inflammation, even when other factors such as age, health habits, medication use and overall well-being were taken into account.
2. Lowers stress levels
Stress is also a known trigger for skin problems. When you feel stressed – especially for extended periods of time – the body releases stress hormones such as cortisol to cope. Cortisol can be helpful in small amounts, but if you’re chronically stressed, your body likely has more cortisol than it needs. This can lead to an overproduction of skin oil, a breakdown of collagen and elastin and increased inflammation.
Scientists have indeed discovered a clear link between psychological stress and skin reactions. As we noted in this post about stress and skin, when you experience stress, your skin will feel it too.
Approved by the board dermatologist Keira Barr MD, FAAD, states: “Our brain and skin are intimately connected and communicate with each other. This means that when we experience chronic stress from work, relationships or current events, the skin is both a target and a source of stress hormones, which can make the skin more vulnerable to itching, inflammation, irritation and infection.
Nature acts as a natural stress reliever, helping to lower cortisol levels and promote relaxation. According to a Study from 2019Connecting with nature for just 20 minutes can reduce stress hormone levels. Other research shows that being outdoors can relax our minds, boost creativity and problem-solving skills, reduce stress, lower rates of heart disease and improve mental health.
All these benefits improve the condition of the skin and help improve its health and appearance.
photo by Azgan Mjeshtri through Unsplash.
3. Improves blood circulation
When you exercise, you improve blood circulation in your body, which obviously benefits your skin. Blood transports essential nutrients, such as oxygen and vitamins, to all cells in the body. Better blood circulation allows the skin cells to receive a richer supply of nutrients necessary for repair and regeneration.
Efficient blood circulation also helps remove waste products and toxins from the skin cells, preventing the build-up of harmful substances that can contribute to acne, inflammation and dullness.
Whether you’re walking, cycling, hiking or boating, your physical movement helps improve your blood circulation, leaving you with radiant health.
4. Increases vitamin D levels
Exposure to sunlight is crucial for the production of vitamin D in the skin, which plays a key role in the growth, repair and metabolism of skin cells. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to several skin problems, including dry skin, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and accelerated aging.
Spending time in nature, especially during the early morning hours or late afternoon when the sun’s rays are softer, can help maintain optimal vitamin D levels for healthy skin. Of course, if you have a skin condition that makes you extra sensitive to the sun, or if you have a very fair skin tone, you should approach this problem with caution.
You may need to protect yourself with sunscreen and clothing to completely avoid exposure and take vitamin D supplements instead. You may also want to protect your face from the sun, but let your arms and legs soak up some of it.
If your skin is normal, you may benefit from spending 10 to 30 minutes in soft sunlight to boost your vitamin D levels.
Tips to integrate nature into your skincare routine
If you’re not sure how to incorporate time in nature into your busy life, here are some ideas.
Plan outdoor activities
Make it a habit to regularly plan outdoor activities, such as walks in the park, day hikes, gardening or camping. Aim for at least 30 minutes a few times a week.
Embrace green spaces
Look for green spaces such as parks, woodlands, gardens, river walks, nearby lakes and more in your area. Find the ones closest to you that you can enjoy regularly.
Practice Mindfulness
Use any time you have outside to practice mindfulness and reduce stress. Notice the trees, the sounds of birds and the feeling of the wind. Your focus allows you to make more of the time you have.
Shopping at farmers markets
Skip the grocery store and check out the local farmers market. Immerse yourself in fresh fruits, produce, flowers and other products. This gets you outside and helps focus your attention on natural products. You’ll eat better too!
Plant a garden
Taking care of a garden forces you to spend time outside because you also have to take care of it. You’ll be surrounded by greenery, dirt and fresh air, and as the yield grows, you’ll have a lot to show for your efforts.
Start an outdoor hobby
Hiking, fishing, trail running and bird watching are just a handful of the many outdoor hobbies we can all choose from. Find one that interests you and create your own outdoor adventure.
Use natural and safe skin care products
Extend the benefits of nature into your skin care routine by choosing products that contain natural ingredients known for their skin-soothing and antioxidant properties. CV Skinlabs products all contain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and natural ingredients that help reduce inflammation, protect against the elements, and repair and regenerate, while providing skin with the nutrients it needs to look its best to see and feel.
Do you regularly spend time in nature?
Featured image by Gary Barnes via Pexels.
