Time in nature benefits your skin!
Surprised;
You probably already know that time in nature is good for you. When you walk in the park, go out to the lake or beach, or have a picnic in a forest, you are likely to feel more relaxed and positive.
But beyond the mental and physical benefits we’ve heard about, spending time in nature can also contribute significantly to healthier skin. Whether you’re already invested in skin care or just curious about how you can naturally improve your skin’s health, exploring the outdoors may be the missing element in your routine.
How time in nature benefits skin—4 key ways
Nature offers a holistic approach to skin health by addressing both physical and psychological factors that affect skin appearance.
1. Reduces inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. That’s why our proprietary Tri-Rescue anti-inflammatory complex 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 study from Cornell University, for example, found a link between increased exposure to nature and decreased levels of three key inflammatory markers present in the bloodstream. The researchers looked at 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.
Nature engagement was measured by how often in the past month participants had appreciated nature, breathed fresh air, and seen beautiful scenery.
The results showed that those who had more positive interactions with nature had lower levels of inflammation, even after taking into account other factors such as age, health habits, medication use and overall well-being.
2. Reduces stress levels
Stress is also a known trigger for skin problems. When you feel stressed—especially for long periods—the body releases stress hormones like cortisol to deal with it. Cortisol can be helpful in small amounts, but if you’re chronically stressed, your body probably has more cortisol than it needs. This can lead to overproduction of skin oil, breakdown of collagen and elastin, and increased inflammation.
Indeed, scientists have discovered a clear connection between psychological stress and skin reactions. As we noted in this post about stress and skin, when you feel stressed, your skin will feel it too.
Board Certified dermatologist Keira Barr MDFAAD, states: “Our brain and skin are closely 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 2019 studyspending just 20 minutes connecting with nature helps reduce stress hormone levels. Other research shows that the outdoors can relax our minds, enhance creativity and problem-solving skills, reduce stress, reduce heart disease rates and improve mental health.
All these benefits enhance the condition of the skin, helping to enhance its health and appearance.
Photo by Azgan Mjeshtri via Unscrew.
3. Boosts circulation
Every time you engage in physical activity, you improve blood circulation in your body, which naturally benefits your skin. Blood carries essential nutrients, such as oxygen and vitamins, to all cells in the body. Improved circulation allows 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 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 blood circulation, giving you that healthy glow.
4. Increases vitamin D levels
Exposure to sunlight is vital 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 it has been linked to various skin problems including dry skin, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and accelerated aging.
Spending time in nature, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun’s rays are milder, can help maintain optimal vitamin D levels for healthy skin. Of course, if you have a skin condition that makes you particularly sensitive to the sun, or if you are very light-skinned, you should approach the matter with caution.
You may need to protect yourself with sunscreen and clothing to prevent exposure altogether and turn to vitamin D supplements. You may also want to protect your face from the sun, but let your hands and feet take part.
If your skin is normal, you may benefit from spending 10 to 30 minutes in mild sunlight to boost your vitamin D levels.
Tips for incorporating 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 schedule regular outdoor activities such as walks in the park, day hikes, gardening or camping. Aim for at least 30 minutes twice a week.
Embrace the green spaces
Search for green spaces such as parks, forests, gardens, river walks, nearby lakes and more in your area. Find the ones closest to you that you can enjoy regularly.
Practice Mindfulness
Use whatever time you have outside to practice mindfulness and reduce stress. Pay attention to the trees, the sounds of the birds and the feel of the gas. Your focus can help you get the most out of every moment you may have.
Shop at Farmer’s Markets
Skip the grocery store and peruse your local farmers market. Indulge in fresh fruit, produce, flowers and more. This will get you out and help you focus on natural products. You will eat even better!
Plant a garden
Taking care of a garden forces you to spend time outside because you have to take care of it. You’ll be surrounded by green stuff, dirt and fresh air, and as the produce grows, you’ll have plenty to show for your efforts.
Take up an outdoor hobby
Hiking, fishing, trail running and birding are just a handful of the many outdoor hobbies we all have to choose from. Find what interests you and create your own outdoor adventure.
Use natural and safe skin care products
Extend the benefits of nature into your skincare routine by choosing products that contain natural ingredients known for their soothing and antioxidant properties. CV Skinlabs products all contain antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and natural ingredients that help reduce inflammation, protect from the elements and repair and regenerate, while providing skin with the nutrients it needs to look and feel its best.
Do you regularly spend time in nature?
Featured image by Gary Barnes via Pexels.
