You may think that slathering on some sunscreen is all you need to do to protect your skin when working outside.
But good skin care goes much further than that! Spending long hours in the sun, wind and changing weather conditions – and exposing your hands to harsh materials you work with – can take a heavy toll on your skin.
Sunburn, dehydration and irritation are just some of the symptoms that can occur. You can keep your skin healthy and comfortable by following a few simple prevention tips.
Protect your skin when working outside: understanding the risks
When you work outdoors, your skin is exposed to a range of elements that can be harmful. We all know about sun exposure. Sunburn can lead to premature aging of the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
But there are also other problems. Wind can strip moisture from your skin, leading to dryness, irritation and chapped skin. Cold weather makes your skin dry and cracked, reducing its natural barrier function and making it more susceptible to infections and irritations. Heat and sweat can lead to clogged pores and acne. Dirt, debris and chemicals can irritate your skin or cause allergic reactions.
So it’s not just about how the skin looks, but also how damaged it can become, causing not only dryness and dullness, but also rashes, infections and inflammation.
Protect your skin when you work outside: 7 tips
There’s no need to harm your skin – or yourself! – to suffer when you work outside. It only takes a few simple steps to keep your skin happy.
1. Wear protective clothing.
If possible, choose clothing that protects your skin from the sun. Long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats and UV-resistant glasses are great additions to your work wardrobe. Fabrics like cotton and polyester can provide some protection, but UV protective clothing is even better. Don’t forget the neck. Wear a hat with a peak or a collared shirt to keep him covered.
2. Use sunscreen religiously.
While a little sun exposure can help your body produce the vitamin D it needs, too long hours in the sun endanger your skin and your health. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it to all exposed skin. Reapply it every two hours, especially when you sweat or after wiping your face. Choose a safe sunscreen made with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.
3. Stay hydrated.
Staying hydrated is crucial for your overall health, as well as your skin. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you sweat a lot, consider drinks with electrolytes to replenish lost minerals. Dehydrated skin is more prone to irritation and damage, so make hydration a priority.
4. Cleanse your skin regularly.
After a long day of working outside, make sure you wash your skin thoroughly. This helps remove dirt, sweat, and any irritants or allergens that may have built up on the skin’s surface. Use a gentle cleanser that does not strip the skin’s natural oils.
5. Moisturize after washing.
Always moisturize your skin immediately after washing, both early in the morning and late at night. This is the key to maintaining a healthy skin barrier, which will then protect you when you go outside again. Look for products that lock in moisture with ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, aloe vera and ceramides.
6. Mist your skin throughout the day.
Your skin can easily lose moisture when you work in the sun, sweat, and wipe the sweat. Spraying your skin with a moisturizing spray can mean the difference between ending the day with healthy and vibrant skin and ending up with dull and damaged skin.
Our Rescue + Relief Spray is perfect for this. We have a travel size that you can take with you. It fits in your pocket! Pull it out, spritz your face with some welcome moisture and go about your business. Your skin feels refreshed and renewed.
7. Check your skin regularly.
Check your skin regularly for any changes, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Look for unusual spots, persistent dryness, or other signs of damage. If you notice anything, contact a dermatologist. Early detection of skin problems can help prevent more serious problems in the long term.
Protect your skin when working outside: common problems
Working outdoors can sometimes lead to specific skin problems, especially if you forget to protect your skin or suffer from exposure to an allergen or insect. Here’s how to tackle these issues.
1. Cracked hands
This is a common problem for people who work outside the home. Exposure to the elements, handling rough materials and frequent washing can all lead to dry, cracked hands.
- Protect: Wear gloves whenever possible.
- Avoid aggressive soaps: Choose gentle, moisturizing hand soaps and avoid washing with hot water.
- Moisturize regularly: If your hands are dry, cracked and chapped, apply our Restorative Skin Balm to help repair your damaged skin and promote rapid healing. It creates a protective barrier that protects your skin and locks in moisture. You can also apply it before going to sleep. The effects will be even better if you wear cotton gloves in bed. For daily maintenance to keep the skin hydrated, supple and healthy, keep our Body Repair Lotion with you and apply it several times a day.
2. Sunburn
Maybe you forgot your sunscreen or missed a spot when applying it.
- Cool the skin: Apply a cool, damp cloth to the affected area. Do not use ice directly on the skin as this may cause further damage. Our Rescue + Relief Spray contains natural heat-removing ingredients that can help cool the area and reduce redness. It is also a multiple winner of the ‘best after-sun pacifier’ award.
- Hydrate: Because Rescue & Relief Spray is based on an aloe vera emulsion, it is the perfect moisturizer to hydrate and soothe burned skin without further rubbing or irritating the skin.
- Repair: Once the heat has calmed, you can apply our Restorative Skin Balm to soothe the discomfort of swelling and irritation. It will help reduce inflammation and initiate healing. If you’ve burned your lips, Restorative Skin Balm will help heal cracked, chapped skin quickly. Regular daily use of Calming Moisture for the face or Body Repair Lotion helps keep the skin healthy.
- Protect: Keep damaged skin covered and avoid additional sun exposure until the skin heals.
3. Insect bites
Insect bites can cause itching, swelling, redness and irritation.
- Clean the area: Wash the bite area gently with mild soap and water to prevent infection.
- Cool the area: Spray on our Rescue + Relief Spray to instantly cool the area and instantly soothe itching, burning, swelling and redness.
- Apply healing balm: Our Restorative Skin Balm helps the area heal quickly and reduces inflammation and irritation.
4. Allergic reactions
Outdoor allergens, such as pollen, certain plants or chemicals, can cause allergic reactions such as hives, rashes or itching.
- Avoid triggers: Try to determine what is causing the allergic reaction and avoid these triggers where possible.
- Use antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines can help control allergic reactions by reducing the histamine in your body.
- Softens the skin: Apply our Rescue + Relief Spray to instantly soothe and soothe skin.
- Reduce inflammation: Allergic reactions cause redness and swelling. Apply our Restorative Skin Balm to soothe the area and return the skin to normal.
How do you protect your skin when you work outside?
Featured image by Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels.
